The Fitness Bug has perhaps never got on to so many before, neither has the bite been so deep ever! From Bipasha Basu and Shilpa Shetty who have released their fitness DVDs, to the Size Zero fad courtesy Kareena Kapoor; from actors insisting on their fitness trainers accompanying them on shoots, to the popularity of Hot Yoga, the fitness bug is definitely the protagonist in Bollywood! Joining the lean mean bandwagon is the “Gol Mal Returns” diva.
Fitness is a huge part of an actor's lifestyle. What is your regime like?
Fitness is definitely a big thing for actors, because the show business requires good looks. My fitness regime is not equivalent to working out in the gym. I hate going to the gym. I'm someone who loves the outdoors. I love walking and cycling. But as part of my fitness regime, I do a combination of martial arts and yoga.
There are always those areas that can play spoilsport when you want to look toned. What are your problem areas and how do you deal with them?
My lower body is my problem area and I work on it constantly. My fitness routine definitely comprises kicking and stretching, as it helps me knock off pounds on my thighs.
What do you have to tell teenagers about exercising and making it your lifestyle?
Going to the gym is not the only way one can stay fit. Try and do a lot of running, walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. I took to exercise and fitness about five years ago, when I got into acting. Prior to that, I was just another girl who would binge on food.
Do you devote a certain number of hours every day to exercise and do you ensure that you lose a certain amount of calories a day?
I do not follow a daily system wherein I need to put in a certain number of hours, neither do I calculate the amount of calories I burn on a daily basis. I think it is essential for one to understand one's body type, one's problem areas and what one enjoys. A combination of these factors can give you the ideal exercise regime. I also believe that about 65% of your fitness depends on your intake, while only 35% depends on your physical exercise. So it is important to be strong-willed when it comes to avoiding those fatty foods.
How do you manage to curb those cravings?
I do crave for pizzas sometimes. I give in once in a while. Otherwise, I think I have become very strong-willed after entering the industry, as it is part of my work. It is all about your psychology and how you manage to convince yourself that food is just a small part of one's living experience. When I feel like eating, I eat fruits or sprouts.
If you have an event or an occasion lined up and you are not exactly in great shape, how do you ensure you look your best on the big day?
At least a week in advance, I start working out and go off carbs completely. I survive on boiled vegetables, fruits and sprouts so that I am in shape for the event.
A lot of youngsters today migrate to other cities to study or work, and do not have access to custom-made food or the luxury of space and time to exercise. What would you suggest to those away from home?
It is important to understand that exercising is part of one's lifestyle. Even when we actors go out to shooting locales, we might not get the kind of food we would want to eat or facilities for exercising. One could try on-the-spot jogging and simultaneously reduce the food intake. I always carry channa for those cravings and a skipping rope with me, to help me skip and burn those calories away, wherever I am!
Size Zero---woohoo or boo?
I do not believe in Size Zero. I think curves make a woman look more glamourous and I would not want to work towards achieving a Size Zero.
What kind of fitness funda would you want to see Youngistan adopting?
I would say, healthy mind resides in a healthy body. So work towards being fit, to stay happy and cheerful!
