From rejection to recognition, Aashi Bagga journey is a powerful reminder that transformation begins the moment you stop seeking approval and start showing up for yourself. Once told she wasn’t “fit enough” to succeed in the industry, Aashi Bagga turned that pain into purpose, building a physique that not only landed her magazine covers but also inspired thousands to take their first step toward fitness.
Today, Aashi Bagga is more than just a model or influencer; she brings a symbol of resilience, balance, and quiet strength. In this exclusive conversation with Exeleon Women Magazine, she opens up about the turning point that shaped her, the grit behind the glamour, and why she believes fitness is less about six-packs and more about self-respect.
From balancing macros with her love for Indian food to pushing through low-motivation days, Ashi’s story is equal parts real, raw, and remarkably relatable. Here’s how she did it.
1. Your transformation has inspired thousands. What was the turning point?
I think failure was my biggest trigger. Hearing “you’re not fit enough to get work” repeatedly and facing rejection only because of my body broke me. Instead of giving up, I decided to transform myself completely. Fitness became my way to inspire others, not for work or validation, but to show what’s possible with discipline.
2. From being unknown to becoming a fitness influencer & cover model, how did your daily routine change?
Everything changed. Once people started noticing my fitness, I received compliments, cover shots, and requests for tips. But behind that was sacrifice:
• Choosing nutrition over taste
• Weight training and completing daily steps
• Balancing work, recovery & pain
• Sticking to routine regardless of difficulty
For me, every day was: Sacrifice + Pain = Progress.
3. Indian food is delicious but high in calories. How did you balance desi flavors with macros?
I love Indian food and never wanted to give it up. I simply made our meals high-protein with smart tweaks:
✔ High-protein lunch
✔ Skipping dinner or eating early
✔ Protein shake morning & night
✔ One meal a day before shoots (not for daily use)
✔ Minimum 10,000 steps
This helped me enjoy desi cuisine while staying lean and shoot-ready.
4. What was the toughest phase, and how did you push through when motivation was low?
Self-doubt and injuries. Some days I saw no results; sometimes pain stopped my training. But I always restarted. My old “fit phase” photos motivated me, I competed only with myself.
5. Your physique is inspiring yet relatable. What is your biggest lesson for Indian women?
Fitness should be part of life, not a punishment. Enjoy your favorite food every 15 days and take small breaks.
A fit woman doesn’t lose beauty; she enhances it.
Indian women are naturally beautiful, but fitness makes them glow differently.
6. What’s your message for someone starting fitness in their late 20s or 30s?
Your body is your first priority; it stays with you forever.
Fitness is a spiritual connection of mind & body.
• Eat clean
• Walk daily
• Work out like it’s part of your routine
• Motivate yourself to stay young and positive Your body will always respond when you take care of it.
