What if the road to reclaiming your health, sanity, and strength didn’t begin at a gym, but with a single step—on a sidewalk, at dawn, with no plan in sight? That’s exactly how Rohit Sakunia’s journey began. No personal trainer. No fancy gear. Just the resolve to put one foot in front of the other.

From feeling stuck and overwhelmed to walking over 7,300 kilometers in a single year—Rohit’s story isn’t just about physical transformation. It’s about how movement became his medicine, walking became his therapy, and discipline became his greatest motivation. If you’ve ever felt lost and unsure where to start, this real-life story might be the push you need to simply start walking your way back to yourself.

When 39-year-old Rohit Sakunia, founder of ARTE Media, began walking, it wasn’t with the intention of rewriting his health story. There were no fancy trackers, no grand fitness plans, and no public proclamations. Just a quiet, deeply personal decision to move—both physically and emotionally—through a difficult chapter of life. What started as a way to cope with a personal setback became a transformation that saw him walk more than 7,300 kilometers in a single year—a distance equal to walking from New Delhi to Reykjavik, Iceland.

This is not just a story of endurance. It’s about discipline, emotional resilience, and redefining what fitness really means when you're nearly 40 and striving to reclaim your twenties.

Rohit's journey began in late 2018 following a deeply personal and destabilizing event. With no history in fitness or athletic discipline, and a lifestyle far from ideal—loose clothes to hide weight gain, impulsive eating, and emotional disconnection—he found himself spiraling. "I wasn’t a drinker, so alcohol wasn’t an option. But I was anxious, depressed, and had no idea how to move forward," he says.

In that haze, walking emerged not as a fitness resolution but as a coping mechanism. “I needed to feel like I had some control over my life. Walking just a few minutes a day gave me that.” What started with 3,000 steps grew steadily into 10,000 and beyond. Despite criticism—“You’re just chasing a number from some Japanese marketing campaign”—Rohit stayed the course. “So what if I was? I wasn’t hurting anyone.”

Walking as Therapy, Not a Trend

By 2023, what began as a simple daily routine became a full-fledged commitment. Rohit clocked in 20 kilometers every single day, rain or shine, sometimes even more. “Some days it was 25, others 30. Shimla was particularly intense; I had time, space, and nature—and that fueled me.”

Yet, the transformation wasn’t just in kilometers or calories burned. “It wasn’t about fitness at the start. It was survival. Solitude. Sanity. Just me, my thoughts, and the road,” he reflects. Rohit explains how the rhythm of walking gave him something he hadn’t found in years: clarity.

“The emotional and mental shifts were profound. Every morning, I’d spend two hours with myself. No phone buzzing, no meetings, just fresh air and honesty. It helped me process grief, fear, self-doubt—all the things I didn’t even realize I had buried.”

By the end of 2023, Rohit had covered a staggering 7,300 kilometers on foot—an achievement few can claim. But the journey didn’t stop there. “As empowering as it was, I realized I needed more than just endurance. I needed strength.”

Now, he maintains a consistent 12-kilometer walking routine daily and has added strength training to his fitness regimen. “I’m no longer chasing step counts. I’m chasing growth. Peace. Power. Discipline.”

This shift in mindset—from metrics to meaning—marks the real milestone. “It’s not about proving anything to the world. It’s about honoring a promise I made to myself: to not quit when I had every reason to.”

No fitness transformation is complete without dietary changes, and Rohit’s case is no exception. His diet today focuses on clean eating: generous servings of green vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. He follows intermittent fasting and drinks around 3.5 liters of water daily.

“I don’t believe in extreme restrictions. It’s about consistency and balance. I make sure my meals are aligned with my fitness needs—enough protein, carbs, and hydration. The goal is to feel nourished, not punished.”

Micro Habits, Major Discipline

Rohit’s routine is a masterclass in how small habits can create massive change. From walking during meetings to taking stairs instead of elevators and logging 6,000–8,000 steps after dinner, he’s woven movement into his everyday schedule.

“It’s not about finding time. It’s about making time—even when your day is packed. That’s where discipline > motivation.”

He also emphasizes how fitness became his non-negotiable: “Work can wait. Emails can wait. But showing up for yourself? That’s a priority.”

Now in a phase of maintenance and evolution, Rohit’s goals have evolved. “I’m building a lifestyle, not chasing a finish line. I want to see what my best self looks like—just once. And I want to do that with intention, not obsession.”

For anyone starting out, his advice is straightforward: “You don’t need fancy plans. Just start walking. You don’t even need motivation—just a reason. And once you begin, honor that commitment with everything you’ve got.”

And sometimes, the most radical thing you can do for your health is something as simple, and as transformative, as putting one foot in front of the other.

Dogs are an unmatched addition to our lives, their unconditional energy and love not only help us feel better mentally, but also physically. Many people found the idea of keeping dogs as pets more favorable considering the notion that a dog can help you be more active. Dogs, being social creatures, need daily movement, exercise, interactions with other pets as well as proper care and attention to thrive. So many people believe that getting a dog can help them go out more, pay attention to their health and find a good balance.

A new survey has also revealed that about seven people out of ten say that their furry companions are the main reason they exercise more. The study asked 1,000 dog owners, and it found that 40% are more motivated by their dogs to be active than they are by their own family. Pets are even better at inspiring exercise than famous people or personal trainers.

Furry Friends as Fitness Coaches

This study was done by the sports company ASICS, that produces sportswear. The research shows that dogs aren't just good to have around; they also push us to be more active. Almost everyone who answered the survey agreed that their dog encourages them to move more. Owners often feel like they need to go for a walk when their dog waits by the door or brings them their leash. People who have dogs reportedly get a lot of exercise each week – about 240 minutes. That's much more than the 180 minutes that people without dogs average.

Dog Walks Boost Mood and Social Connections

The study also showed that walking dogs has a good impact on how we feel mentally. A large majority – 80% – of people felt less stressed and happier after a walk with their dog. Dog owners also scored higher on how good their overall mental health was compared to people who don't have pets. Plus, walking a dog helps people connect with others. About 72% of owners said they talk to more people when they're on walks with their dogs, and 78% believe this makes them feel better.

More Than Just Pets, Companions of Health

According to a BMC Public Health 2016 study, researchers gathered information from 629 dog owners in Perth, Australia. The researchers used formulas to see which things were linked to how often the owners said their dog encouraged them to walk in the last month, and how much they agreed with the statement- "Having a dog makes me walk more."

The study found that people wanted to walk their dogs more if they had big dogs, loved their dogs a lot, knew their dogs' liked walks, thought walks kept their dogs healthy, and if their family liked them walking the dog.

People felt less like walking their dogs if they had kids at home, if a kid was the main walker, or if they thought it was hard to walk their dog every day.

Also, if people thought walking made their dog bark less, they walked more but if their dog was overweight or sick, they walked less. If their husband or wife was the main walker, they also walked less. And surprisingly, if they lived close to lots of parks where dogs could go, they didn't feel as much like their dog made them want to walk.

Yoga is a great way to start your day. When you exercise before you begin your day-to-day activities, you may notice how you feel rather refreshed and energized. Yoga has many stretches and poses that can help you strengthen your body along with keeping your muscles revitalized. One such yoga pose is Gomukhasana.

Gomukhasana, or Cow Face Pose in yoga, is a sitting pose. It is a pose that allows one to stretch deeply as well as test one’s endurance. When you translate it from Sanskrit, the name comes from "go" (cow) and "mukha" (face) because the final stage of the pose takes the shape of a cow's face. In the pose, your arms are positioned so one looks like the cow's mouth and the other like its ear. Gomukhasana helps make your shoulders, chest, and hips more flexible, while also improving your body's alignment and helping you relax. It's often part of yoga to boost your body and mind.

How Does It Benefit Your Body?

Eases Sciatica Pain

This yoga pose can help lessen the pain you might feel if you have sciatica, which is nerve pain in your lower back and legs. Doing it regularly might take some pressure off that nerve and make you feel better.

Good for High Blood Pressure

Cow Face Pose could be helpful if you're trying to manage high blood pressure naturally. It can help your body relax and get your blood flowing better, which might lead to healthier blood pressure numbers.

Helps Reproductive Health

Doing this pose regularly can gently work on and massage the organs in your body related to having children. This can be good for their overall health and how they function.

Fixes Stiff Shoulders and Posture

If your shoulders feel tight or you tend to slouch, Gomukhasana can really help. It stretches your shoulders and makes your spine longer, which can improve how you stand and sit over time.

Makes Hips More Flexible

This pose is great for making your hips move more easily. The way you position your legs gives a deep stretch to the outside of your hips and upper legs, helping them become more bendy.

Reduces Stress and Worry

Besides making your body feel good, Cow Face Pose can also calm your mind. Holding the pose and focusing on your breathing can help you feel less stressed and worried, bringing a sense of peace.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Do It

1. Start sitting in Dandasana (Staff Pose), with your legs straight out in front of you.
2. Bend your right knee and bring your left foot to the outside of your right hip, tucking it under your right knee. At the same time, put your right foot on the outside of your left hip, lining up your right knee over your left knee.
3. Sit up tall, feeling your sitting bones on the floor. Breathe in and make your spine long, stretching your arms out to the sides with your palms facing forward.
4. Turn your right shoulder inwards, so your palm faces the wall behind you and your thumb points down. Move your right arm behind your back, bringing your hand up between your shoulder blades with your palm facing out.
5. Reach your left arm straight up towards the ceiling, with your palm facing forward. Bend your left elbow and reach down to try and touch your right fingertips, maybe even holding fingers if you can.
6. Your right knee should now be on top, and your left elbow pointing up.
7. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together on your back to open your chest. Hold this pose for a few breaths.

Millions of people live with chronic pain that can disrupt daily life, making simple activities difficult and often leading to further physical and emotional struggles. Yoga, a low-impact practice combining movement, breath, and mindfulness, has proven to be an effective way to reduce pain and regain quality of life—especially after injury.

From Acute Injury to Chronic Pain

Acute injuries—like sprained ankles, muscle strains, or joint dislocations—are common among athletes and active individuals. These injuries usually heal within a few weeks or months. However, if pain from these injuries continues beyond six months, it becomes classified as chronic pain.

Chronic pain affects over 51 million adults in the U.S., with nearly 17 million facing high-impact chronic pain that restricts daily activities. One key predictor of this transition is the intensity and duration of the original acute pain. Pain rated high on the intensity scale is more likely to become persistent.

Interestingly, pain and injury are not always synonymous. Not everyone who has an injury experiences long-term pain, and chronic pain can exist without a clear injury. This happens when the nervous system stays on high alert, even after tissues have healed—a process driven by neuroplasticity.

Why Movement Matters

Despite the instinct to rest while in pain, research shows that too much rest can worsen symptoms. Movement helps maintain circulation, reduce inflammation, and calm the nervous system. Activities like yoga offer a gentle way to return to motion, especially when other forms of exercise feel too intense or risky.

Yoga also aligns with the biopsychosocial model of health, which views pain as a product not just of physical damage but also emotional and social factors. Fear, stress, and isolation can prolong healing. Yoga counters these elements through mindful breathing, stress reduction, and encouraging regular, supported movement.

Breaking the Cycle of Fear and Catastrophizing

Chronic pain can lead to a cycle of fear and avoidance. Worrying that movement will worsen pain may lead people to stop exercising entirely, which delays recovery. This mindset—often called "catastrophizing"—lowers the brain’s ability to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals and can even affect sleep and mood.

Mindfulness practices in yoga help break this cycle. When practiced regularly, yoga helps shift focus away from pain and promotes relaxation. Over time, the brain adapts and becomes less preoccupied with discomfort, allowing clearer thinking and improved emotional well-being.

The Importance of Social Support

Social isolation and poor mental health are both known to exacerbate chronic pain. Being part of a welcoming, supportive community—like a local yoga studio—can have a powerful effect on healing. Making connections and building friendships while engaging in movement encourages positivity and consistency.

Studies show that people with strong social ties or satisfying relationships cope better with pain and experience less disability. Yoga not only strengthens the body but also builds emotional resilience by fostering meaningful connections and community belonging.

Yoga offers a long-term, sustainable approach to managing chronic pain. It combines physical movement, emotional healing, and social interaction—all essential elements for recovery. While every pain experience is unique, yoga can help many people regain control, restore function, and return to the activities they love.