What is the '21 21 21' rule behind Kapil Sharma's weight-loss transformation? Celebrity fitness coach says it ‘works best for beginners'

Economic Times

3 days ago

Agencies Kapil Sharma's fitness journey took a transformative turn with Yogesh Bhateja's 21-21-21 method. The phased approach helped Kapil build discipline without stress, proving that small, consistent steps can bring big changes in physical and mental well-being.
Kapil Sharma's recent weight loss transformation has surprised fans and followers alike, prompting questions about how the popular comedian managed to shed the extra kilos so effectively. The answer, according to his fitness coach Yogesh Bhateja, lies in a simple yet structured approach called the '21-21-21 rule.'
Yogesh Bhateja, known for training celebrities such as Farah Khan and Sonu Sood, shared insights about Kapil's journey in a candid video interview on the YouTube channel GunjanShouts , published on April 6. In it, he detailed how fitness isn't just about breaking a sweat in the gym — it starts with awareness and mental alignment.
Bhateja began by pointing out how most people adopt unhealthy eating habits without even realising it — from butter-laden bread and tea for breakfast to casually snacking on street food. The problem, he said, lies in a lack of conscious thought about what we consume and how it affects our daily functioning. "It's when we start clocking in what we are eating, monitoring water intake, breathing patterns, and other lifestyle details — that's when real change begins," Bhateja explained. When Kapil initially approached his transformation cautiously, Bhateja made sure not to overwhelm him. Instead of intense workouts, he introduced gentle stretches, focusing on how the body responded rather than pushing physical limits.
At the core of Kapil Sharma's transformation is Bhateja's unique three-stage fitness formula — the 21-21-21 rule. It involves three distinct 21-day phases that slowly build momentum toward a sustainable and holistic change. The first three weeks are solely about encouraging movement. Bhateja advised clients to return to the basics — simple physical training exercises reminiscent of school PT sessions. According to him, no dietary changes are required during this stage. 'Just move every day — stretch all your muscles — and you'll already be off to a great start,' he said, even adding that one could enjoy jalebis without guilt during this phase.
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Once movement becomes a habit, Bhateja encourages small tweaks in eating habits. 'I'm not talking about cutting carbs or calories. Just simple changes,' he clarified. For instance, switching nighttime milk consumption to the morning to avoid digestive issues or being mindful of how much sugar and milk one adds to their tea. He stresses modification over elimination — making lifestyle changes sustainable.
The final 21-day segment focuses on emotional patterns tied to consumption. Bhateja advised taking control over habits like smoking, alcohol intake, and caffeine dependency. These changes, he said, not only improve physical health but also reinforce emotional discipline and self-control.
Bhateja highlighted that the strength of this routine lies in its simplicity and phased commitment. 'These 62 days will help you build an attitude without pain,' he said. 'When you complete each 21-day phase, you're not depriving yourself — you're simply shifting your lifestyle in manageable portions.' By the end of the third phase, most individuals — like Kapil Sharma — have already experienced visible change. According to Bhateja, this often leads to a natural desire to push harder and continue without external motivation. 'This is what works best for beginners,' Bhateja concluded. The 21-21-21 rule, he believes, is especially effective for those overwhelmed by the idea of fitness or those who've failed at crash diets and intense gym regimens. By focusing on one goal at a time and embracing progress gradually, it sets the stage for long-term, sustainable change. So if you've been wondering how Kapil Sharma managed such a noticeable transformation, the answer isn't just in celebrity trainers or high-end gyms. It lies in a simple rule, some patience, and a step-by-step commitment to change.