HEALTH : Health matters the most

Prasoon Shrivastava, Founder & CEO, Helpmebuild says that fitness is a passion and a confidence builder. Here’s how… By Sharmila Chand

Prasoon Shrivastava, Helpmebuild's Founder and CEO is a vetted architect, project execution specialist and entrepreneur.

He is also partner at Arkiplan International and has worked extensively in green buildings and sustainable design on several projects across India, Middle East, East Africa & the Caribbean.

He has pursued sustainability in various forms. In 2007, he learned to make structures with earth (soil) and the sample project executed was presented in MIT Boston, USA. He became a LEED AP from US Green Building Council in 2008 and subsequently was part of India's green rating system viz. GRIHA.

During the initial years of his career, he focused mainly on projects located in central India during which he was involved in the design of many residential, commercial and institutional projects. Over the years of working on various scale of projects, he found out that the industry needs a new perspective towards design and execution. Innovation through technology would aid in advancements within this field. This sprouted the idea of Helpmebuild in 2014. Shrivastava has since been working very closely with technology experts in India and USA to improve the way people design and execute the spaces around them. As a firm believer of "we learn until we die", Prasoon always ensured that professional learning is an integral part of the progressive entrepreneur.

His achievements in life don't just end with successful business ventures but also include an active passion for fitness and body building that reflects in his physique. His hectic schedule at work doesn't deter him from focusing on his body but instead help him keep a stronger will for a better body. Extensive work out routines coupled with intense meetings at office define the day for Prasoon.

The hard work and consistency put in by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in his body greatly inspires me and motivates me to push myself a little harder to achieve my goals, whether at work or in the gym

Your philosophy on Fitness?

I believe that fitness is a passion and confidence builder. Expressing passion for fitness is a great way to feel lively and engaged in the world. I challenge myself every day with my goals and workout. I don't approach fitness as a means to look good but, for me it’s a healthier alternative to life. I have set for myself clear goals and work-out regime and above all, I keep it enjoyable.

Fitness enables us to do a lot; it teaches us how to stay mentally and physically strong. Not just that, it also trains us to set goals, celebrate victories and never give up.

Your idea/mantra about keeping fit?

My fitness mantra is "health matters most." I am a fitness freak and have shaped my body through proper workout routine. I believe that the foundation for a strong and fit body is a healthy diet and following a disciplined routine to keep myself active and focused. For me, the good effects of exercise are shown by doing the right kind of work-outs. The core secret to champion the fitness of your body is developing healthy habits in and out of the gym. Small alternatives and changes can make a big difference. I prefer climbing up the staircase instead of using a lift; my workout regimen also focuses on the fitness of the body instead of developing a muscular one. I do not believe in taking food supplements and steroids to build up my muscles. My fitness secret is to get up early in the morning and mix fitness regimes to avoid repetitive exercises.

What keeps you fit and healthy?

My workout regime of two hours every day includes weight training and functional training along with strict control over food and of course no alcohol keeps me fit and healthy. I believe that by staying fit and making healthy choices, we give ourselves the best chance and opportunity to live a healthy and happy life.

Your stress busters?

Intense functional and cardio workouts are my stress busters. We all have, at least once in our lifetime, heard or read that `a healthy body inspires a healthy mind', and I couldn't agree more. Exercising gives you a fresh boost of energy and positivity that is of great help during the course of the day.

Your Food Philosophy?

I am a firm believer in the fact that consistency is more important than perfection and that is what my daily diet is made up of. I make it a point to eat a minimum of six meals per day with necessary protein content. Cutting down on carbs is an important aspect of staying fit, so, I try to avoid them as much as I can and consume only complex carbs, that too in the first half of the day. I also keep the intake of milk and milk products under check throughout the day. Exercising control over my diet has proven to be crucial for my body and has also taught me great self-restraint

Your Healthy Dose as Parting Shots?

I believe that physical well-being is an important and essential part of mental and psychological well-being. And as Dwayne Johnson correctly points out, “The road to success and greatness is always paved with consistent hard work. Outwork your competitors, be authentic and above all else, chase your greatness.”

By Sharmila Chand

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