We are increasingly conscious about staying fit. Fitness is often confined to appearances—six-pack abs, toned bodies, and muscular frames. But in chasing these external ideals, we might ignore what truly matters. We forget that “looking” fit isn’t exactly “being” fit.

Many gym goers or people who “look healthy” don’t consider visiting a hospital for a basic health check-up because they feel strong and are confident in their bodies, unaware of what might be happening inside.

Saprina Shrestha, co-owner of The Pump (Chabahil branch), founder of Sappfit Wear, and a certified fitness instructor, delves into what it truly means to be fit.

What’s the biggest myth people believe about being “fit”?

One of the biggest myths is that you must be fit if you look physically strong or have a toned body. But that’s not always true. Just because someone appears healthy on the outside doesn’t mean they are healthy.

For me, being fit means being well physically and mentally. It’s about having the energy and strength to carry out daily activities easily, not just lifting weights, but handling your lifestyle without struggle. That’s why regular health check-ups are so important. Looking good isn’t enough if your inner health is being ignored. Proper fitness is a balance between how you feel and function, not just how you appear.

Why are health check-ups important for people who exercise regularly?

Even if you exercise regularly, regular health check-ups are essential. Everyone should get a full-body check-up at least once a year. Unfortunately, many people in our society don’t follow this practice—we tend to neglect what’s going on inside our bodies while focusing only on the outside.

You might be lifting weights and running daily, but you won’t know how your organs function unless you scan and monitor your internal health. Through regular check-ups, you can track important health indicators like blood sugar, blood pressure, BMI, heart rate, kidney function, cholesterol levels, thyroid activity, and even get screened for conditions like diabetes or cancer. Staying fit is not just about exercise—it’s also about being informed and caring for your body from the inside out.

Can someone look fit but still have underlying health issues?

Absolutely. There can still be underlying health issues that aren’t visible. Especially for women, it’s essential to regularly scan and monitor internal organs—including the breasts, uterus, bladder, and gallbladder.

You could be working out daily and still have issues you don’t know about. I’ve seen this happen to some of my clients and people around me—young, active women facing serious internal health conditions despite appearing perfectly healthy. That’s why regular check-ups are just as important as maintaining physical fitness.

Do you collaborate with doctors or nutritionists for clients with health issues?

Yes. If someone is recovering from surgery or dealing with a medical issue, I always ask them whether their doctor has granted permission for training. I never move forward with a workout plan unless a medical professional recommends it.

Also, when it comes to diet—especially for clients who need specialised nutrition plans—I make sure to coordinate with someone who has proper nutritional knowledge. Collaborating with doctors and nutritionists ensures the client’s safety and helps me create a more effective and responsible training approach.

Any message you’d like to share with young people who only focus on gym progress but skip check-ups?

Usually, people in their late teens or early twenties don’t think about health check-ups. I know it’s a personal choice, but I strongly recommend that even young people get regular check-ups. If we start early, we create a habit that could prevent bigger problems later. Physical progress at the gym is great, and you can achieve that with dedication—but that progress must go hand in hand with internal awareness.

Have you ever had to change someone’s training plan because of a health issue?

Yes, definitely. I’ve worked with clients dealing with conditions like sciatica, knee and back problems, PCOS, asthma, low blood pressure, and low haemoglobin. In such cases, I modify their workout plans to suit their health focusing on low to moderate-intensity exercises and avoiding anything that could strain them. Even if I don’t handle internal issues directly, I always prioritise understanding their limitations. At the end of the day, fitness should be safe, personalised, and sustainable.

I always make sure to understand my clients’ limitations and adjust the routine accordingly. Every individual requires a different approach, and when it comes to health, I believe safety and sustainability should always come first.

Health is unpredictable. Shrestha highlights that we might look physically strong, but hidden issues like cysts, tumours, and hormonal imbalances are becoming increasingly common, especially among young women. Fitness isn’t just about how you appear; it’s about your internal well-being. Diet, hormones, and stress all significantly affect overall health.