From struggling with childhood weight issues to two-time Mr Universe Fitness Model Champ, Yeskiel Naraindath is a trailblazer in the body building fitness model industry. After sweating it up in the gym, he took some time out to share how a teenage passion turned into his chosen career path.
Fairly fresh off of Italian shores, Yeskiel remains on a high after returning to Durban still holding onto the International Bodybuilding Fitness Federation (IBFF) Mr Universe Fitness Model Champion title, that he won at the end of last year.
It’s a title he successfully defended after his previous win in 2023, and that has more recently been a catalyst for his appointment as the IBFF Worldwide KZN President, a role he is using as a platform to give back to the local community and aspiring young athletes.
Yeskiel, a fitness trainer specialist at Virgin Active in Essenwood, believes whole heartedly that the body achieves what the mind believes. At 32, he’s trotted the globe and strutted his stuff on stages shared with some of the world’s top bods in fitness and physique and, despite his glory, he remains a humble and gentle contender.
“Fitness is in my DNA and I have always known I wanted to help people. My career is my passion and just knowing I am making a difference in someone’s life keeps me energised every day of the week.”
With more than 13 years’ in the industry, Yeskiel who is also qualified as a sport conditioning trainer, and sport massage specialist, has a knowledge that extends to all aspects of fitness. Armed with a team of medical experts, he spends his days focussed on making a positive impact on the lives of those he has treated.
These include teens and adults, athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illness and disabilities, body builders, and those struggling with weight loss, which is something he can easily relate to.
“Having had weight issues as a teenager, I eventually found the strength to make lifestyle changes that were good for me. But I did it over a period of time. It was this teenage passion that has enabled me to be at this stage of my life where I can, with genuine honesty, motivate and advise people on how to manage their expectations, understand their own needs and find the right path for them going forward.”
As a result, many of those who’ve crossed paths with Yeskiel have been able to obtain their health and fitness goals, and maintain them, which is equally important in any fitness journey.
“Realistically, we cannot always eat diet meals, so naturally I do believe in cheats. These remind me, and encourage those I work with, that although living well takes hard work, it also should include time out to enjoy those little pleasures in life.”
Yeskiel says that more than physical stamina, mental toughness and having the right support are two of the biggest reasons people either fail, or succeed, on their fitness journeys.
“If your mind wavers so does your body. When things get difficult I reflect, reset and choose to focus on the end goal. I have always had mental strength as life has thrown me many decoys, but I have kept my faith and this has always pushed me forward. I am also very fortunate that I am constantly surrounded by people who believe in me, which helps me to stay driven and dedicated to the journey I’m on.”
Among that army of supporters is Yeskiel’s best friend, partner in crime and wife, Kajal, who supports him, knowing that what he does is a stepping stone to a better future for them.
“We’ve been married for four years but have known each other for 14, so we have climbed many mountains together. Having a foundation is key to any relationship, and ours is our inherent spirituality. This teaches us patience, tolerance, respect and belief in each other.”
There are parts of the sport Yeskiel and Kajal enjoy doing together – working out at the gym, meal prepping or working on body building posing together – and there are things they love doing outside of it, like hiking and appreciating the peace and beauty of nature.
“Kajal provides me with the constructive criticism I need. We are also always mindful to one another’s feelings and ideas, so we align individually, and together we are a perfect team!”
When it comes to his own fitness regime, Yeskiel follows a training programme suited to his body when he’s competing, and when he’s not, he allows himself a day off or a light day of training – normally a Sunday – with a little road running or swimming. Training sessions usually range between an hour to two daily, and each day he focusses on different parts of his body. His diet varies between a low and high carb cycle, and closer to an event he adopts a cyclic ketogenic diet.
“This consists of six days of high protein, moderate fats and minimal carbs from vegetables, and on the seventh day I have a high carb, high protein and no fats diet.”
His guilty pleasure is indulging in spa days just to relax and rejuvenate and he loves to play the guitar.
As a trainer, Yeskiel says his purpose is not only to support the physical goals of the people he works with, but also to support their mental health, as the two go hand in hand.
“You have to take the time to build both. This in turn results in a bond of trust and longevity. What many may call duties, I see as a way of giving back. Even before I won the title, mentoring was always one of my priorities and no matter how far I grow and go, it will always remain my pet project.”
Yeskiel is so determined to help others that he takes on house calls to help those who are not able to get to a gym. This way they can train and thrive in their own space with personal support and encouragement.
As the IBFF Worldwide KZN president, his goals are also to put KZN Body Building back on the map. Yeskiel has held seminars and training sessions in various gyms around the province, to mentor individuals and potential athletes, with a specific focus on the youth, about the benefits of the sport and how to maximise their quality of life.
“Empowerment, coupled with humility in my opinion, is the best gift to give someone, so I would like to continue this programme in the hope that it instils discipline in the youth and gives them the tools to thrive. I want to educate as many people as I can on how to achieve a balanced lifestyle, within their own means. Knowledge is power, so our learning process should never stop. And having a positive mind-set matters. At the end of the day even if you do fall off the wagon, as long as you are prepared to get back on and keep going, you can accomplish anything.”
Details: You can follow Yeskiel on socials: IG: @Supersoldier_92 and FB: Yeskiel Naraindath, contact him on 067 723 1169 or e-mail Yeskiel02@gmail.com
Exercise tips for over 30s
Exercising once or twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke, but always remember to consult with your GP before taking on any new exercise or diet changes.
Adults should aim to
- Do strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups; legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms at least two days a week.
- Do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity (brisk walking, water aerobics, riding a bike, dancing, and hiking) in a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (running, swimming, skipping, aerobics, martial arts, and sports like football, rugby, netball and hockey) in a week.
- Spread exercise evenly over four or five days a week, or if it suits you, over seven days.
- Reduce time spent sitting or lying down, and break up long periods of no movement with some activity.
Easy exercises you can do at home
- Brisk walking
- Stepping on steps
- Skipping
- Yoga
- Stretching exercises
- Squats
- Lunges
- Push-ups and planks
Squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight on your heels. Hinge your hips and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Push through your heels to stand back up
Planks
Rest on your forearms and toes, keeping your body straight. Engage your core and glutes. Hold the position for 30 seconds, or as long as you can. Lunges work your upper legs and glutes.
Glute Bridge
Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Push through your heels to raise your hips off the ground. Pause at the top, and then return to the starting position.
You can also try these other exercises
- Jumping jacks
- Hip extensions
- Hip rotations
- Forward leg swings
- Side leg swings
- Spider-man steps
You can try a 3-3-3 workout, which involves completing three mini circuits, each with three moves, repeated three times. You can also try a 10-minute workout, which can help improve your health and fitness.
