Discussing clients Sonakshi Sinha and Kangana Ranaut, pilates trainer Namrata Purohit on achieving big results by targeting smaller muscles across different body types
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 15, 2019)

Considering the array of celebrity trainers that comprise the Indian fitness market, the number of A-league actors that pilates trainer Namrata Purohit has whipped into shape, is noteworthy. Inarguably, a case study that could win her accolades is Sonakshi Sinha, who, since her entry into Bollywood, has been at odds with the weighing scale. Sinha, with her washboard abs, currently looks fitter than ever, and Purohit attributes it to their understanding of learning to deal with "her body type".

"Initially, she would train the bigger muscles of her body, which, given her body type, made her look bulky. When we started doing pilates, we addressed the deeper and smaller muscles, which helped her achieve a slimmer, toned and leaner look," says Purohit as she connects with mid-day as part of her association with AXN's upcoming show.

Individuals like Sinha, who are not blessed with the best metabolic rate, benefit from an added cardiovascular component. "When catering to them in a pilates class, we also up the intensity to achieve a higher heart-rate so that there can be fat burning. In Sonakshi's case, she includes a cardio component, using the treadmill or stepper, thrice a week."

Broach the topic of dealing with individuals who must strive to look fuller than they are genetically predisposed to, and Purohit instantly highlights the importance of a healthy diet. "The focus in their case is to eat good fats, instead of saturated fats. The latter can harm the hair and skin." Pointing out to clients like Janhvi Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut, she says such individuals must also up the amount of carbohydrates they consume.

"With Kangana, it's not just about the food, but also the amount of strength training she must practice to up her muscle mass. She may be skinny, but needs to tone her body. Janhvi is skinny. She started training with me in December. She had to first gain a lot of weight for an upcoming film, and then lose it. In such cases, when we had a time-line [to achieve the transformation], we had to ensure she gained weight in a manner that could facilitate a seamless weight loss later. Also, she needed to look healthy, not fat."

The cardiovascular component is limited when catering to those with a high metabolic rate.

The actor continues to rigorously train with Pilates expert Namrata Purohit for his upcoming action scenes in Dilwale and Dishoom.
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 15, 2015)

Varun Dhawan kicks off a rigorous two-week schedule of his upcoming action-drama, Dishoom, helmed by brother Rohit Dhawan, in Mumbai, this week. The actor has been lifting weights, ever since he signed up for Student of the Year, and over the last few months he has added Pilates to his training session, four times a week. "Varun has been working out tirelessly to increase flexibility, stability and core strength. He needs to go full throttle in both, Dishoom and Dilwale," informs his trainer, Pilates expert-turned author Namrata Purohit, adding that with every class they try out different sets of exercises to test Varun's strength and co-ordination. "He's never skips a session, and is always ready for every challenge. 'Real Men Do Pilates' that's our motto." And the 28-year-old actor admits that he had a couple of injuries when he first went to Namrata. But he's getting fitter and stronger. "I'm incredibly passionate about fitness. With two tough films on the floors, I need to be on the roll," Varun told Mirror. His 21-year-old trainer, explains that while Pilates is for everyone, bodies differ and so the training regimes differ too. "Most men have a strong upper body and midriff but are weak waist down. That was true of Varun too, so we worked together to improve his balance and ensure he has complete control over his limbs," says Namrata.

Quiz her on the actor and she admits he's a prankster in the gym. "He tries hard to pull my leg but in my studio, I'm king... and keep him sweating," she grins, saying that Varun enjoys relaxing exercises like stretching and working out on the 'Reformer' and 'Chair'. "He works on multiple muscles simultaneously, targeting the smaller, deeper muscles to prevent injuries. This month, we added exercises on the Pilates Cadillac for which he is suspended in air. This works the thighs and biceps," Namrata points out. Varun returned on August 3, from a fortnight's schedule in Morocco. For one of the stunts he had to stand on a bike and balance himself between two racing bikes. "John was riding one bike and I was riding pillion. There were no body doubles and it was a fast-paced cliff sequence, with high-octane blasts happening everywhere," he reminisces. "A car with a camera mounted on top was chasing us as we sped down the winding mountain road. It was like doing a split in the middle of nowhere. Standing on my head, swinging between my arms and training consistently, paid off." The actor will begin the second schedule of Dilwale towards August-end. He will be shirtless, kicking, punching and jumping off cars. "Like all Rohit Shetty films, not just cars, but people too will be seen flying around. There is as much action as there is romance," he promises.