Ritika Bhargava

Founder, Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor, Pilates Wisdom and Physiotherapy, Lucknow, India
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

One of her biggest highlights was moving to a completely new country at a young age and learning to become independent, says Ritika Bhargava who came to AUT as an international student from India to study physiotherapy.

“My years as a student at AUT were an adventure in every sense – adjusting to a new culture, studying in a different education system and learning how to find my own way. I chose physiotherapy because I was always drawn to health, movement, rehabilitation and helping people improve their quality of life. I wanted to study in an environment that was practical, progressive and globally recognised, and AUT gave me that opportunity. At that time, I felt that moving to New Zealand would give me better exposure, both academically and personally.

“Choosing AUT wasn’t just about getting a degree, it was about stepping out of my comfort zone, learning in a new country and building a foundation for the kind of career I wanted to create for myself. AUT helped me become more confident, adaptable and open to opportunities. It gave me the courage to experiment, explore and think beyond a conventional career path. Looking back, that decision to step out of my comfort zone shaped a lot of the person and professional I became.”

She says the practical and applied nature of the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) was extremely valuable.

“Physiotherapy is a field where real-world exposure matters as much as classroom learning, and the programme helped me understand how to work with people, assess their needs and apply clinical knowledge in practical settings. I secured my first role as a Pilates instructor during my third-year workplace experience, where I also received Pilates education and certification. This experience enhanced my professional development and expanded my career opportunities. Today, as both a Pilates instructor and physiotherapist, I have a wider range of opportunities to explore within the healthcare and wellness industry.”

Building her own practice
After completing her studies in 2010, Ritika worked as a physiotherapist in New Zealand before she founded Physio Revolution in New Zealand, which grew into three branches across Auckland.

“One of the achievements I’m most proud of is building my own physiotherapy practice in New Zealand and growing it into multiple branches. It was a big step to move from working as a physiotherapist to becoming an entrepreneur, and it taught me a lot about leadership, responsibility and resilience. I’m also proud of being recognised as Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards in 2014, as well as of my work with athletes and sports teams. Alongside my work in physiotherapy, I also developed a strong interest in sport and powerlifting, and ended up competing in the sport at nationals. This journey into fitness deepened my understanding of strength, performance and rehabilitation.”

Having now moved back to India, she is building on everything she learned during her time in New Zealand and has set up her practice, Pilates Wisdom and Physiotherapy, based on the model of work she tested in New Zealand.

“What I enjoy most is helping people reconnect with their bodies and move better. Physiotherapy and Pilates both enable me to work with people in a very personal and meaningful way, whether they’re recovering from pain, improving posture, building strength or simply learning to move with more awareness. I also enjoy the combination of science, movement and education. Every client is different, so the work is never repetitive. It requires listening, adapting and creating solutions that are truly individual to the person in front of me.

“AUT prepared me for much more than clinical work. It taught me independence, adaptability and confidence – qualities that became very important when I started my own business. I don’t think I fully anticipated how much studying in New Zealand would shape my mindset. It taught me to be open to challenges, to keep learning and to create my own opportunities rather than waiting for them. That has helped me not only as a physiotherapist, but also as an entrepreneur.”

Advice for other students
Ritika has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“Make the most of every opportunity, even the ones that feel uncomfortable at first. Moving to a new country, choosing a new path or starting again can feel intimidating, but those experiences often shape you the most. Be open to learning beyond the classroom. The people you meet, the practical exposure you gain and the challenges you face will all help you grow. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – it may become the best decision you make.

“Take the practical parts of your degree seriously because they’ll shape how you work with people in real life. In a field like physiotherapy, knowledge is important, but so are empathy, communication and the ability to understand each person’s individual needs. Stay curious and keep updating your skills. Healthcare and movement science continue to evolve, so the learning doesn’t stop when the degree ends.”

She also has some guidance related to a career in physiotherapy.

“Build strong foundations, but don’t limit yourself to one fixed idea of what your career should look like. Physiotherapy can open doors into many areas: clinical practice, sport, rehabilitation, Pilates, entrepreneurship, education and performance. Be willing to innovate and create your own path. If you’re consistent, open to learning and willing to work hard, the field can offer many meaningful opportunities.”