Vishnu K. Suresh still remembers that day when he stood on the stage as one of the participants in the M.G. University Inter-Collegiate Body Building Competition held in Pathanamthitta. As other participants got immense support from their friends in the gallery while striking different poses, Vishnu, a final-year BFA Sculpture student from RLV College, Tripunithura, had only his brother and his three friends to cheer up. But, nothing could tarnish the spirit of Vishnu, who emerged as Mr M.G. University 2018. “That day, I realised that we can achieve anything in life if we work hard,” smiles an elated Vishnu, who is still in the hangover of success.
He, in fact, achieved a rare feat by bringing a fitness trophy to a music and fine arts college. “Fitness awards usually don’t make it to RLV College. Hence, my teachers and friends were surprised, at the same time, very happy,” says Vishnu, a native of Palluruthy, Kochi.
Fitness has been a part of Vishnu’s routine since Class X. “Back then, I visited gym because my friends did the same. Later, I shifted my focus to body building taking inspiration from my cousin brother, a three-time winner. Right now, he works in the railway,” says Vishnu.
The M.G. University competition was Vishnu’s first professional attempt. And, he is so happy that he could win it in the first attempt. He says he does not attempt all competitions because preparation requires a lot of money. “The training starts six months prior to the competition. We have to take in a lot of protein-rich food then, like the 30 egg whites and one kilo boneless chicken I consume on regular days. It is an expensive affair. A lot of people have helped me meet the expense in this journey,” says Vishnu. “My mother is the one who helps me with the diet. She was so happy when I won the title. I am grateful to her.”
Every day, Vishnu hits the gym two times. “I work on cardio first by taking 10 rounds on the ground. And then I do other workouts. Besides preparing myself for the competitions, gym routine helps me stay fit,” says the art student who specialises in sculpting.
Art has been his passion since childhood. He received accloades in drawing and clay modelling in the state level. “I also design cakes. I love that,” says Vishnu. His dream is to go abroad and specialise in cake designing along with his fitness dreams.
