“Our mission is to help people reverse major illnesses and diseases without the use of medicines and supplements” – Anshul Augnivansh and Kinshuk Sharma
For the past several years, Anshul Augnivansh and Kinshuk Sharma have been guiding individuals from diverse backgrounds as health and wellness coaches. They have successfully led numerous transformation journeys, helping clients reverse illnesses and achieve health without relying on medical interventions. This dynamic duo met at Manipal University in 2014, moved to New York for further education in 2016, and tied the knot in 2021. Today, they run Firefueled Fitness Pvt. Ltd., a renowned brand in the health and fitness industry. Although Anshul and Kinshuk reside in Hyderabad, their client base extends across 25 countries worldwide.
In this interview, Anshul and Kinshuk share their experiences as health and wellness coaches, recount inspiring stories of their clients, discuss the essential qualities, credentials, and experience required for a coach, express their ambition to train an Olympic athlete, and outline their upcoming initiatives and future plans.
Both of you have years of experience as lifestyle and fitness coaches. You have helped more than 2,000 clients across 25 countries in moving towards a healthier lifestyle. What are some of the challenges you faced and learnings you had during this journey?
Anshul: We have faced numerous challenges, and overcoming them has helped us grow in this field. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the diverse dietary habits and lifestyle differences among clients from various cultures. For instance, if we are training someone from Gujarat and another client from Chennai, we cannot give the same diet to both of them. They have different cultural and religious beliefs that must be considered. India is such a diverse country, and when working with people from different regions, it’s essential to be mindful of their preferences and dislikes. This has been a major challenge for us. Over the years, we have closely analyzed and understood the different dietary requirements of people from various regions.
Another challenge is the common misconception that exercising and following a diet will solve all problems. It’s not as simple as that. We try to make our clients understand that it’s not just about eating right but also making permanent lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and getting enough sleep. These aspects are often overlooked. What we have learned through this journey is that empathy and personalized coaching are crucial. When I become a friend to the person I am working with and make them feel comfortable, that’s when transformation happens most effectively and seamlessly. The client feels that someone has their back.
Kinshuk: People are often skeptical and feel they cannot bring about change on their own. For instance, if they have diabetes, PCOS, or thyroid issues, they believe they will suffer from these conditions for life and that no medication can help them. Convincing them otherwise and showing them results from past client transformations really helps. Making them believe in themselves and in the fact that the transformation journey is worth the effort has been one of our biggest challenges.
Most of our clients suffer from conditions like PCOS,PCOD, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Thyroid and several other metabolic disorders. We help them adapt to specific lifestyle changes to ensure they can sustain these changes long-term and benefit from our guidance. They reap the benefits even after finishing their training with us. We support our claims with comprehensive research and scientific evidence. Additionally, we present data and case studies from our previous clients to demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods. This combination of scientific backing and real-world success stories helps to build trust and confidence in our approach.
You must have come across several clients whose transformation journeys might have inspired you. Can you share one such story with us?
Anshul: I would like to share a story that greatly inspired me. Many people believe that diabetes is a lifelong illness and don’t realize it can be reversed. During my studies in New York, I came across several research studies that discussed how diabetes can be reversed with dietary and lifestyle changes. This story is about a lady I worked with a couple of years ago. Her name was Bhaswati Dasgupta, and she lived in Kolkata. At 60 years old, she had been dealing with diabetes for thirteen years, taking 13 units of insulin daily. Typically, people take 4-5 units. Additionally, she was taking 2000 units of metformin, a diabetes medication, twice a day.
She saw some transformation journeys I had posted on Instagram about clients who successfully reversed their diabetes and reached out to us. She had many doubts and asked, “I am 60 years old and suffering from diabetes. Do you really think this can help me?” Confident in our dietary approach, I made a simple request: “Aunty, if you really want to reverse your diabetes, I request you to stop taking all the medications.” She agreed and followed our well-structured ketogenic diet for three months. In that time, she not only reversed her diabetes but also lost thirteen kilos. Her previous diet was filled with sugar and junk food due to her continuous sugar cravings, a major symptom of diabetes.
After three months on the diet, she managed to drive away diabetes and lost excess weight, going from 90 kilos to 77. She told me she hadn’t been at that weight in 15-18 years. The number of diabetic people in India has been growing at a rate of 15-20% per year. Many don’t know that diabetes can be reversed, just like a wound can heal over time with proper care. Just as a wound heals with the right treatment and patience, diabetes can be reversed with the right dietary and lifestyle adjustments. If someone who is 60 years old and has been on heavy medications for a long time can reverse diabetes, people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s can too. Given her age and health history, what she managed to achieve was incredible.
Kinshuk: Bhaswati Aunty’s story is one of the most inspiring transformations we have witnessed. When we were in New York, Anshul helped another client conceive. She had been suffering from diabetes and PCOD for a long time and was unable to conceive despite spending over 10 lacs on IVF treatment and other diabetic treatments. After working with us for three months, she got pregnant and now has a 6-year-old daughter. Seeing women struggle with dietary changes and then succeed was profoundly impactful for me. It made me realize the immense potential of our approach and how significant lifestyle and dietary adjustments can lead to life-changing results. This realization deepened my commitment to this field and reinforced the importance of our work.
What kind of training and preparation you went through to become a lifestyle and fitness coach?
Anshul: To become a lifestyle and fitness coach, having a natural inclination towards sports and fitness from a young age is essential. While anyone can decide to become healthy and fit at any time, becoming a coach requires a deep-seated passion. This is not a regular 9-5 job; it is very demanding and requires dedication. People rely on you for their health and fitness needs, which brings a lot of responsibility. We don’t just help people lose weight; we work with individuals suffering from thyroid issues, diabetes, insulin resistance, skin problems, acne, and metabolic disorders.
I have always been into sports and was the cricket captain at my university. As a kid, I was fascinated by WWE wrestlers and aspired to have a strong physique. I started working out in 2008, and during my time at the Manipal Institute of Technology, I participated in their annual bodybuilding competition, winning a gold medal in my final year. My coach encouraged me to compete at the national level. In 2015, I won in two categories—bodybuilding and sports modeling—at Muscle Mania India, a bodybuilding federation.
Wanting to further my knowledge, I pursued a Master’s in Sports Management from St. John’s University in New York. While there, I obtained the highest certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, becoming a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES). This certification allows me to train athletes, including Olympians, for life.
In 2015-16, online coaching was still in its infancy, with most people relying on traditional gym trainers. I didn’t want to be just a personal gym trainer; I wanted to tackle bigger problems like diseases and metabolic disorders, which requires an in-depth understanding. After getting my certifications, I decided to become a coach, and I’ve been training people since then.
Kinshuk: While I was doing my Master’s at Columbia University in New York, Anshul began his journey as a coach. Initially, I handled background tasks like social media marketing and wasn’t involved in training and coaching. However, seeing how Anshul was transforming his clients’ lives inspired me. I realized this work had a significant purpose. I was one of the first people trained by Anshul, and the positive changes I experienced, particularly in managing my PCOD, weight gain, and migraines, motivated me to help other women facing similar issues.
I obtained my certification from the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences (INFS) as a nutritionist and exercise expert. Since then, I’ve been training clients, focusing on incorporating a low carb approach to help them reverse various health issues. As most Indians are vegetarians my goal has been to tailor our approach to suit their dietary preferences.
Anshul: To sum it up, passion, experience, education, and exposure are crucial for becoming a successful lifestyle and fitness coach. Many people offer bodybuilding tips without having participated in any competitions themselves. Before calling myself a coach, I became a bodybuilder, pursued advanced education in sports management, and obtained certifications from reputable institutions. Over the past eight years, I’ve gained extensive experience by working with thousands of clients. These four elements—passion, exposure, education, and experience—are essential for taking on this responsible role. Misguiding someone can have serious consequences, so it’s vital to be well-prepared and knowledgeable.
How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
Anshul: Our coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that the body has an incredible capacity to heal itself with the right food and lifestyle. We focus on treating and reversing illnesses naturally, without relying on medicines or supplements. Our approach is holistic, emphasizing a balance of nutrition, regular exercise, and good sleep. The importance of sleep is often overlooked. After diet, sleep is the second most crucial factor that dictates your health, even more so than exercise. The current generation is sleep-deprived, which leads to higher stress levels. Good sleep, mental health, and sustainable lifestyle changes are central to our philosophy.
Kinshuk: I believe that right now, there is more information available about fitness and weight loss than ever before, and it can be overwhelming and confusing. Having struggled with weight gain and PCOD myself, I understand the challenges. My approach to coaching is to empower clients with the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained over the years.
When a diet plan is personalized to fit your routine, you can’t go wrong with it. Additionally, having us as a support system helps keep clients accountable and ensures they achieve their goals. Our coaching philosophy is to provide a personal touch, making sure each client feels supported and informed every step of the way.
As a lifestyle and fitness coach couple, what kind of discussions do you have?
Anshul: In many ways, we are working 24/7. Kinshuk and I work from home, and we have been living together for 9-10 years now. We often take vacations just to have uninterrupted time to talk to each other. When we’re at home in Hyderabad, we spend most of our time discussing work. We talk about our clients’ progress, share insights from the latest health research, and brainstorm new strategies to improve our coaching methods.
Kinshuk: We’ve been doing this for many years. Whenever one of us gets stuck with something, we seek the other’s help. We value each other’s perspectives on different matters. We work as a team on our clients, constantly exchanging new information we discover on health and fitness.
Anshul: We also discuss our own health and fitness goals. We make sure to practice what we preach. For instance, if I follow a specific diet and recommend different diets to our clients, it wouldn’t be right. Kinshuk and I quit sugar more than four years ago, and we hold ourselves to the same standards we set for our clients. When I ask my clients to avoid sugar, it’s backed by the fact that we do the same, even on special occasions like birthdays or important events. That’s the level of commitment we believe in.
Do men and women need to be coached differently? Do they need to follow a different fitness routine?
Anshul: Yes, definitely. We’ve worked with clients in over 25 countries, and while most of our clients are Indian, the food and brands available in each country can vary significantly. Men are generally easier to train because they experience fewer hormonal fluctuations than women. Women go through menstrual cycles that can affect their hormones, leading to cravings for sugar and junk food. There are many factors to consider when working with women. For instance, women might focus more on menstrual health, bone health, and balance, while men might prioritize muscle gain and cardiovascular fitness.
Kinshuk: The difference in goals for men and women makes the training process different. Men and women often have distinct fitness objectives. For example, many of our female clients deal with PCOS or postpartum weight gain and need guidance on dietary adjustments. Many people also have nutritional deficiencies that must be addressed. The exercise routines also vary because different bodies have different needs.
Anshul: I can give you a specific example. When working with female clients in the US, many are corporate professionals who consume alcohol regularly. We have to incorporate alcohol into their training plans. In contrast, when working with women in India, only about 15-20% consume alcohol regularly, and many avoid it entirely. The approach to training varies based on demographics and geography.
People often look up to celebrities for fitness inspiration. What are your thoughts on the health and fitness trends prevalent in the entertainment and sports industry?
Anshul: Celebrities can indeed inspire people to pursue fitness. However, it’s important to remember that their diets are highly personalized and not necessarily suitable for the general public. Trends like extreme dieting or intense workout regimes can be unrealistic and sometimes harmful for the average person. It’s crucial to understand that what works for a celebrity might not work for you due to different body types, lifestyles, and health conditions.
Kinshuk: I believe it’s good to take inspiration from celebrities, but taking health advice from them can be problematic. Often, you will hear incorrect or misleading information, sometimes referred to as “gym bro” science, which can cause unnecessary fear or confusion. It’s fine to be inspired by their dedication and results, but it’s essential to follow the advice of qualified coaches and experts for your own fitness journey.
Anshul: Just because celebrities have a lot of money doesn’t mean you’d take financial advice from them; you’d go to a financial advisor. Similarly, when you see a celebrity with a fantastic physique, you might be curious about their routines. However, their advice might not be suitable for you. It’s best to take their suggestions with a pinch of salt and consult with health experts and coaches for accurate and personalized advice.
Is there any celebrity you wish to train or work with in the future?
Anshul: When I started this journey, I knew I didn’t want to do it for fame. Our goal has always been to add value to people’s lives. I believe I can provide better value by training an athlete rather than a celebrity. While pursuing my Masters in the US in 2015, I observed how the US consistently wins hundreds of gold medals every year. My professor once asked, “You have 1.3 billion people in your country. Why do you struggle to win even a few gold medals?” This question stuck with me and inspired my thesis on “Why Indian athletes don’t win enough medals at the Olympics?”. Through my research, I discovered that nutrition plays a huge role in athletic performance. Many Indian athletes lack the financial means to meet their dietary requirements, which hampers their performance.
With my certification as a Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, I aspire to work with Olympic athletes, improve their diet, and enhance their exercise regimen. Our dream is to train Olympic athletes and share our knowledge of health and fitness with elite athletes in our country. Growing up, I wanted to become an athlete myself, as I played cricket. This would be a golden opportunity to serve our country and help athletes win more medals at the Olympics and other international competitions.
Kinshuk: The film industry is very glamorous, which is why many people are attracted to film stars and their lifestyles. It would be interesting for me to train a Bollywood heroine someday. However, my primary focus is to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I would like to train someone who is struggling with health issues and help them overcome their challenges.
These days, a lot of people try to lose weight or transform their health on their own. Why is it important for one to hire the services of a lifestyle and fitness coach?
Anshul: A coach or an expert has made the maximum number of mistakes and knows the solutions to several health and fitness-related issues. They can show you the right way to become fit and healthy. A coach can significantly reduce the time taken to engage in trial-and-error and help you reach your goals quicker and more effectively. You save a lot of time when you hire a coach.
When working towards losing weight or trying to reverse an illness, self-motivation can be extremely difficult. You need someone to support you on that journey. The journey becomes better with a coach because they have been through it several times and have helped thousands of people. We ensure you don’t waste time wondering what works and what doesn’t.
Kinshuk: As I stated earlier, there is a lot of noise around health and fitness. Many people are telling you what to do and what not to do. For long-term health and fitness, hiring a coach is crucial. Personalized guidance and accountability are key to achieving fitness goals. We’ve been doing this for so long that we know what will happen in the first week, the second week, and the third week of following a diet. We guide people through all the obstacles they face.
The DIY approach might be effective in the short term but can lead to negative results later, potentially causing deficiencies or metabolic disorders. We help you navigate the vast amount of information out there and create a plan that works for you. We act as friends to our clients, rooting for their success. If they face any doubts or challenges, we are there to help. Having gone through the struggles ourselves, we can impart valuable knowledge from our own experiences.
What is the next thing you want to do as health and wellness coaches?
Anshul: After working for several years on a one-on-one basis with many clients, we are now expanding our services by developing corporate wellness programs. Many of our clients work in corporate settings, so this felt like a natural progression. We just secured our first corporate wellness project with a company here in Hyderabad. A friend once told me, “You guys are doing a great job, but I feel you are not impacting as many people as you should be.” This resonated with us. By focusing solely on one-on-one coaching, we might not be able to reach a larger population that could benefit from our knowledge. That’s why moving into corporate wellness was a logical next step for us.
Kinshuk: Following the corporate wellness programs, I think the next step is wellness tourism. I have a keen interest in wellness retreats. Building a community of like-minded people who are interested in these experiences is something I am passionate about. This is a direction we plan to explore and develop over the next few years.
What is the biggest advantage of being married to somebody who is in the same profession?
Kinshuk: The biggest benefit is understanding each other’s struggles. Sometimes, partners don’t fully grasp what the other person is going through in their work life, but we go through all of it together. It can be a bit scary at times (laughs), but it feels good to know and remember that we have each other’s back.
Anshul: Kinshuk is my first girlfriend, and I married her. You decide to marry someone when you love them a lot. My intention was to be around her 24×7. It might sound a little cheesy, but that’s the truth (laughs). The best thing about our work is that we get to spend all our time together. We are like each other’s shadow. In today’s times, people are often chasing after money and materialistic things, leaving little time to spend with their partners. I didn’t want to look back years later and regret not spending enough time with Kinshuk.
When we have children, we won’t face the issue of one parent always being absent or relying on house help or nannies because we work from home. Kinshuk had a high-paying job in New York, and I also had opportunities to work there, but our calling was to help people and make a positive impact in their lives. There’s nothing better than having your partner join you in that mission. Now, we share the same goals, eat the same food, and work with the same clients. It has only strengthened our connection. I feel we are living our lives to the fullest. Everything else can come and go, but Kinshuk will always be by my side.
Do you think health and wellness coaching in India is at a good stage?
Anshul: Definitely! At the same time, it’s disheartening to see so many people falling sick in their 20s and 30s. With the advent of junk food and sugar, home cooking has declined, leading to a spike in diseases and illnesses. People are seeking quality coaches to help navigate these health challenges. Doctors can provide medicine, but medication often only controls symptoms and doesn’t offer a permanent fix. The real solution involves following a diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and meditating—addressing every aspect of health. For that, you need highly educated and skilled coaches. This field requires continuous self-improvement and education.
The competition in health and wellness coaching is significant at the lower levels, but if you strive for excellence, have good credentials, and can differentiate yourself, the sky’s the limit. Many people underestimate wellness coaching as a career option. I’m an IT engineer, and Kinshuk is a civil engineer with a master’s in construction management from Columbia University in New York. I pursued master’s in Sports Management. We need more highly educated and skilled individuals guiding us on health and fitness. I appeal to all smart and intelligent people to consider a career in lifestyle and fitness coaching if they wish to contribute to society.
Kinshuk: In the US, becoming a coach involves a rigorous process. You must earn your certification and work with people for an extended period before offering your services as a coach. Unfortunately, in India, sometimes people lose weight and start calling themselves coaches or experts without proper credentials. We need more educated and certified individuals in this field. Each coach should have their distinctive voice, but their advice must be scientifically grounded.
Twenty years down the line, our health will be our most significant asset. It’s high time people prioritize their health over everything else. By focusing on education and certification, we can elevate the standard of fitness coaching in India and make a lasting impact on people’s lives.
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