Rita Mehta, 65, performs 80 kg deadlift, says fitness lies in consistency

65-year-old powerlifter Rita Mehta demonstrated an 80 kg deadlift and an 80 kg squat, challenging common perceptions of age and fitness. At India Today Conclave, she revealed that after menopause, her weight was 99 kg and she wanted to do something about it. She saw that many people on Instagram are losing weight via strength training. She also revealed that she has a history of significant health issues, including spondylitis with displaced L5-L6 plates and a one-inch gap in both knees. Despite these conditions, she stated that strength training has made the muscles so strong that there is no more knee pain. The powerlifter, who performed the feats while observing a Navratri fast, stressed that in her saree, she doesn't promote body size as a barrier to exercise. The key to fitness, according to her, lies in mindset, consistency, and peace. She called out all women to take time for themselves and engage in physical activity.