Age is often used as an excuse. Some people say they are too busy to exercise. Some say fitness is only for the young. Some believe that once career, family and responsibilities take over, health naturally becomes secondary. But the journey of Colonel RDS Chauhan challenges all these excuses
A retired Indian Army officer, martial artist and fitness inspiration, Colonel RDS Chauhan’s story shows that fitness is not about age. It is about discipline, consistency and mindset. From being a weak 16-year-old who weighed only around 31 kg and often struggled with health issues, he went on to build a life around strength, martial arts, military service and self-discipline. Later, even around the age of 57, he proved that commitment can still defeat age by winning a karate gold medal.
This is not just a story about one medal. It is a story about how daily habits shape a person’s body, confidence and purpose.
Colonel Chauhan’s early journey is important because it shows that strong people are not always born strong. Many are built through struggle. At 16, when he was underweight and physically weak, karate became more than a sport for him. It became a way to build confidence, health and self-belief. Martial arts gave him structure. It taught him balance, timing, awareness and control. More importantly, it gave him the feeling that weakness is not permanent.
This is a powerful lesson for today’s youth. Many young people compare themselves with others and give up early. But transformation does not happen in one day. It begins when a person decides to take responsibility for his own body and mind. Colonel Chauhan’s story proves that fitness is not about showing off. It is about rebuilding yourself.
His Army journey added another layer to this discipline. Military life teaches routine, responsibility and leadership by example. A soldier cannot survive on excuses. Whether the duty is easy or difficult, the body must be ready and the mind must remain alert. This is why fitness in the armed forces is not a hobby. It is part of duty.
One of the most practical points from his fitness approach is the idea of micro-workouts. Many people say they do not have one full hour for exercise. Colonel Chauhan’s answer to this excuse is simple: use small pockets of time. He reportedly followed a routine of doing pushups during office breaks, quick squats using a chair and short stair-walks during tea breaks. These small efforts, repeated daily, can create a big result over time.
This is where his method becomes useful for ordinary people. You do not always need a gym membership to begin. You do not always need expensive equipment. You do not need to wait for the perfect time. A few pushups, squats, stretches, stair climbs and isometric holds can become the starting point. The real challenge is not lack of time. The real challenge is lack of consistency.
His claim of doing 500 to 600 pushups a day may sound impossible for many people, but the lesson is not that everyone should copy the same number. The lesson is that small repetitions across the day can add up. A beginner should start safely and gradually. Someone with medical issues, joint pain, heart problems or age-related conditions should take medical advice before starting intense routines. Fitness should build the body, not damage it.
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