From hating walking to running a marathon, woman reveals how she lost 63kg over the years
Weight loss is not just about losing pounds, but about regaining your health, confidence, and self-belief. For Niki Chawla, her transformation was sparked not by a gym membership or a strict diet, but by a moment of realization during a simple walk. In 2021, Niki attempted a modest 4km walk but was forced to stop halfway due to severe leg cramps. That day, he realized the toll an unhealthy lifestyle had taken on his body. Weighing heavily on her physically and emotionally, she decided it was time to change.
Over the next few years, Niki not only lost a lot of weight, but also developed a sustainable fitness routine focused on walking, strength training, and balanced eating. Her story is not about shortcuts or quick fixes, but about resilience, discipline and small steps that lead to big results. Here’s how Niki transformed herself, step by step, and how her journey became an inspiration to many others.
The beginning of the journey
Like many others, Niki’s journey was not easy at first. Walking even a kilometer would leave her crying due to leg cramps. Every step felt like a struggle and exercise seemed more like a punishment than a path to better health. However, despite her discomfort, Niki did not give up. She held on to the small victories (like feeling energized after completing a hike) and used those moments as fuel to keep moving forward.
Finding strength during lockdown
The COVID-19 lockdown turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Niki. With more free time and fewer outside distractions, she decided to prioritize her health. He began walking regularly and began to see improvements, both physically and mentally. Walking became more than just exercise: it became his therapy.
At first, Niki struggled with emotional eating. Stress would push her toward fast food: hamburgers, pizzas, and pastries provided temporary relief but lingering guilt. Once he started exercising regularly, he noticed a change in his mindset. He learned to cope with stress instead of using food as an escape.
Small steps, big changes
Niki never opted for fad diets or extreme training plans. Instead, he focused on balanced, home-cooked meals. She became conscious of her nutrition and made sure her plate was full of essential nutrients. Over time, their approach became more sustainable. Preparing meals on Sundays became her ritual, which helped her stay consistent throughout the week.
Walking also became an essential part of their daily routine. At first, it was difficult for him to cover short distances, but in six months he went from walking 200 meters to completing 10 kilometers a day.
Niki combined her walking sessions with simple strength training exercises at home. They were also educated on calorie intake, nutrient balance, and portion control. Knowledge became his weapon and discipline his shield.
Sustainable weight loss
In 2022, Niki faced another challenge: the fear of regaining weight. He started skipping meals and replacing them with protein bars or fruit, thinking it would help. However, this left her feeling drained of energy. Realizing his mistake, he returned to his structured eating plans and watched his energy levels rise again.
For Niki, fitness was about losing weight and building a healthier relationship with her body and her food.
Achievements and milestones
In 2023, Niki took her love of walking one step further by founding a hiking club. The group became a space for like-minded people to come together, explore nature, and motivate each other. Their monthly walks became a source of joy, connection, and responsibility.
By 2024, Niki had hiked more than 1,000 kilometers and had even completed distances of up to 30 kilometers in a single stretch. His dedication earned him a spot in the prestigious 2025 Chicago Marathon, a dream he never thought he would achieve.
Reflections and lessons learned
Looking back, Niki shares that walking was the most therapeutic activity she has ever done. She encourages everyone to start small, even if it’s just ten minutes a day, and gradually build up from there.
For Niki, being fit is no longer about reaching a certain weight or size, but about feeling good, being strong and living life to the fullest.
She also reflects on her childhood struggles with bullying and body image issues. Even though she was made fun of for her weight, Niki always knew that her worth was not defined by her looks.
Her story serves as a reminder that fitness is not about perfection but about progress. It’s about accepting each step of the journey, no matter how slow, and finding joy in the process.
Today, Niki Chawla stands not only as a transformed person, but also as an inspiration to anyone who feels stuck at the starting line of their fitness journey. Its message is simple but powerful: start small, stay consistent, and celebrate every victory along the way.
