Surjit Singh Pangly was eleven-years-old when he migrated to Australia in 1979.
Mr Pangly said he was very ‘thin and lean’ before his father inspired him to adopt a proper exercise regime.
“My father was a passionate weightlifter. With his training, I was able to develop a fit and strong body,” he said.
“He first helped me with a homemade wooden bench that I used for weightlifting. I still remember his instructions for my routine, which were carried out partly in our garage and partly outdoors.”
Between 1990 and 2001, Mr Pangly participated in eleven ‘natural style’ bodybuilding championships held in Melbourne.
“Such was my passion for this sport that I spent a fair bit of time in the garage to help supplement my needs to go to the gym for all my life,” he said.
“I have never resorted to any food supplement or protein powders to strengthen my body.”
Mr Pangly has been working as a tram driver in Melbourne for the past 32 years.
He said his exercise schedule and healthy eating habits have also helped him in his professional journey.
“Driving can be tricky, especially when you manage long shifts. It is only possible if you stay fit and active,” he said.
“It is important that you slow your aging process. As a combative strategy, I would advise everyone to exercise for at least 35 minutes daily with a focus on cardio.”
He suggested that older adults could adopt cycling and brisk walking to keep them fit and active depending upon their physical strength.
“Treadmills and exercise bikes can play an important role in this scenario,” he said.
Mr Pangly, who is also a coach at the Brimbank Lions Kabaddi Club, has taught many youngsters to play kabaddi, a traditional combative sport that originated hundreds of years ago in the Indian Subcontinent.
He said he also encourages his three sons to play kabaddi for fitness.
Click on this audio link to listen to his full conversion
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