7 fitness habits Shilpa Shetty swears by for a healthier life

For decades, Shilpa Shetty has been one of India’s most recognisable fitness icons. While the actress first rose to fame through her successful Bollywood career dating back to ‘Baazigar’ in 1993, she has arguably garnered even more influence in the field of health and wellness. In an age dominated by unrealistic diets and workout routines, Shilpa’s take on fitness remains refreshingly simple: consistency and balance. Here are some of the biggest fitness lessons we’ve learned from Shilpa over the years.

1. Fitness as a lifestyle

Rather than quick fixes built on bizarre diets and punishing workout routines, Shilpa underscores the most important part of her fitness journey - making long-term, realistic changes to your daily routine. According to Shilpa, the key lies in approaching your health with a realistic sense of what will work for you, in accordance with your lifestyle. Her philosophy serves as a reminder that lasting results do not come from drastic measures, but rather from cultivating healthy habits. Ultimately, the first step to becoming a healthier version of yourself begins with small, consistent choices, which, in turn, will deliver long-term benefits.

2. Balanced diet as a means of life 

We live in a world rampant with talks of intermittent fasting, cutting carbs, keto diets and many more outlandish food restrictions that simply seem unsustainable. Shilpa has always been one to denounce the notion of extreme diets, instead opting to create a healthy relationship with food. Instead of completely cutting out food that makes you happy, consume it in moderation instead. What is most important, according to Shilpa, is being aware of the food you eat. What you eat, when you eat, how much of it, and why you eat it are important things one should be aware of.

3. Yoga for the mind, body and soul

If you follow Shilpa at all, you’ll be aware that the actress has always been a promoter of yoga. Since her first time trying yoga as rehabilitation due to an injury, Shilpa has adopted it as part of her daily life. She has also posted multiple videos across her social media, endorsing the discipline and educating people on it. Yoga not only increases your flexibility and strength but is also beneficial for your mental state and well-being. Shilpa has been especially vocal about participating in this discipline, emphasising the importance of following the basics of inhaling and exhaling throughout the asanas.

4. Workout does not need to be complicated

While Shilpa has expressed her love and appreciation for yoga, she is also an advocate for other forms of workout routines. In an interview with a leading entertainment platform, Shilpa has talked about how she tries to incorporate different types of workouts including high intensity interval training, core strengthening, planks, burpees and animal walks. Keeping your body moving and living an active lifestyle is far more important than a particularly intensive workout.

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5. A healthy mind is food for a healthy body

As an influential figure on health and fitness, Shilpa has repeatedly touched upon the intrinsic connection between mental and physical wellbeing. From struggling with societal pressures, succumbing to beauty standards and more, it is easy to get into fitness with an unhealthy mindset. These thoughts are eventually what leads to restrictive diets and unsustainable lifestyles. In order to maintain consistency and incorporate wellness into your daily life, it is essential to inculcate a healthy mindset in relation to your health.

6. Follow a holistic approach

Breaking down the many facets of wellness, it has become increasingly clear that a healthy life cannot be acquired by simply following one aspect. Shilpa has remained a consistent figure in the wellness sphere due to her consistency in all regards. Fitness cannot be boiled down to simply one workout, or a specific diet - it is an amalgamation of different factors melded into a cohesive routine that is achievable for you.

7. Prioritise recovery and rest

While we have delved heavily into consistency and routine, it is also important to acknowledge the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Despite her role as an aspirational figure, Shilpa has kept it real and shared her ‘Sunday Binge’ cheat days, where she removes all restrictions and simply enjoys indulgent comfort foods and desserts without counting calories. She has also talked about the importance of getting adequate sleep, active recovery from workouts and even digital detoxes to maintain mental peace.

Balance, ultimately, acts as Shilpa Shetty’s mantra for a healthy life.

Text by Judah Abujam

Edited by Sabrina Mathews 

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