Empowering through exercise - the famous Krishani George

By Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

“All I’m saying is I’ve never seen my personal trainer and the devil in the same room at the same time!”
The humorous quote which flashed across my screen caused me to literally laugh out loud (LOL!). This was on the website of a fitness guru whose reputation has preceded her for instilling the importance of staying fit in scores of Men and Women across the country. 

My inner curiosity was sparked and I sent a message requesting an interview with none other than the famous albeit dynamic Krishani ‘Killer George’ - why killer, you may ask as it sound kind of gruesome but it gives an inkling about her regimented, one hundred percent success-oriented exercise routine. 

I challenge people who range from the youth to octogenarians who participate in my personalised training programmes to consistently maintain a healthy lifestyle. I strongly believe in being consistent with a training routine as it keeps one fitter, healthier and more productive

For the love of sports 

Hailing from a family of legendary sports personalities who have infused National pride -from her father who was a National basketball player to her mother a basketball/netball player is Krishani, who herself excelled in sports since her formative years. 

Since its inception the students of Visakha Vidyalaya have been regaled for their aptitude for learning but Krishani, brought pride to her alma mater through sports. 

“I initially ran without shoes but that did not deter me from competing and winning,” reminisced she with enthusiasm.  

Studies were not totally pushed to the back burner but it was clearly not her passion. Hence, this sportswoman earned numerous accolades for basketball, netball and athletic prowess at School, Provincial and National levels including captaining the Junior National Basketball Team for Sri Lanka at the young age of 17.

Subsequently, Krishani followed a course related to sports medicine at the Asia Foundation. Sports Medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. 

Sports medicine

Although most sports teams have employed team physicians for many years, it is only since the late 20th century that sports medicine has emerged as a distinct field of health care.

She had found her calling and pursued a career in her field of expertise. She is a passionate advocate of fitness with over 10 years of experience in the industry. 

As a coach and motivator, she has conducted many workshops covering a vast spectrum such as schools, beauty contests, National Teams, government and corporate sectors. 

“I challenge people who range from the youth to octogenarians who participate in my personalised training programmes to consistently maintain a healthy lifestyle. I strongly believe in being consistent with a training routine as it keeps one fitter, healthier and more productive.”

Her zeal for sports and fitness has not diminished over the years and it is certainly contagious, which led me to attend her fitness programme. 

She warned me beforehand that it might be a bit intense initially and I must admit that it was gruelling but Krishani motivated me to endure till the end. 

Fitness schedule 

The effective fitness schedule built physical and mental strength, using low impact techniques to tone the body along with a high cardio routine. 

Her modus operandi is to inspire her clients to strive to reach their goals through dedication and drive and never back down. One of her wall posts read, “You can scream, you can cry but never back down and she is the epitome of those words of wisdom. 

Her smile belies the energy and fortitude that enables her to encourage others while walking the talk through her life style.  “A trainer’s job never ends as we need to be available round the clock to mentor those whom we take under our wing,” stated Krishani, adding that exercise and fitness is an art form as it is the sculpting of the body; “To master an art one needs to be dedicated and disciplined and give it your ultimate focus to achieve the pièce de résistance.”