Techies switching their careers is not something unheard of. But there is Priyanka Vaishya from Bhopal who swapped her laptops for workout equipment an earned herself a title. She took dumbbells and pull-up bars and was just crowned 'Strongman of India' for the second time in a row. Priyanka has an engineering degree and worked with a software firm in Mumbai. Her colleagues climbed the ladder but Priyanka chose to work on her biceps and body.

The contest opened to women last year and was even restricted to being gender specific. But Priyanka chose to stay back in Bhopal while colleagues moved to Bengaluru. So today while they earn six-figure salaries she carries off six-pack abs with pride. While talking to Times of India she said, "I always wanted to do something different. And while trying my hand at 'different things', I got in touch with coach Pramod Bhati, who has won several bodybuilding titles." This meeting turned out to a turning point in her career. She was encouraged to start working on her physique modelling.

Today Priyanka Vaishya is a trainer at Bhojpur Club in Bhopal and fortunate that her family supported her. Bodybuilding is still today a very much male-dominated sport, but Priyanka was strong-willed. Her thoughts today revolve around bicep curls with 35kg dumbbells. She trained hard on her muscles and took the opportunity to enter 'Strongman of India’ contest. She was crowned at the first position. She retained her title this year too on March 20. For the contest, she had to lift 120 kg dead weight, race with a 40kg stone in arms, lift a 30kg log and also hold 5kg weights steady.

Priyanka is currently at number 44 in the world and aims to be in the top 30 bodybuilders title. She is now aiming her achievement on the world championship to be held in November. She has to spend almost 10 hours of her day in the gym. She is strict with her diet and prepares accordingly. Priyanka's determination is a good example to follow what you want to do and with stride.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2018 05:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).