Salman Khan coping with back-to-back action films and stiff muscles with kick-boxing, flexibility exercises
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 8, 2020)

After pumping iron for decades, Salman Khan is venturing beyond the gym to stay fit. The actor’s interest in diversifying his training regimen began with his turn as a wrestler and a mixed martial arts fighter in Ali Abbas Zafar’s 2016 film, Sultan, and with the realisation that an extended period of weight training renders the body slightly stiff.

According to personal trainer Rakesh Yadav, who met the 54-year-old actor a few years ago and is now training him, Salman decided to include kick-boxing in his workout routine for long-term benefits. “The routine comes in handy for Salman as he does a lot of action films which can be tiring. It can also be used as a form of cardio workout,” shares the fitness expert, who also trains Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani in gymnastics, mixed martial arts and parkour.

Besides going to the gym every day, Salman dedicates two hours to flexibility and kickboxing three times a week in the evening at his Bandra residence. “It’s not unusual for someone to take a break after a month or few, but Salman sir keeps pushing and stretching himself. Initially, it was difficult, but after months of adapting to his new regimen, he has become fitter and can do a split more easily,” Rakesh reveals.

He goes on to share that Salman has particularly taken to kicks with jumps and turns. “He also recommended me to Katrina (Kaif) to help her prep for Tiger Zinda Hai and to Jacqueline Fernandez and Daisy Shah for their sequences in Race 3,” he informs.