From banking to fitness : Michael Prasad opens gym in Suva to tackle NCDs

34 year old Michael Prasad who transitioned from working in a bank to starting his own business, is now running a fitness centre called Evolve Fitness, as a beacon of hope to inspire people to prioritise their health for better living.

Prasad says he left the bank and started his business before the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the pandemic struck, it forced the gym to close however with the support of his wife, they were able to reopen a small studio on Carnavon Street in Suva.

The former Dudley and Gospel High School student says from the small studio it expanded into a new gym with state of the art equipment at Raojibhai Patel Street in Suva.

Prasad emphasises the importance of health, especially with the rise in non-communicable diseases.

He urges people to invest in their health to prevent lifestyle-related illnesses.

The father of two says his dream is to positively impact as many lives as possible through fitness.

He adds if given the opportunity, he plans to open another gym in a different location.

The Ministry of Health has highlighted that NCDs remain a major burden for the population, contributing to 80 percent of all deaths in Fiji and 40 percent of premature deaths.

In 2019, healthcare costs for deaths and disabilities from NCDs, including diabetes and obesity-related illnesses, were estimated at $591 million.

Prasad’s key message is to make fitness an integral part of daily life.

He says his two main passions are maintaining his fitness and helping others.

The gym’s opening hours are from 5am to 8pm during the weekdays, 7am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 8am to 4pm on Sundays and public holidays.

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