Anant Ambani trainer Vinod Channa built fitness empire after years of working as watchman

Anant Ambani’s impressive 108kg weight loss is not a secret to anyone but what many don’t know, is the struggle of the fitness trainer that made all of it possible. Although now a celebrity fitness trainer, Vinod Channa once used to work as a watchman. He now charges up to Rs 25,000 per hour and has earned as much as Rs 5 lakh a day at the peak of his career. His journey is a stark reminder that success in the fitness industry is rarely overnight. Born into a working-class family in Mumbai’s Dadar area, Vinod once worked as a watchman. With limited means and big ambitions, he found his calling in bodybuilding, committing over 15 years to training before entering the world of professional fitness coaching.

After 12 years at one gym, Vinod made a risky decision. He left with no guaranteed clients and moved to Bandra, hoping to attract higher-paying customers and celebrity attention. Starting again from scratch, he trained anyone he could find. That gamble worked. A chance recommendation led him to actor Riteish Deshmukh, followed by more high-profile assignments and even international travel.

Vinod Channa has since trained stars such as John Abraham, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty and Vivek Oberoi. He has also worked closely with the Ambani family, including Anant Ambani, whose remarkable 108 kg weight loss journey brought Vinod national attention. At his peak, Vinod worked nearly 16 hours a day, invested in multiple properties and even purchased a gym worth Rs 15 crore.

Vinod has often said that real success only comes after sustained effort. He spent more than a decade training clients at a single gym, slowly building credibility and experience. According to him, many young trainers expect quick success, but fail to understand that recognition comes after years of consistency and learning. This discipline eventually paid off, opening doors to Bollywood and elite circles.