In March 2023, entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast Adrian Jesuthasan launched Ndurance in Nugegoda, a space designed to inspire people to get stronger, healthier, and more consistent in their wellness journeys. With a decade-long personal passion for fitness, a background in marketing (BBA and ACIM), and business experience as a Director at Micro Bytech International (Pvt) Ltd, Adrian has fused professionalism with purpose. Ndurance is more than a gym; it’s a community-driven, safe space where individuals train with confidence, supported by personal guidance and a shared vision of progress. We sat down with Adrian to explore his journey, philosophy, and vision for the future of fitness in Sri Lanka.
Adrian, let’s begin with your journey. How did your passion for fitness first start, and what kept you consistent over the years?
My fitness journey really began back in 2013, when I was 17 and living in America. At the time, I was much scrawnier than the friends around me, who were all bigger and stronger. Naturally, I wanted to change that, I wanted to get stronger and fitter. That’s what initially drew me to the gym. I was lucky to have a good friend, Rishad, who used to drag me along to workouts. He would remind me, “Don’t be afraid of the people around you. This is your fitness journey, own it.” That advice stuck with me. What started as an effort to gain strength soon turned into something much bigger. Through consistency, I discovered discipline. I noticed my focus improved, my resilience grew, and my ability to push through challenges extended far beyond the gym floor. Fitness gave me a framework for life. Whether it was in my career, studies, or day-to-day struggles, the discipline and persistence I built in the gym always carried through. That realization is why I never stopped. Fitness became my anchor.
You already had a strong career in marketing and business. What inspired you to take the leap and start your own fitness space?
Marketing gave me so much, I gained structure, experience, and an understanding of what it means to run a business. But deep down, I always knew my passion lay elsewhere. At one point, I hit rock bottom. I realised the corporate world wasn’t fulfilling for me; it wasn’t my cup of tea. I knew I had to follow my passion before it was too late. I remember sitting down with my father and telling him, “Look, I’ve had this dream of starting a gym for two years. If I don’t do it now, I’ll regret it.” He looked at me and said, “What do you have to lose? Go for it.” That encouragement gave me the confidence to finally launch Ndurance. Having been in the fitness space for 13 years as a customer, I had seen the good and the bad of gym culture. Unfortunately, many gyms can feel unwelcoming, even toxic, especially for newcomers. I wanted Ndurance to be different, to stand out as a place where people didn’t just train but grew as individuals. Somewhere they could build strength, health, and confidence without fear or judgment.
You describe Ndurance as a “safe space.” Can you expand on what that means in practice?
For me, “safe space” means stripping away intimidation. Too often, gyms are associated with toxic culture, people showing off, judging others, or making beginners feel small. I wanted to create an environment where anyone, no matter their age, gender, or fitness level, could walk in and feel comfortable. At Ndurance, it’s not about how heavy you lift compared to the next person. It’s about your journey. I want people to feel encouraged, supported, and safe enough to make mistakes, learn, and grow. That’s what keeps them coming back, not fear, but belonging.
Your training philosophy emphasizes strength and functional fitness. Why are these approaches so valuable today?
Strength and functional fitness go way beyond physical appearance. They improve mobility, posture, energy, and even mental health. Most of us live busy, sedentary lives. Strength training gives us tools to handle that, to prevent injury, reduce stress, and stay active well into later life. There’s also a misconception that lifting weights or functional training is only for bodybuilders. I think that’s completely wrong. It’s not about chasing big muscles; it’s about building strength that translates into everyday life, carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or simply feeling more confident in your own body. That’s why I believe this type of training is so important.
Running a gym while being a director at Micro Bytech must be demanding. How do you balance the two worlds?
Balance comes down to discipline, consistency, and support. My family, my parents and my brother, have been a huge part of this journey. They’re involved in my businesses, give me ideas, and are always there when I need advice. That backing gives me strength. Personally, I manage my energy by setting clear goals every day. I’ve learned how to prioritize and make sure the most important tasks are done first. The gym also fuels me. The energy I gain from working out feeds directly into both businesses. It’s like a cycle, fitness gives me strength, which I then put back into my work.
Consistency is at the heart of your philosophy. How do you help beginners stay motivated?
First, I get to know them. Why did they come to Ndurance? What do they want from this journey? Once I understand their “why,” it’s easier to guide them. I always encourage beginners to start small. Don’t fall into the trap of ego lifting or chasing quick fixes. Fitness is a long-term process. That’s why we focus on building community here. People support each other, celebrate wins together, and even carry those friendships outside the gym. It’s not just about training side by side; it’s about encouragement. When someone feels part of something bigger, they’re far more likely to stick with it. And that’s been one of our greatest successes: building a community that motivates each other.
What has been one of the most rewarding moments for you, either personally or through your members?
For me, the most rewarding thing is hearing members say, “Thank you for creating this space.” When they tell me that Ndurance didn’t just transform their bodies but also gave them confidence, friendships, and mental strength; that means everything. Some members come not just to train but to find support, to connect with people, to rebuild their self-esteem. When I hear stories of someone walking in timid and later thriving, not only physically but emotionally, it reassures me that our vision is working. That’s the greatest reward.
Looking back on your first year at Ndurance, what have been your biggest lessons as a founder?
I’ve learned that people value culture as much as facilities. You can have the best equipment in the world, but if your culture isn’t welcoming, people won’t stay. Creating that supportive environment has been key. I’ve also learned that patience is essential. Growth takes time, both for a business and for members on their fitness journeys. You can’t rush it. Consistency, once again, is everything.
What role do you think fitness spaces like Ndurance play in modern Sri Lankan society?
Sri Lanka is evolving. People are becoming more health-conscious, especially after the pandemic reminded us how important wellness really is. But at the same time, many still see fitness only through the lens of aesthetics, looking good rather than feeling strong and healthy. I believe gyms like Ndurance can shift that mindset. By focusing on functional fitness, mental well-being, and community, we can help people see fitness as a lifestyle, not just a quick fix. Ultimately, we’re helping to build healthier, more resilient communities.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone who feels hesitant to begin their fitness journey?
My advice is simple: don’t hesitate. Everyone has to start somewhere. Fitness isn’t a short-term race; it’s a lifelong journey. What matters most is finding a space that makes you comfortable, a community that supports you, and a path that feels personal to you. Too many people quit because they’re trying to live up to someone else’s goals. But your journey is yours alone. Start small, stay consistent, and surround yourself with the right environment. Once you find that, everything else falls into place.
Adrian Jesuthasan’s journey from a teenager discovering discipline in an American gym to a Sri Lankan entrepreneur building a safe, supportive fitness community is a story of resilience and passion. With Ndurance, he has created more than just a gym, it’s a space where strength, health, and human connection come together. In a world where quick fixes and fleeting motivation often dominate the fitness industry, Adrian’s philosophy stands out: true endurance comes not from short bursts of effort, but from consistency, community, and the courage to begin.
