Tester Techie becomes Fitness Guru
By Hitesh Shetty

The booming IT-ITES industry in India has empowered many Technology Specialists to drop out and pursue their dreams.  IT Graduate and Certified Software Test Engineer Kumar Mannava worked with blue chip companies like HSBC before pursuing his passion of being a Fitness expert and Consultant. And in an online world, it was Facebook that connected him with fitness guru Stan McQuay

Techgoss (TG): Tell us about your Educational Qualification? What kind of IT have you studied? Which IT companies and software did your work with?
Kumar Mannava (KM):  I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and I am a certified software test engineer (i.e. I have done my certification courses in software testing from one of the Hyderabad’s top institute, MIND Q). I have acquired the knowledge of manual testing and automation testing. I have worked for companies like IvyComptech, Vicidocs and HSBC in the past.

 
TG: How did you get interested in Bodybuilding? Was it easy or difficult to convince your family members about your passion of making bodybuilding a full time occupation? Who is your bodybuilding Idol?
KM: Like every neighbourhood lad, I always had this dream of having a good body. I've been dreaming of becoming a bodybuilder since my high school days (I was in ninth standard then). My bodybuilding knowledge was equivalent to that of a layman when I started. However, After moving to 12th Standard, I started getting fascinated by the concept of body functions and sports nutrition and learnt that muscles are not developed overnight and you in fact need a professional diet programme coupled with vigorous training methods. This theory inspired and motivated me to aim big in this field.  And I never looked back from there.

I have always been a rebel. I believe in the theory that 'it is your life' and you are responsible for whatever happens in it, whether good or bad.  When I started to follow my dreams knowing what I am doing, there was no likelihood of opposition from my family members, although they were a little taken aback in the beginning.

Further, I don’t consider myself merely a body builder. I am also a fitness expert and consultant. Fitness trainers from different gyms in Hyderabad have consulted me on various issues. However, I admire few bodybuilders for their sheer dedication and hard work. Frank Zane is one of them as he had built his body completely the natural way. So, he is my idol. 
 

TG: How long have you been into this fitness training profession? How do you rate this journey? Also, how would you compare fitness training to IT field? Do you draw any similarities between the two in terms of performance?
KM: It’s been almost 15 years now since I've been in the field of fitness and further been imparting training since 9 years. The journey so far has been extremely satisfying and I can bet on this and say that I would not have found this kind of joy and satisfaction in any other job. Fitness is my passion and I am glad, I chose it as my career.

Similarities between IT and fitness are a lot. IT and fitness offer infinite opportunities to learn and grow. Every now and then you will come across new skills and to stay in race, we have to keep ourselves updated.
 

TG: How did you happen to meet weight lifting, martial arts and good health icon Stan McQuay? How was your overall experience with him?
KM: Technology can be a bane and also boon. In my case it was a boon. I met Stan McQuay on Facebook and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience with him, who later asked me to spend one month with him. I was always looking to learn new things and this zeal in me made me request him to train me in order to understand the fitness trends overseas. I am glad I got to learn a lot from Stan in the training and nutrition department in my previous trip to US. I look forward to another trip in future.

TG: Any advice you would like to give to our techie readers who aspire to do something big in the bodybuilding industry, perhaps taking a cue from you and also how do they get started in this demanding sport? 
KM: When I was pursuing my degree education, IT field was a booming industry. I completed my education and entered into software arena and suddenly one day I realised that computer is not my cup of tea and I should be doing what my heart says. So, I followed my heart. And today I am a satisfied and happy person.  My advice to my fellow tech mates is to follow your heart. If your heart lies in dumbbells and barbells, do not hesitate to take the leap. This industry will reap high rewards and respect for you, provided you are well qualified and knowledgeable. It needs a lots of dedication and discipline also to achieve success out in this field. If you ‘DARE TO DREAM AND CARE TO ACHIEVE’ then jump on.