Kareena Kapoor Khan, a name synonymous with Bollywood royalty, has consistently captivated audiences with her stellar performances and her equally impressive fitness journey. At 44, she continues to redefine beauty standards, proving that true glamour lies in strength, health, and a holistic approach to well-being. Her fitness mantra isn’t about chasing fleeting trends or unrealistic body ideals; instead, it's a sustainable, three-pronged approach that incorporates consistent exercise, mindful eating, and a disciplined lifestyle.
Step 1: Consistent and Challenging Workouts
Kareena's dedication to fitness is evident in her rigorous workout routine. Her trainer, Mahesh Ghanekar, emphasizes that her focus is on building a strong and energetic body, rather than just being skinny. This involves a combination of weight training, functional movements, and heart-rate-based circuit workouts, four times a week. Each session lasts for an hour or more and includes 14-15 variations of exercises, primarily High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
What sets Kareena apart is her commitment to pushing her limits in every session. Ghanekar reveals that they focus on elevating her heart rate to 135 bpm or higher, sometimes reaching 170-180 bpm, and then monitoring how quickly it recovers. This approach not only burns calories but also enhances cardiovascular fitness. Furthermore, Kareena incorporates weights ranging from 2.5 kg to 12 kg, along with tools like weighted plates, steppers, dumbbells, and kettlebells, to keep her workouts challenging and effective.
To prevent monotony, Kareena also utilizes her home environment for workouts, incorporating walls and staircases into her routine. This adaptability demonstrates her commitment to staying active, regardless of location or equipment availability. Yoga also plays a vital role in Kareena’s fitness regime, improving her flexibility, core strength, and overall well-being. Specific asanas like Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Naukasana (Boat Pose), and Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose) help maintain a slim and strong waist while enhancing balance and posture.
Step 2: Mindful and Traditional Eating
Kareena Kapoor Khan is a firm believer in the power of home-cooked meals and a balanced Indian diet. She avoids extreme restrictions and embraces a sustainable approach to eating, guided by her nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar. Kareena's diet primarily consists of traditional Indian dishes, with khichdi being her ultimate comfort food. She emphasizes the importance of eating simple, nutritious meals like dal, rice, vegetables, and roti every day.
Key principles of her diet include starting the day with fruits or nuts, avoiding junk snacks, and incorporating seasonal and local foods. She also makes sure to eat every 2-3 hours to keep her metabolism active. Kareena prefers to have dinner by 6 pm and go to bed by 9:30 pm, which helps in proper digestion and restful sleep. This "almost monastic" routine allows her body to rest and rejuvenate, further supporting her fitness goals.
Step 3: Disciplined Lifestyle and Mental Well-being
Beyond exercise and diet, Kareena prioritizes a disciplined lifestyle that supports her overall well-being. She ensures she gets adequate sleep, which is crucial for muscle recovery, hormonal balance, and mental clarity. Kareena also emphasizes the importance of mental well-being, stating that her mood gets bad if she doesn't workout. She sees fitness not just as a means to physical appearance but as a mood stabilizer and anchor.
Moreover, Kareena is known for her positive mindset and body awareness. Her yoga teacher, Anshuka Parwani, notes that Kareena is highly attuned to her body's needs, knowing when to push harder and when to take rest. This self-awareness allows her to maintain a balanced and sustainable fitness routine. Kareena also stays hydrated by drinking at least three liters of water every day, which is essential for glowing skin and overall health.
In conclusion, Kareena Kapoor Khan's approach to fitness is a blend of consistent exercise, mindful eating, and a disciplined lifestyle. It's a testament to her dedication to health and well-being, proving that true fitness is not about achieving unrealistic standards but about embracing a sustainable and holistic approach to living a P.H.A.T. (Pretty, Hot, and Tempting) and fabulous life.