India’s Fittest Woman’s Journey Beyond the Finish Line: What It Really Takes to Come Back

When you think of India’s Fittest Woman, you picture sheer strength and precision—but true resilience is forged in the moments no one sees. This is the story of how Paridhi Doshi turned injury and adversity into her most powerful comeback yet.

Shortly after claiming the title of India’s Fittest Woman in 2021, Paridhi was diagnosed with Kienbock’s Disease—a rare condition involving avascular necrosis of the lunate bone in her wrist. The diagnosis was a crushing blow, but it wasn’t the end of her story. Instead of stepping back, Paridhi pivoted, embarking on a two-year journey that would redefine what it means to be strong.

The Setback

In August 2022, Paridhi underwent surgery to address the condition — Reflecting on that period, Paridhi shared:

“I remember feeling scared and uncertain. I knew recovery wouldn’t be easy, but I underestimated just how tough it would be. It was jarring to go from training four hours a day to just being grateful I could move at all. Everyone checks in on your wrist, but no one really sees what’s going on in your head.”

The physical battle was daunting, but the mental and emotional challenges were equally profound. That first year, as she puts it, was a "war"—not just with her injury, but within herself.

The Full Timeline: A Realistic Road Back

Paridhi’s recovery journey was a series of small, incremental wins, setbacks, and relentless perseverance. It took Paridhi 19 months post-surgery to achieve her first unassisted pull-up and 26 months to regain full push-ups. A powerful reminder that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

“This timeline matters. No one gets back to full strength overnight. Every small win—every new range of motion, every rep—was proof that I was still in the fight, and that real progress is built one patient step at a time.”

PHASE 1

• Aug 2022: Underwent first surgery for Kienbock’s Disease.

• Sept 2022: Cast removed; started light mobility work with fingers and wrist.

• Nov 2022: First rowing session post-surgery.

• Dec 2022: Introduced light dumbbells; focused on mobility and activation drills.

• Mar 2023: Began resistance band pull exercises to rebuild grip strength.

• May 2023: Second diagnostic procedure to fix torn ligament and assess further steps.
  – A checkup revealed a torn ligament that hadn’t been identified during the first surgery—Whether the injury developed later or was missed from the start remains uncertain.

Lesson: 

- Self-awareness must be paired with expert oversight.
- Paridhi’s experience is a reminder that - Listening to your body isn’t always enough.
- Medical evaluations during recovery aren’t optional — they’re critical. Especially when you’re increasing load, returning to training, or something “feels off.

PHASE 2

• June–Dec 2023: Steady work on band drills, scapular mobility, and foundational range of motion; introduced machine-based strength training for upper body.

• Jan 2024: Achieved her first band-assisted pull-up

• Mar 2024: Completed her first unassisted pull-up—a huge milestone after 19 months.

• Apr-June 2024: Deadlifts resumed at moderate loads; Ring dips performed & 40kg kettlebell swings added to training.

• Oct 2024: Full-range push-ups regained with control.

In the conversation that follows, Paridhi shares insights and answers questions that reveal the unseen layers of her recovery. Going beyond the physical timeline, this section dives deeper into her reflections—the mindset shifts, emotional battles, and powerful lessons learned along the way.

Redefining Training: Working With What You Have

While she focused on healing her wrist and giving it everything it needed to recover, Paridhi refused to let her fitness journey stall. She channeled her focus into leg work, conditioning, and mobility, proving that true athleticism isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about adapting smarter.

“Every day became leg day,” she laughed. “I threw myself into anything that didn’t aggravate my wrist—running, bodyweight exercises, banded work. The goal was to keep the intensity and intention, even if the movement patterns were different.”

Her journey shows how important it is to understand that timelines are real, and shortcuts don’t exist in true recovery.

Expert Tip from Paridhi: How to Know When You’re Pushing Too Hard in Recovery?

“During recovery, I used a simple pain scale from 0 to 10 to gauge my effort. Zero meant no pain, and 10 felt like someone was driving a knife through my wrist. I was advised to stay around a 3 — uncomfortable, but manageable. That discomfort told me I was working, but not causing harm.”

This closely aligns with the concept of RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) — a tool used to measure how hard something feels, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too.

Here’s why it matters: On some days, lifting a light weight or doing a basic movement might feel easy — like a 3 out of 10. But on other days, that same movement might feel incredibly tough, like a 9 or 10. Your body’s capacity changes daily, especially during recovery. So giving your 100% doesn’t always look the same. What matters is showing up and giving your 100% for that day, even if it feels like a 3/10 effort compared to yesterday's effort.

“Progressive overload wasn’t linear. Some days I felt great, others I didn’t. The pain scale helped me stay honest — it became my compass for knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to pivot.”

Knowing when to hold back doesn’t mean you’re slacking — it means you’re training smart. That’s how you keep moving forward without hampering your progress.

Mental Recovery & The Lessons It Leaves Behind

Looking back, Paridhi describes her recovery journey as transformative:

“I gained a new respect for the basics—mobility, grip strength, joint health. Things I used to take for granted. More than anything, I learned that recovery is not just physical. It’s mental as well as emotional. You don’t come back the same—you come back wiser, more resilient, and more in tune with who you are beyond your sport.”

Even as her body slowly rebuilt, Paridhi faced waves of doubt and frustration. There were times when progress stalled, and setbacks like her second surgery tested her patience.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to give up some days. But I had an incredible support system—family, friends, coaches—who reminded me why I started. And deep down, I knew this wasn’t just about getting back to sport. It was about proving to myself that I could come back stronger.”

Words for Others on the Comeback Trail

Paridhi’s advice for anyone navigating injury and recovery?

“Feel it all. The frustration, the doubt, the anger. Don’t rush past it. But even on the hard days, show up. Do what you can—whether that’s a workout or just a single small win. And surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength when you forget it.”

Her mantra throughout it all:

“Just show up. This won’t last forever—but who you become because of it will.”

As Paridhi’s story shows, strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, persistent, and fiercely patient. And in that space—between setbacks and comebacks—true transformation happens.

Fueling the Fight: Nutrition and Recovery

Physical training was only part of the equation. Behind the scenes, Paridhi dialed in her nutrition to support tissue repair, manage inflammation, and maintain muscle mass during her lower-activity phases.

“During recovery, I had to completely shift my mindset around food. My body still needed fuel—not to perform, but to heal. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t just eating for the day’s workout, but for the bigger picture.”

Supplements became essential allies. Protein was non-negotiable, alongside anti-inflammatory foods and hydration. She integrated collagen (for joint and tendon support), omega-3s (to combat inflammation), magnesium (for muscle recovery and sleep), and vitamin D (for bone health)—all part of a strategy to rebuild from the inside out. (Each of these linked naturally to IN2 products.)

“Healing is its own kind of training. You might not see it happening, but it demands just as much commitment.”

Shop Paridhi’s Recovery Staples:

• IN2 Whey Protein

• IN2 Omega-3

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