Given our often stressful and not-so-healthy lifestyles, fitness and good health have become even more important currently. In a world where most people struggle to keep up with an exercise routine, we spoke to five fit (and very busy) women who shared their secrets of finding the time and keeping the balance. We are sure this will inspire you to get up and start running.
1. Sneha Mankani, Writer
Fitness regime:
Sneha alternates between yoga in the mornings and jogging in the evenings. She includes one hour of workout every day, five days a week. Though she is extremely particular about her fitness routine, she doesn’t follow a strict diet. “I stick to home-cooked meals on most days, but I make sure I start my day with a light breakfast of coconut water and fruits, followed by a second breakfast.”
Motivation:
“Once you start practicing a form of workout that you love and find your space, you’ll never want to stop. The liberating feeling after a run is enough to motivate you to get back on the track the next day.”
Advice:
“It not only changes you physically but has an evident effect on your state of mind, productivity and just your general mood. So get on that yoga mat and release those happy hormones.”
2. Ishita Bhojwani, Corporate Communications Professional at SpocMas
Fitness regime:
20-year-old Ishita loves dancing so she picked a fitness routine that lets her dance her heart out. “I love Zumba, but I also go on long morning walks at the beach. It’s the best way to start my busy day. I combine this with functional training, every three or four days a week.”
Motivation:
“The fact that I need to feel good about myself keeps me motivated. Nothing can motivate you except your inner self. If you decide to do it, you can.”
Advice:
“Remember that fitness is the most important thing. It is above everything else.”
3. Shikha Uberoi, Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Indi.com
Fitness regime:
A former tennis player, Shikha lives a chock-a-block life, but that doesn’t stop her from focussing on her fitness, stating, “My mornings start with power yoga sessions. An hour of yoga is helpful to get going with the day. I keep alternating between an intense tennis session and power yoga, pilates and kickboxing. The timing depends on how much fun I am having. At times, someone has to literally drag me out of the circuit because there is some urgent meeting or interaction planned. But I make it a point to take 60 minutes out every day for my workout, or at least go for a run.”
Motivation:
“I get into a very meditative and focused state of mind while I am working out, which helps me find balance and manage the initiatives that I am part of.”
Advice:
“Stop looking at the routine as a punishment and begin to enjoy the daily discipline.”
4. Surabhi Rawat, Media Professional
Fitness regime:
25-year-old Surabhi works out in the gym on days when she isn’t feeling lazy. “I stick to 30 minutes of brisk walking or 12 sets of Surya Namaskars at home. I try to work out for at least 30-90 minutes, but I don’t work out on weekends. I prefer eating everything in moderation. I always opt for healthier options.”
Motivation:
“A good workout instantly uplifts my mood and keeps me motivated.”
Advice:
“Do not starve yourself! Make moderation the key to your fitness plan.”
5. Preeti Binoy, Public Relations Professional
Fitness Regime:
Preeti works out five days a week. Three days are reserved for boot camp at the gym and the other two days are dedicated to cardio. The 38-year-old public relations professional works out for an hour every day, after office hours, saying, “Maintaining a balanced diet is important and I keep a check on what I eat. I always write out a weekly meal plan which helps me keep track what I am consuming. I also plan meals and snacks daily so that I consume each food group every day.”
Motivation:
“My biggest motivation is staying fit. By staying fit and healthy you not only look and feel better but you decrease your chances of medical conditions such as diabetes, heart attacks, high cholesterol and hypertension.”
Advice:
“You must avoid junk food which is one of the most important components of a fit lifestyle. Many people ignore it, but if you exercise and eat a lot of junk food you will not be fit. This is because the junk food turns to fat almost immediately.”
