'I hate using the Gym!' - Shakti Mohan

The immensely talented Shakti Mohan who won DID season 2 in the year 2009 and then won millions of hearts on playing the very popular character of Kriya' in Channel V's Dil Dosti Dance, shares with TheTellyTimes her fitness secrets and what she does to keep in shape!

What does staying fit mean to you?

It is all about being healthy and being able to perform the daily activities that everybody does normally. It also means not compromising on certain foods that people do to lose that extra inch, but being able to balance the food and activities consistently.

What fitness regime do you follow to keep in shape?

Well, I am a vegetarian and I eat a lot of fruits. I also drink a lot of milk and regularly eat the basic dal-chappati and dahi as that is what defines healthy food! Chocolates and fried food is a strict no for me.

Do you prefer hitting the gym or sticking to normal exercise routines like walking and playing sports?

I hate using the gym! I completely work out on my own and through dance a lot of my exercise routine is pretty much sorted. I indulge in a lot of dance forms like ballet, hip-hop etc and I can definitely say that dance is an excellent form of exercise! Since dancers are pretty much confined to the walls of their dance studio, it is very important for them to go outside, head to parks and gardens for walks or maybe a run or jog too as the fresh air is also very necessary. So yes whenever I get the time, I head in for a half an hour jog or walk.

Do you play sports and if yes then which sport?

I don't play sports as such but indulge in a swim whenever possible as I love swimming!

What are the 3 basic things you do daily to keep in shape?

I am very particular about what I eat and make sure to never put on those extra calories and so I do my daily abs and push-ups every single day. Even if I am done with work at 4am and about to sleep, I put in 15 minutes and work-out with some warm-up exercises. Also, I feel that sleeping for a right amount of time is very important and hence I try and get some good sleep whenever it is possible! Doesn't happen most of them times but would love if it did.

Do you feel that food and eating healthy plays an important part in keeping fit?

Oh yes definitely, it is all a blend of many things!

Are you conscious of your eating habits and what does your daily diet contain?

Fruits play a very important part of my daily diet and I start each morning with a fruit, be it a banana, apple or pomegranate, anything works for me. Other than that, I follow the small meal concept and eat basic small meals throughout the day. I sometimes grab a roasted channa, a glass of milk or even a bhel. Being a dancer, you cannot eat heavy foods and staying light at all times is very necessary.

Do you believe in the size zero concept that has suddenly taken over everybody these days?

No not at all! I feel that looking think but not having the power or stamina in you isn't a great idea and definitely not something that will last too long. You should always follow something that your body allows you to.

A female celebrity body that inspires you?

I have had the chance to work with Katrina Kaif and feel that she has an ideal body. She is very fit and indulges in all the right methods like following the small meal concept, eating healthy and proportionately too.

A fitness tip for your fans?

Just eat healthy and try and avoid junk food as in the years to come it is definitely going to affect all the youngsters who love to gorge on all these foods. Just take care of your body and health!