From Athlete to Entrepreneur: The Cult.Fit Origin Story
Rishabh Telang shares his journey from competitive basketball player to founding India's leading fitness brand, Cult.Fit. After years in corporate roles where fitness took a backseat, exposure to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and CrossFit during European work assignments reignited his passion for health and wellness. Recognizing that traditional gym models weren't resonating with modern professionals, he launched Cult.Fit in Bangalore in 2015 with a differentiated approach—warehouse-style spaces focused on functional fitness rather than traditional cardio machines. His vision centered on creating meaningful impact in people's lives through accessible, engaging fitness experiences that fit into busy professional schedules.
Why Fitness Falls Off and How to Reclaim It
The conversation explores why fitness becomes deprioritized as life responsibilities accumulate. Telang emphasizes that everyone is naturally active as children, but work demands and lifestyle changes create inertia that's difficult to overcome. He advocates against the 'all or nothing' mentality that prevents people from starting—instead recommending that professionals focus on building small, sustainable habits. The key insight is that fitness is fundamentally about priorities: the same person who was athletic in school and sedentary in their 30s often returns to fitness when health issues force the change. Organizations can support this by helping employees recognize fitness as a priority before crisis strikes.
Practical Nutrition Strategies for Busy Professionals
Telang provides actionable nutrition guidance that cuts through dietary confusion. The fundamental principle is simple: calories in versus calories out determines weight management. However, he identifies protein deficiency as the most common nutritional gap among professionals who believe they're eating healthy. His practical recommendation is the plate method—25% lean protein, 50% colorful vegetables and fruits, and only 25% starchy carbohydrates. This approach doesn't require calorie tracking apps or complex meal planning. He also advocates for environmental design, such as removing junk food from the home entirely, which aligns behavior with identity as a healthy person without requiring constant willpower.
Integrating Movement into Corporate Life
The discussion addresses the 'active couch potato' phenomenon—professionals who work out but remain sedentary throughout the workday, which doesn't negate the health risks of prolonged sitting. Telang recommends practical workplace strategies: scheduling 50-minute meetings instead of 60 to create movement breaks, conducting walking meetings for phone calls, and implementing post-lunch walking one-on-ones that provide multiple benefits including sunlight exposure and better insulin regulation. He emphasizes that non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)—the calories burned through daily movement—plays a larger role in weight management than formal workouts. Leadership can drive cultural change by visibly prioritizing fitness themselves and encouraging managers to discuss their health practices openly, creating permission for others to do the same.
