Sumana overcame obstacles to pursue a career in the fitness industry at a time when no one could have imagined a female trainer in such an unusual field. Today, she owns a fitness studio and is well-known in her industry.

Sumana Dutta Burman is a Fitness and Lifestyle Coach who is running a personal training studio, AWE Fitness. She was born and brought up in Kolkata.

Remembering her childhood memories, Sumana says that she comes from a royal and zamindar family, and her ancestors were freedom fighters, and she attributes her fighter’s attitude to the same. She says that she had always enjoyed playing all the outdoor games that were thought to be exclusively for boys.

Speaking about her professional journey, Sumana says that her family had always been education-oriented, just like a typical family. Her father was an ACP in the Police Department, and he wanted her to take the IPS exam too, but she was not interested. She says that there was a vacancy for a female physical trainer in a gym in her area. Until then, she had little idea about the fitness world. The first time she came to this field, she felt as if she had been thrown into the big ocean, but she is a quick learner, so she soon learned the nuances of this field.

Describing her struggle, Sumana says that there were hardly any female trainers in 2006, when she entered this field. She says that it took her a long time to convince her parents that this career field was the right one for her. When articles about her started appearing in newspapers, she started getting recognition, and then her parents believed that she was on the right path. So they gave her the freedom to pursue the career of her mind and started believing in her decision and in her.

Sumana says her biggest regret is being short-tempered and taking quick decisions. She also advises others that whenever you feel that nothing is happening according to your wishes, instead of reacting at that time or taking a quick decision, take some time to think calmly and then take a decision.

Regarding her accomplishments, Sumana states that the most significant moment for her was when her parents accepted her field and believed in her ability to succeed. Another achievement of hers is that she was the first to be trained in animal flow movements in Kolkata.

When asked about her role models, Sumana says that she looks up to her parents and her work partner as her role models. She says that whatever she is today, her mother has a lot to do with it. Even today, she goes to her father for guidance in some of her problems. She says that she considers her partner, Anwar, as her mentor, who has taught her every nuance of this field. He has trained her in business management and the techniques for dealing with clients.  Her dogs are another source of inspiration for her because they have taught her how to be selfless.

In her free time, Sumana likes to spend time with positive people. She also likes to read books. She likes to explore new exotic places, which makes her very relaxed. She has taken great pleasure in baking ketogenic food for some time now.

Sumana’s favorite quotes are “I am my own best friend and my own worst enemy” and "I can only lead myself towards success or failure."

Sumana advises those candidates who want to make a career in the field of fitness that they must first educate themselves about this field. She says one cannot be called a fitness coach by following any YouTube or online videos or by following any diet or exercise on their own with this half-baked knowledge. That's why one should get formal fitness training and a certificate course from the right institute. One should initially work with an experienced trainer in order to benefit from their knowledge and experience and have the opportunity to improve their skills.