I first met Gaia Kodithuwakku many years ago during my stint on radio. Even then she was the hot girl on the radio jockey side of the fence, and I was the nerdy news presenter. Fast forward to at least 5 years later and here we are, Gaia being one of the Top 10 social media influencers in the country and me writing her story.
From what I know of this wonderful young woman, fitness expert recognized around the world is not something she had in mind growing up. Having imagined herself a doctor, married with kids by this age, and of course acquiring financial wealth, life has taken her on a completely different journey. “I am thankful that I have aligned myself with the journey life decided to take me on because I honestly believe that this the best life for me. I get to work from home, lying down on my bean bag, with my feet up on a footrest and a warm cuppa almond milk coffee in my hand. I honestly believe I am living the dream. I get to do what I love, get to have TIME for myself, a few very special people in my life and also to get to travel, explore, learn and experience life, while running a super lucrative business”, she says.
So much confidence is what was required for Gaia to initially make the switch from radio to her current occupation. She tells me that the transition took place both very intuitively and fluidly, over time. “Just identifying what really brought me joy and directing a lot of pure positive focus towards it is what has gotten me so far. The process of training and eating within strict perimeters always gave me a natural high that empowered me. It came with the discipline you learn throughout the process of becoming better. I loved it so I did more of it, until it was all I could think about. It consumed me, and I had no choice to commit to it full time”, she adds.
Her physical and mental transformation is what first catapulted Gaia in to becoming somewhat of a fitness icon inspiring not just women but also men to be the best version of themselves. Having recently been included in the Top 10 Instagram Influencers in Sri Lanka listing however is something Gaia is proud of and thankful for, but says she prefers to grow herself as a brand with more face-to-face interaction with people. “This type of thing is great, so you take a moment, be grateful and continue having eyes on the prize, your work”, she quips.
Humility has always been a trait to be admired in this woman of many talents and it is this same characteristic that never lets her refer to herself as a celebrity. “Again like I said earlier I’d rather be an influencer who is more relatable, almost like a middle man (or woman in this case!) between the people and the stars. So I prefer to share my life and experiences so that someone out there can be motivated to become better or live a better life”.
Living a better life is a art that Gaia has mastered and taking one look at her schedule makes me want to do with mine. Instead of writing a whole paragraph on her daily routine, I’m going to list it out with the hope that you are inspired too.
5:30 – 6:00am Wake up
6:00am – 6:30am Coffee on my terrace with a view of the greenery and waterfront. This is my morning ritual when I just sit there, breathe and soak up the sun.
7:30am Morning cardio which is usually a slow walk for an hour or so
9:00am Breakfast
11:00am Sit with my laptop, reply emails, follow up with clients and create new programmes etc.
12noon 2nd meal of the day
1:00pm – 2:00pm Meetings, chores and responsibilities
2:00pm 3rd meal of the day
4:00pm – 5:00pm Gym
9:00pm Dinner followed by 250g of Pineapple for digestive enzymes, drink my Vitamins and Creatin
11:45pm Hit the sack
Seems too good to be true? But it isn’t and Gaia says it all comes down to discipline. It’s the same message she has for anyone willing and wanting to stay healthy. “For me this journey has been intended from the very start to be one that I draw energy from. I never trained to just lose weight. I trained to feel better, stronger, more powerful, and more confident. To become more of who I truly am. What we need to change is the way we perceive this whole journey. Training doesn’t have to be this horrible, torturous experience. If you knew how training makes me feel like a million bucks every day, if you could just tap into two seconds of that feeling, you’ll never skip it ever again. It’s this amazing feeling of connection with my body. It is the greatest therapy, greatest satisfaction and the happiest place I go back to every day. You shouldn’t do it because you hate your body, but because you love it and you know its full potential”.
After those wise words here’s a bit more of what makes Gaia an extraordinary woman…
Not So Simple
Describe Gaia in one word: Alchemist
Must haves in your handbag at all times: Wallet, Ray Bans, Deodorant, Perfume and a travel-size pack of Body Butter
One thing you hate that people say about you: If someone were to ever question my work. I’m very open to criticism and I’m always learning and getting the best in the world to mentor me. I am very blessed to have the support of some of these giants. And because of this constant growth my work too improves rapidly and I have produced supernatural results with clients in Sri Lanka and all over the world. So if someone were to ever come at me in the effort to call out the work I produce, then you better come with a lot of background information because a lot of time, research and experience has been put into what I do, and I WOULD take it personally if you were to question it without basis!
One person you absolutely cannot live without: No chance I could pick one person. Mom, grandparents, my man and Jazz my Rottweiler
One fitness hack that works for you: Zero hacks. Hard work discipline and commitment, through and through. There is no hack that will reverse the effects of years of abuse we put our bodies through.
Favourites
Food: Anything Salmon
Song: Shine on You Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd
Clothing Brand: I couldn’t care less, unless it’s Sportswear.
Perfume: Issey Miyake
Movie: Before Sunrise
Quote: “Speak the Truth Even When Your Voice Shakes”
Profile
Full Name: Gaia Kodithuwakku
DOB: 02/05/87
Alma Mater: RMIT Australia
Current Occupation: Fitness ProfessionalBy Nishu Gunawardana