Arpita Kala (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 25, 2014)

Bored of working out at home or balking the long drive to your gym to shed some kilos? Just put on your outdoor shoes and get set to battle the bulge under the blue skies.

All you need is a mat, a bottle of water and a spot in the shade to begin your fitness session, believes actor Nargis Fakhri. The Bollywood glam-bod actor swears by her outdoor fitness regime.

A self-confessed tennis and volleyball aficionado, she says, "I prefer outdoor activities over the gym any day." The actor, who recently shot for Reebok’s fitness campaign, is also a fan of quick excercises for people on the go. "Yoga and stretching is a must everyday first thing in the morning. Also, if you can just do anything for 30 minutes that’s high on cardio to get your heart rate up, say dancing or a workout video, your
entire day will change and you will continue to burn calories all day."

The 34 year-old also keeps a tab on her diet. "I try and monitor my diet as much as possible. But I also cheat, and treat myself! I absolutely love chocolate!" says Fakhri, who also uses a special app that calculates her calorie intake. "It helps me realise what I’m adding to my body. So, on the days I can’t work out, I make sure to watch what I eat," she says. For Fakhri, "fitness is not a fad, it’s a lifestyle change".

What’s her advice to those aiming to achieve fitness? "Be patient and work towards your goal to live happy and stay fit," says the actor, adding that there is no real substitute to working out. "It’s like having breakfast. You can’t do without it," she says.