Anushka Sharma says everyone — man or woman or child — should aim to stay fit and offers a lesson in gender equality
Upala KBR (DNA; March 7, 2016)


How I keep fit
The way I keep fit depends on the kind of film that I am doing. When I have to look a certain way, I have to learn or train in a particular way. For example, I play a sportsperson in Sultan, so I’m training to gain mass and muscle — and it’s mostly weight training now. Normally, though, my training is more functional. I don’t really cycle, I jog and run on days that I do cardio for a minute or so, then come off for a minute and start again. Coming from an army background, we had a club close to our colony and I used to swim a lot there as did the other kids. It used to be a huge part of my life.

I’d like to try
I have never run a marathon and maybe it would be something that I would like to try. I would like to prepare myself for it and give it a shot when I have free time.

My three principles
For me, the three principles of fitness are: to be consistent, eat right and know the program that you are doing really well. That’s really important. It’s important to know that because, for me, that is also the way I motivate myself. Some years ago I had no interest in going to the gym and training because I think the motivation was superficial (looking a certain way), but now I train to be fitter, stronger and healthier. So, now, I feel the motivation is what gives me a kick. I want to get up and go to the gym and train everyday. It’s important to know the direction you’re working towards.

Keep diseases away
It’s important for everyone — women, men and children — to be fit. It’s very important to treat your body right. You can avoid any ailments or diseases, then. I think prevention is better than cure. So, staying fit is what everybody should do. I understand that it’s difficult for working men and women to come home and workout. I know it’s easier for me to say this as it’s part of my work to stay fit, look a certain way. Even then, when I’m working 14-16 hour stretches and don’t have enough sleep, I still motivate myself to go back to the gym and do at least 20 minutes of some kind of physical workout. I think that is something everyone should try and do.

Just respect women!
Women’s Day, Valentine’s Day… I actually don’t believe in these days… Mother’s and Father’s Day are sweet enough. I think being respectful towards women, treating them equally and not judging them on the basis of their gender. That itself would be a way in which men and women can celebrate one other. It’s very important for women to respect other women as well. When you treat each other with respect and as equals — man or woman — it leads to a better and more evolved society and community.

Anushka Sharma on sports, fitness, eating habits, and why she loves Virat Kohli's personality
Karishma Loynmoon (TIMES LIFE; August 3, 2014)

The svelte Anushka Sharma can be often spotted playing badminton, basket ball, table tennis and a host of other sports. But don't you dare call her thin! She prefers slender and athletic. Here, the actress shares her fitness regimen.

FITNESS IS A HABIT
I wouldn't call myself a fitness freak. But if I don't work out, I don't feel good. Earlier, when I was modelling, I had no time for workouts or sports. But today it's a habit. I have a friend, who in my opinion, personifies being a 'fitness freak'. He works out for four hours a day and his life revolves around it. I'm not like that. For me it's a joy, not an obsession.

MORNING BLUES
I know it's better to exercise in the morning but I'm not a morning person at all. I exercise in the morning only if I'm shooting in the evening. I rarely miss my training session. Unless of course I'm unwell, because then working out is counter-productive.

FITNESS AT HOME
I prefer working out at home because I know I will do it for sure. In Mumbai, travelling for anything is pretty annoying. Also, my gym is in my building.

REVIVE, REJIG, RESTORE
Changing your workout routine is the key. My trainer insists on it. Sometimes, we box or do resistance bands. I like running too.

NO ENERGY BARS!
You are generating energy while working out. So what's the point of consuming nutritional bars and energy boosters, especially when you're in a bid to lose weight? After my workout, I have a protein shake. It's highly recommended because you've just broken down your muscles. And you have to nourish them so that they recover fast. Also, I sip on water between weight training sessions. Then I eat a complete meal.

QUITE A SPORT
In school, I was athletic and fond of sports. I was an avid badminton, basketball and table tennis player. I'm a good swimmer too.

YOGA MAGIC
I've started practising yoga with a teacher. I do it five times a week for an hour. I even do headstands against the wall. Yoga helps digestion. It also works as an instant mood elevator. I combine it with my workouts.

DAD KNOWS BEST
I often work out with my parents. I used to take them to the gym every day at one point. My dad has been a commander in the army. So he's done the real deal. He thinks whatever we do is all bull**** and childish. My father's particular about food habits. He's always telling us to eat right.

SPORTSMEN ARE COOL
I feel privileged to be born in a generation where gadgets aren't the only source of entertainment. Today's kids are hooked to gadgets. My kids will always be engaged in sports. Sports are best for personality development. See sportspersons like Saina Nehwal and Virat Kohli. Notice the way they talk. They're driven individuals. Every child needs to learn a sport. It inculcates character.

ANOREXIC?
Never! What do I say about being dubbed 'anorexic' by the media? It was such a rubbish PR activity. It got blown out of proportion. That incident stressed me out so much that I lost even more weight.

EAT SMART
It's easy to control your diet. Just don't order the wrong stuff. The foodie that I am, I let myself go if I like a particular dish. I stock healthy stuff at home. Junk food isn't my thing. I don't crave it.

MUSIC MIX
I choose beats that are fast and charge you to work out harder. I love cheesy songs but I also listen to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Prodigy and Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor are always on my playlist. My choice in music is random because I go by my mood.

FRANCIS MISQUITTA (weight trainer)
“Anushka is a strong-willed girl. And that's what keeps her fit. No matter how hard her day gets, she pushes her limits. She has fabulous mindbody coordination. Her form is immaculate. She's also a quick learner. As for her diet, we don't give her one because she dotes on homemade food. She can't do without it. Her taste buds don't crave unhealthy junk food. A strict diet makes no sense."

EEFA SHROFF (yoga instructor)
“Anushka does the basic hatha yoga. There are two styles to yoga, one is the freeflowing kind and the other is static but strength-based. She's more inclined towards the latter. She's spiritual and has a steady mindset. Even as a beginner, she does the headstand for six minutes, which is a huge deal."