7 minute read
Grizel D’costa
Career Start: How Grizel Began Her Journey
Grizel D'costa's path to becoming a fitness coach and model started when she was in college at Chowgules. She decided to try going to the gym because it looked fun and many students were doing it. At first, she needed her mom's help to pay for things like gym shoes, protein powder, and gym fees. But when her mom saw that Grizel wasn't taking the gym seriously, she stopped giving her money. Even though this was hard, Grizel had already started to love fitness. She felt the pinch of having to pay for everything herself, but she didn't want to give up. She used her pocket money to cover the costs and kept going. This struggle made her want to learn more about fitness, health, and diet, and that’s how her real fitness journey began.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Later, Grizel started working in a corporate company and managed to keep her job during the lockdown. During this time, she received an offer to work as an assistant coach under a famous trainer in Goa. This opportunity gave
her some recognition and eventually led to a call from Dubai, offering her a position as a fitness coach at a gym. Grizel couldn't turn down the offer and moved to Dubai, where she also completed her certification. Her journey has been incredible, and she truly enjoys and loves what she does.
Modelling Career: From Pageants to Fitness Modeling
Grizel's modelling career began during her college years when she won a pageant. However, she found more joy in personal photo shoots than in participating in pageants. Collaborating with photographer friends, she posted pictures on social media, gaining recognition. Moving to Dubai and immersing herself in fitness, Grizel decided to pursue a career as a fitness and fashion model. Her focus is now on being a fitness model and breaking stereotypes, which has brought her significant recognition and collaborations with various supplement and athleisure brands. Grizel finds immense fulfilment in this path.
Daily Regimen: Balancing Fitness and Life
Grizel's daily fitness routine is structured and disciplined. She starts her day at 8 AM to reach work by 9 AM, a short 15-minute walk away. Preferring to prepare breakfast at home, she avoids eating out. Her work schedule includes split shifts from 9 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM. During her break, she rests after lunch. Grizel's evenings are busier with clients and her workout. Working six days a week, she ensures she rests on Sundays. Her Sunday routine includes breakfast, church, a good meal, meeting friends, shopping, meal prepping, chores, and early bedtime.
Grizel changes her workout every three weeks to track progress and adjusts her diet weekly based on cravings. She emphasises the importance of getting eight hours of sleep for optimal functioning and recovery. While her routine is simple, it is crucial for maintaining a normal life. Grizel indulges in cheat meals occasionally but prefers healthy, fancy meals on Sundays.
Philosophy on Fitness: A Lifestyle Commitment
Grizel believes that fitness should be a lifestyle rather than a temporary journey. Many people see fitness as a means to achieve short-term goals, but Grizel emphasizes the importance of embracing it as a lifelong commitment. Fitness can ward off various ailments, alleviate depression, reduce stress, and offer numerous other benefits. Grizel asserts that fitness is not just about lifting weights, strength training, and losing weight; diet plays a crucial role. Without a healthy diet, workouts alone won't achieve desired goals. According to Grizel, fitness is 80% about food and 20% about workouts. She believes that a real body is made in the kitchen, not the gym. While staying motivated is important, Grizel stresses that discipline and consistency are the keys to a successful fitness journey.
Diet and Nutrition: Simplicity and Consistency
Grizel follows a simple calorie-deficit diet, which she prepares and changes weekly. Although she occasionally craves indulgent foods like pasta, biryani, and Goan fish curry rice, she prepares them with healthy alternatives. Grizel measures her food intake to maintain a calorie deficit and avoids eating out. She makes her own sugar-free, guilt-free ice cream to satisfy dessert cravings. Grizel's meals typically consist of chicken, rice, salad, or veggies, and sometimes just chicken or tuna salad. For breakfast, she might have oatmeal or eggs with bread. She believes in simple diet plans and shares this approach with her clients, many of whom fear complicated meals. Grizel's belief in simplicity has helped many clients achieve their goals without fancy meal plans.
Challenges Faced: Overcoming Obstacles and Building Resilience
Grizel's journey has not been without challenges. Initially, she faced underestimation and struggled to gain recognition. Moving to Dubai presented additional challenges, including adjusting to a new country alone and dealing with negative comments from those who didn't believe in her. Despite these obstacles, Grizel remained determined and resilient. The gym became a place of interaction and comfort, and she gradually built a successful career.
Client Transformation Stories: Inspiring Change
Grizel is proud of the transformations she has facilitated in her clients' lives. One client, in particular, stands out. Initially seeking fat loss, this client found inspiration in Grizel's training and aspired to be like her. They bonded over a shared love for deadlifts, and their focus shifted from weight training to powerlifting. The client's transformation was not just physical but also mental, as she gained confidence and broke stereotypes. Grizel's client proudly demonstrated her strength at work, proving doubters wrong, especially men who underestimated her. This transformation story continues to inspire Grizel, who remains in touch with her client, now thriving in a different country.
Fitness Trends: Embracing New Methods
Grizel is excited about current fitness trends, especially women embracing heavy lifting and powerlifting to challenge stereotypes. She has been practising this for months, tracking her lifts weekly to monitor progress. Grizel instils the same mindset in her clients, promoting a positive message and motivating her audience.
Balancing Roles: Coaching and Modeling
Grizel balances her time and responsibilities between coaching and modelling. Most of her modelling work is in the fitness industry, including collaborations with fitness athleisure and supplement brands. She shoots content during off-hours or when not busy with clients. On days off, Grizel plans fashion shoots for fun, but her main focus remains on being a fitness model.
Advice for Newcomers: Commitment and Understanding
Grizel offers valuable advice for newcomers in the fitness coaching and modelling industry. She emphasises the importance of viewing fitness as a lifelong commitment rather than a short-term endeavour. Understanding clients' needs, making them feel comfortable, and never body-shaming them are crucial. Grizel believes that educating others about the importance of fitness is essential in the growing fitness industry.
Future Goals: Supporting Women and Challenging Stereotypes
Grizel's future goals include becoming a freelance female coach in Dubai. She aims to help women achieve their goals and support their mental and physical health. Grizel wants to challenge stereotypes about women, particularly the notion that they cannot lift and that their only roles are as wives or mothers. She aspires to create a positive impact and inspire women to embrace fitness as a lifestyle.
