NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Welcome to March and our monthly Q&A with another great athlete here to inspire and share their story. With summer coming around the corner a lot of us are either in full swing or ramping up our health and wellness goals. A big part of this series is showcasing women from all walks of life and nationalities because after all being healthy isn’t something that only a certain demographic is allowed to strive for. So this month we take you to our friends up north Canada, we get to know a young lady who is showing the fitness industry that South Asia is here to be heard and have an impact. Let’s chat with Bhanisha Patel!
Joe Cardoso: What was it that made you walk into a gym and start this journey?
Bhanisha Patel: I am grateful to have grown up in a family deeply immersed in athletics; fitness became an integral part of my upbringing. It’s inspiring to witness families actively prioritizing their health, and as children, we absorb and replicate what surrounds us.
My gym journey began with a love for sports, particularly golf, which led to securing a full scholarship and a professional pursuit. The gym became instrumental in enhancing my performance, fostering self-growth, and boosting my confidence. Regardless of a sport, the principle remains constant: Input equals output. It’s the one place where you can physically see the results of your efforts manifesting.
JC: As you have worked on yourself what has helped you stay locked in?
BP: I’ve witnessed and experienced two primary motivators in life: love and fear. Initially, my approach was driven by fear and a sense of lack. Not having the ‘perfect body’ led me to seek quick fixes like life-changing workshops, the newest diet trending,and detox teas, resulting in an unfulfilling cycle. The stress of this took a toll on my body, serving as a wake-up call.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that personal growth driven by love changes the dynamic of the relationship with yourself. Taking care of yourself shifts from being a form of punishment to a nurturing act, eventually becoming a necessity rather than a goal. What keeps me locked in? It’s more than just motivation; it’s a lifestyle. Without this commitment, I feel out of balance, and the consequences of neglecting my well-being become all too apparent.
JC: Being transparent is very important to you, which is awesome. Why is that?
BP: Authenticity is non-negotiable, especially in my role as a coach. I strongly believe in the power we hold to influence others positively. It’s not just about the impact we have on them but also about connecting with those who resonate with our values. Without authenticity, genuine relationships are hard to come by, and we risk perpetuating the illusions often seen on social media. I’ve personally witnessed the negative effects of chasing an idealized lifestyle, and it’s why I’m passionate about promoting the simplicity of good sleep, stress management, healthy eating, and regular exercise. I refuse to endorse anything that suggests otherwise such as green powders and pills that lack evidence to support their effectiveness. I always want to remind myself and others to recognize that everything we need to thrive is already within us, and by embracing this truth, we empower ourselves to listen to our inner voice above all else.
JC: When did you realize that you wanted to help others?
BP: It’s an innate feeling for me to want to help others. Seva, which means service in my culture, is deeply ingrained in my core beliefs. By serving others, I demonstrate humility and recognize our interconnectedness as a community. Through wellness, I’ve personally experienced healing from health challenges, which calls me to give back and share information. It’s become my life’s work to support anyone navigating similar challenges, providing them with the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
JC: What does Elevate Nation mean to you?
BP: Elevate Nation isn’t just a brand, it embodies a declaration of self-respect, community, and a redefined approach to fitness. It’s a collective roar of impact, underlining the significance of inner well-being over external appearances. And the physical transformation is a reflection of internal growth—a journey where each step represents conquering new heights.
JC: This may be a tough question to answer, but how would you describe “Holistic Healing?”
BP: Holistic healing means treating the body as a whole, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
Personally, having dealt with everything from unbearable stomach pain and IBS, to PCOS and cystic acne I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations of conventional treatments, often focusing solely on medications and topicals. However, by considering lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and hormonal balance, true healing can occur. This approach allows the body to find natural harmony and wellness, recognizing that what happens on an internal level manifests on the physical level.
JC: How important is it to you being not only a woman, but one of Indian decent to a be a voice and role model in the fitness industry?
BP: As a South Asian woman in the fitness industry, my purpose goes beyond personal achievement; it’s about representation and empowerment. Growing up, I seldom encountered individuals who resembled me in mainstream fitness settings was disheartening. I’ve witnessed many women resort to colouring their hair or wearing coloured contacts to assimilate. That’s why I’m determined to be a voice and role model, not only to inspire others but also to challenge stereotypes and cultural norms. I strive to create a space where we can co-exist and thrive together.
JC: When not in the gym we can find you doing what?
BP: When I’m not in the gym, you’ll find me exploring and expressing my creativity. I love immersing myself in nature, whether it’s hiking, playing a round of golf with friends, or indulging in painting and dancing to my heart’s content. These activities not only fill my spirit but also deepen my connection with the world around me in meaningful ways.
JC: Before the end of 2024 you want to_____?
BP: In the past, I would have eagerly wanted to discuss a business goal. However, I’ve learned that setting timelines on my work doesn’t suit me. I’ve found that the journey is more fulfilling when I approach it with passion rather than specific expectations.
My goal by the end of 2024 is to deepen my practice of Metta, prioritizing kindness for myself and others. I know It’s not just a short-term goal, but a lifelong commitment. I’m dedicated to responding to suffering with empathy and a genuine desire to heal, while facing life’s challenges with acceptance and wisdom. I believe this effort will lead to a deeper understanding and connection with both myself and others.
JC: Who is Bhanisha Patel?
BP: Bhanisha is an athlete, a woman with tenacity and an entrepreneurial spirit. She is on a lifelong quest to learn as much as possible about what supports the human condition and vibrant health. She embodies the belief that true transformation comes from within and finds great joy in empowering others to embrace their uniqueness, prioritize self-care, and navigate life’s challenges with grace while ensuring there’s always fun involved. Her mission extends to creating a supportive community where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
It is never easy being a trailblazer, salute to Bhanisha for shaking up the fitness industry and building not just a brand, but a community of like mined people. As always I want to thank her for the time and sharing her story. Keep up with what she has going on through her social media channels.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bswing.elevate/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bswing
Elevate Nation: https://www.elevate-nation.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Emv6fHuTS9d3L8vIHo4-g-mXV3XECPbhhN2osZe8WZ-TqqFZJ_oHxFto
