Business Remedies | Shruti Kothari Sr. News Editor | In an era driven by filters and fast fixes, true wellness has become a rare pursuit. But every now and then, someone rises above the noise with clarity, strength, and vision. One such remarkable woman is Tina Saini, though many who have known her longest still call her Meenakshi. Either way, she is a force to reckon with in the world of fitness and entrepreneurship. Tina holds an MBA and is a certified fitness coach, qualified yoga instructor, and trained sports nutritionist. She is the founder and director of Planet X Health & Fitness Club, Planet X Fitness Stations, FitLeague Fitness Equipment, and Planet X Fitness Private Limited. As the first woman in Rajasthan to enter the gym equipment import-export sector, she has carved a unique space for herself in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her accolades include a national bronze medal in powerlifting, training over 5,000 individuals, and setting a personal record of completing 325 Surya Namaskars in just 45 minutes. She has collaborated with renowned corporates such as Vivo, Tata, Reliance, and BSNL, leading wellness initiatives that promote employee health and productivity.
Elegant, articulate, and remarkably youthful in energy and appearance, Tina radiates confidence and compassion. Her core belief is simple yet profound: healthy individuals build strong families, and strong families create a healthier society.
In this conversation, Tina shares powerful reflections on her journey, debunks common fitness myths, and offers practical insights into building a life rooted in balance, strength, and purpose.
In conversation with Tina Saini, Sportsperson, Fitness Coach and Entrepreneur, Jaipur
Q. You began your journey preparing to become a chartered accountant. But somewhere along the way, the story changed. What sparked the journey from chartered accountancy to championing wellness?
A. That transition was as unexpected as it was transformative. I had set my sights on becoming a chartered accountant and had cleared both CPT and IPCC without any formal coaching. While preparing for the final stage, I found myself in need of financial support and took up a part-time job at a local gym to manage expenses. What began as a necessity gradually turned into something far more meaningful. The early mornings spent training clients brought a sense of purpose and joy I hadn’t anticipated. The encouragement I received made me realise that fitness came naturally to me, and with time, my passion shifted. Choosing to step away from chartered accountancy was not an easy decision. It did cause some disappointment at home, but deep within, I knew this was my true calling. Now, nearly seventeen years later, I can say with complete conviction that following my heart was the best decision I ever made.
Q. After stepping into the fitness world, how did your personal passions shape your professional journey and eventually lead to the creation of FitLeague?
A. Once I entered the world of fitness; I began reconnecting with a part of myself that had always brought me joy — my love for dance. From a young age, I was drawn to rhythm and expression. One of my fondest memories is winning a dance competition on DD1’s Baaje Payal when I was just seven. That early spark never faded; it gracefully evolved into a passion for Zumba and aerobics, which became the starting point of my career. I began working as a group fitness trainer at a gym in Bani Park. The energy, music, and ability to motivate others made it deeply fulfilling. After a few years of experience, I felt ready to build something of my own. About nine years ago, I opened my first gym, now known as Planet X Health & Fitness Club. As I explored the science behind fitness, I developed a strong interest in strength training. I realised it had always existed in our traditional way of life through daily tasks like drawing water or grinding grains. That connection reshaped my perspective. Today, strength training forms the foundation of my work and the vision behind FitLeague.
Q. You’re a certified yoga instructor too. How do you balance yoga with strength training, and which do you think offers more long-term benefits?
A. Yes, I’ve formally trained in yoga and have also won several yoga competitions over the years. I still conduct one yoga session each week, while the rest of my schedule is dedicated to Zumba, cardio, weight training, and cross-functional workouts. In my view, yoga and strength training are not in competition, they complement each other beautifully. Strength training is essential for physical endurance, muscle tone, posture, and slowing down the effects of ageing. Yoga, on the other hand, nurtures the internal body. It supports the nervous system, improves respiratory and digestive health, and provides clarity, balance, and emotional resilience. In a world where stress has become constant, yoga and meditation offer the kind of stillness we often forget to seek. I always encourage people to meditate, even briefly, after their workouts. For lasting wellness, I believe in an integrated approach. Strength training builds a strong foundation, while yoga refines the mind-body connection. When both are practiced consistently, they become tools not just for fitness, but for longevity, awareness, and inner peace.
Q. When it comes to fitness, diet is always a hot topic. There’s plenty of advice out there, but the vegetarian versus non-vegetarian debate often takes centre stage. What’s your take on the best diet for staying fit?
A. The idea that one must follow only a non-vegetarian diet to be strong or athletic is, in my opinion, a complete myth. A balanced, nourishing diet should be shaped by personal preferences, lifestyle, and the body’s unique needs. One of the best examples is Virat Kohli. He follows a fully vegan diet, free from both meat and dairy, and yet remains one of the fittest athletes in the world. His discipline and performance speak for themselves. Fitness is largely dependent on what you eat. I often say that 80 percent of your results come from diet and 20 percent from your workouts. But this 80 percent is not about choosing between vegetarian and non-vegetarian. It is about ensuring the body receives the right nutrients in the right amounts. Every person has a unique Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which helps determine calorie and protein requirements. Once we know that, protein can be sourced from vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or fully plant-based foods. The key is balance and consistency.
Q. Diet trends like intermittent fasting and low-carb eating are everywhere today, yet many people still struggle to see results. Why do these popular methods often fail, and how should one approach food more effectively?
A. Trends like intermittent fasting and low-carb diets may seem appealing, but they often fall short because most people do not understand what their bodies truly need. Nutrition should never be one-size-fits-all. It begins with recognising your lifestyle, daily routine, and individual metabolic requirements. Take intermittent fasting, for example. Many people assume that skipping meals or restricting eating hours will automatically lead to better health or weight loss. In the process, they often overlook essential nutrients, especially proteins, which are critical for muscle maintenance, energy, and recovery. Similarly, low-carb diets are often misunderstood. While limiting processed carbohydrates can be helpful, our bodies require all three macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, all in proper balance. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, and healthy fats are vital for brain function and hormonal health.
Meal timing should also be guided by lifestyle. In traditional Indian culture, Brahmins led a more sedentary life and followed lighter diets with fewer meals. Kshatriyas, on the other hand, required frequent, energy-dense meals to sustain their physically active routines. The same principle applies today. Instead of blindly following diet trends, it is wiser to understand your body’s needs, nourish it mindfully, and maintain consistency. Fitness begins with awareness, not restriction.
Q. What major changes have you observed in the fitness industry over the past decade, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic?
A. The shift has been remarkable. A decade ago, most people joined gyms to look good. Fitness was largely about appearances. Post-COVID, that mindset has changed. People now prioritise health over vanity and understand that if they want their bodies to serve them well in the long run, they need to invest in them today. As I often say, “Gym ka kharcha kam hai, hospital ka kharcha bahut zyada hai.” Unfortunately, many women still feel that household chores or a walk in the park are enough. While any movement is beneficial, structured workouts and strength training offer deeper, long-term results. But overall, the industry’s growth is undeniable. It’s one of the key reasons we expanded into fitness equipment venture- to meet this growing need and encourage more people to take ownership of their health journey.
Q. Tell us about FitLeague Fitness Equipment. How did it begin, and what kind of machines do you import today?
A. FitLeague Fitness Equipment began quite organically during the COVID lockdown. With gyms closed for months, I started conducting online fitness challenges and training sessions to help people stay active at home. Many participants began requesting basic equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and mats to improve their home workouts. Since our gyms were shut, we began supplying these essentials, and to our surprise, everything sold out almost immediately. The demand was clear. My husband, Yuvraj Saini, who was then in the merchant navy, suggested we expand this into a business. With his knowledge of international trade, we took the first step. The response was extraordinary, and our trading company Planet X Fitness Private Limited was officially formed. Today, we import a complete range of professional gym equipment including strength machines, cardio gear, treadmills, dumbbells, and more. Our products are sourced from China, Taiwan, and Japan, with a focus on quality and durability.
It makes me proud to say I am the only woman in Rajasthan in the gym equipment import-export space, and this is just the beginning.
Q. What are your upcoming plans for FitLeague and your personal vision for the future?
A. We are working on something truly exciting. The idea is to create a one-stop destination where everything related to fitness is available under one roof. From medicines and protein supplements to apparel, accessories, shakers, and high-quality equipment, both Indian and imported, it will all be easily accessible. We are collaborating with trusted names in the supplement industry, gym equipment space, and fitness education sector. Our goal is to simplify the fitness journey for people across Rajasthan by offering them a reliable and convenient platform, whether they are beginners or professionals.
Personally, I aim to be counted among the top entrepreneurs in the country. But beyond titles, my true goal is to help people transform their lives through better health and mindful living. Creating impact through fitness is the path I have chosen, and this is only the beginning.
Quick Reps with Tina Saini
1. Yoga or powerlifting, if you had to pick just one?
Powerlifting
2. One fitness tool or equipment you swear by?
Squat rack
3. Your favourite post-workout meal?
Protein smoothie
4. A quote or mantra that keeps you going?
“Think big, reach high, sky is not your limit.”
5. One myth about women in fitness you’d love to bust?
That weight training makes women bulky. It doesn’t. It makes them strong.
Interviewed By:
Shruti Kothari
