Health

For Melanie Aselmann, helming business for the Indian arm of the German BRITA group - BRITA India Water Solutions Pvt Ltd bei BRITA Group, means developing sustainability and innovation for its globally proven expertise in water filtration solutions. A marketing expert, who took over the reins in May this year will also oversee operations and brand strategy for the company’s expansions and forays into India. Prior to BRITA, Melanie was also associated with Nestlé in Germany, where she played multiple roles in marketing and sales for the local foodservice portfolio in the B2B sector.

Despite her hectic schedule, she has managed to pack in a daily fitness routine. While hiking and dancing keep her attuned to herself and provides the much-needed work life balance-she is also a recipient of the German ADTV certificates in bronze, silver, and gold for standard dance. She believes in ‘passion’ for achieving success in life

“In the years I was growing up, it was just about the fun. Over the years, my relationship with fitness has evolved and has become an integral part of my everyday life. It helps me keep my body and mind balanced”, said Melanie Aselmann, Managing Director at BRITA India Water Solutions Pvt Ltd bei BRITA Group, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

“It’s challenging to make time for fitness after a workday that goes up to 10+ hours but, it is also about finding a balance between personal and professional life,” she said. Her realization stems from the fact that a healthy body can be a cure for one’s mental wellbeing; which also impacts a person’s overall thought process.

Out and About

Come rain or shine, Melanie is a seasoned hiker and has trekked across many European countries - Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Austria and the likes. “In my experience, it is the best way to explore the country and connect with the locals. My favorite hikes have been during heavy rains. The power of nature is incredible when you are in the middle of it, and in some ways, it helps you in becoming a part of it,” said Melanie.

She has translated her outdoor achievements into developing a perfect balance of her mind and body which she says empowers her and gives her the power and performance required to succeed in her daily tasks.

On her choice of two different forms of fitness- dancing and hiking, Melanie said that “Dancing is a part of my fitness regime. I try to manage a training session at least once a week. I feel dancing is like a sport but without any effort as the music just makes you sway to it.”

Once I finish my exercise routine, I feel positive and active. I have learnt that efforts need to be made 30 times before it becomes a habit. Once I made it a habit, working out didn’t feel like a task

Executing Fitness

Melanie too battles exhaustion post-work like most of us do and that is when she feels one needs to pack in that punch ‘mentally’ and override the ‘pangs’ that demonize us to break our fitness goals. “I think, you always have time, it’s just about taking out the time for the things you are passionate about. I would also suggest joining a sports group and inviting friends to encourage and give you that extra push when you don’t feel motivated,” she said.

Since her exercise regime is post-work, overcoming exhaustion and pushing herself to follow her fitness regime is something Melanie too has to battle out. “Personally, it is about overcoming the moment of exhaustion. Once I finish my exercise routine, I feel positive and active. I have learnt that efforts need to be made 30 times before it becomes a habit. Once I made it a habit, working out didn’t feel like a task anymore. I have also noticed that exercising with friends makes you look forward to any activity,” she added.

Fit and Hydrated

Melanie engages in a fitness routine which is a combination of cardio workouts and weight training. “Generally, it will be a run on the treadmill or, a brisk walk around my residential complex-followed by a 40-minute workout that focuses on 2/3rd muscle groups which I do every day for five days in a week,” she said.

Currently, she works out all by herself but, is seeking a group fitness or Zumba class to break a little bit of the monotony in her ‘solo’ fitness regime.

For someone whose role revolves around innovative business leadership in the water purifier segment, ‘water’ and ‘hydration’ are not casual terms; Melanie sure knows the importance of consuming clean drinking water.

“I believe in the importance of drinking a minimum of 2-3 litres of water during the day. One should determine the amount of water their body requires to keep hydrated. People should experience it by themselves and see how they feel after a day with limited hydration. Based out on their findings, they should consume sufficient water. I think it becomes even more critical to be hydrated if one is into sports,” she added.

Tips to Tow:

Fitness need not be restricted to only playgrounds.

All Drops to Drink

Melanie said that BRITA sees huge potential in the Indian water purification sector at the consumer levels. “We have invested considerable time doing research in Bengaluru to understand the quality as well as the need for clean drinking water. With this knowledge of local water conditions and our 50-year-old German engineering expertise in providing drinking water solutions across the world, we have created a water purifier that suits the complex drinking water conditions in the city. Our success in Bengaluru, a cosmopolitan and technologically advanced city, will help us to chart our growth in other cities as well. I am pleased to be associated with BRITA India and lead the company to greater heights while hydrating India sustainably and perfecting our drinking water solutions, ” she said.