Neetu Kapoor, the evergreen actress of Bollywood, is not just a style icon but also an inspiration when it comes to health and fitness. At 66, she defies age with her dedication to a balanced lifestyle. Her fitness routine is a blend of different exercises, a mindful diet, and a positive approach to life. This article delves into the details of Neetu Kapoor’s fitness regime, providing tips and insights that can motivate you to kickstart your weekend with energy and vitality.
The Core Elements of Neetu Kapoor’s Fitness Philosophy
Neetu Kapoor’s approach to fitness is holistic, encompassing physical exercises, a balanced diet, mental well-being, and consistency. She believes in staying active, eating healthy, and maintaining a positive mindset. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Regular Exercise: A mix of yoga, weight training, walking, and functional exercises.
- Balanced Diet: Home-cooked meals, portion control, and mindful eating.
- Mental Well-being: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and staying connected with loved ones.
- Consistency: Making fitness a priority and incorporating it into her daily routine, even while traveling.
Decoding Neetu Kapoor’s Workout Routine
Neetu Kapoor’s workout regime is diverse and tailored to suit her body’s needs. She incorporates a variety of exercises to keep things interesting and effective.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is a cornerstone of Neetu Kapoor’s fitness routine. She emphasizes its importance for both physical and mental well-being.
- Benefits of Yoga: Yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It also reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
- Pranayam: Neetu practices pranayam, including Anulom Vilom and Kapalbhati, to calm her mind and improve focus. Anulom Vilom involves alternate nostril breathing, which helps balance the energy flow in the body, while Kapalbhati is a breathing technique that helps detoxify the body and energize the mind.
- Surya Namaskars: When short on time, Neetu does 20 Surya Namaskars (sun salutations) to stay active. Surya Namaskar is a comprehensive exercise that works the entire body and is known for its numerous health benefits.
Weight Training
Weight training is another essential part of Neetu Kapoor’s fitness routine. She often shares glimpses of her weight training sessions on social media, inspiring her followers to incorporate strength training into their workouts.
- Kettlebell Swings: Recently, Neetu was seen doing 10 kettlebell swings before her yoga session. Kettlebell swings are a high-intensity, low-impact exercise that works the muscles of the upper and lower body, as well as the midsection.
- Benefits of Kettlebell Swings: This exercise improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, and power.
Functional Training
Neetu Kapoor also engages in functional training movements under the guidance of her trainer, Yogesh Bhateja.
- VIIT (Variable Intensity Interval Training): Yogesh incorporates VIIT into her routine, which involves high-intensity interval workouts with functional training movements. This type of training involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
- Exercises: Her functional training includes exercises like body blade, wiper kettlebell, TRX suspension training, and free form board exercises. These exercises help improve overall strength, balance, and coordination.
Walking
Walking is a simple yet effective way for Neetu Kapoor to stay active. She aims to walk at least 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day.
- Benefits of Walking: Walking is a great way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and boost mood. It’s also a low-impact exercise that’s easy on the joints.
Neetu Kapoor’s Diet: Healthy and Balanced
Neetu Kapoor believes in eating a balanced diet comprising home-cooked meals. She avoids fad diets and focuses on nourishing her body with wholesome foods.
Key Principles of Her Diet
- Home-Cooked Meals: Neetu prefers eating home-cooked meals and avoids processed or junk foods.
- Portion Control: She emphasizes eating everything in moderation and burning a good number of calories.
- Hydration: She stays hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water and fresh juices.
Daily Diet Plan
- Breakfast (10 am): A bowl of papaya, two egg whites on toast, and sugarless tea. In a recent interview, Neetu revealed that her secret to fitness is her breakfast, which often includes Kanji rice (fermented cooked rice). Kanji is a traditional South Indian probiotic recipe that supports gut health.
- Mid-Morning (12 noon): Watermelon and a glass of buttermilk.
- Lunch (2 pm): 1 roti, dal or chicken/fish, and dry vegetable.
- Evening Snack (4 pm): 5 almonds and 2 walnuts.
- Pre-Dinner (6 pm): 2 cream crackers.
- Dinner (8 pm): A vegetable juice and a fruit.
- Late Dinner (10 pm): 1 roti with dal or anda bhurji.
Post-Lunch Ritual
Neetu Kapoor follows a healthy post-lunch ritual to improve digestion. She consumes ghee with jaggery (gud) and homemade digestive tea.
- Benefits of Ghee and Jaggery: This combination works as a great detoxifying element, helping in the elimination of toxins and reduction in body acidity.
- Homemade Digestive Tea: The tea aids in digestion and provides a soothing effect.
The Probiotic Secret: Kanji Rice
Neetu Kapoor swears by Kanji rice, a fermented rice dish, as her secret to glowing skin and good gut health.
How to Make Kanji Rice:
- Take a spoonful of cooked rice.
- Place the rice in an earthen pot and add water to cover it.
- Let the mixture ferment overnight.
- In the morning, strain the fermented rice water (kanji).
- Temper the rice and kanji with a traditional tadka (seasoning technique) before consuming it.
Benefits of Kanji Rice:
- Rich in Probiotics: Kanji contains live, active cultures that balance the gut microbiome.
- Improves Digestion: It helps in breaking down sugar into lactic acid and promotes healthy digestion.
- Boosts Immunity: Kanji contains short-chain fatty acids that improve gut health and boost immunity.
- Maintains Blood Sugar Levels: It has a low glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Hydrating: Soaking in water leads to high water retention, which is beneficial during hot and humid seasons.
Mental Well-being: An Integral Part of Fitness
Neetu Kapoor emphasizes the importance of mental well-being as part of her overall fitness routine. She incorporates practices that help her stay calm, focused, and positive.
Meditation and Breathing Exercises
- Daily Practice: Neetu regularly practices meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Stress Relief: She finds that working out and practicing Pranayam help her feel good and stay fresh.
Staying Connected
- Family and Friends: Neetu values her relationships with family and friends. Staying connected with loved ones provides emotional support and contributes to her overall well-being.
- Positive Mindset: She maintains a positive outlook on life, which helps her stay motivated and resilient.
Tips to Emulate Neetu Kapoor’s Fitness Routine
Inspired by Neetu Kapoor’s fitness routine? Here are some practical tips to incorporate her principles into your own life:
- Start Small: Begin with simple exercises like walking and yoga. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
- Find Activities You Enjoy: Choose activities that you find enjoyable to make exercise a sustainable part of your routine.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet.
- Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of your portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to recover and rejuvenate.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage stress levels.
- Be Consistent: Make fitness a priority and stick to your routine as much as possible, even when you’re busy or traveling.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and rest when you need to.
- Consult a Professional: If you have any health concerns or are new to exercise, consult with a healthcare professional or certified trainer before starting a new fitness routine.
Neetu Kapoor: An Inspiration for All Ages
Neetu Kapoor’s fitness journey is a testament to the fact that age is just a number. Her dedication to a healthy lifestyle, combined with her positive attitude, makes her an inspiration for people of all ages. By following her principles of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental well-being, you too can achieve a fit and fulfilling life. So, take a cue from Neetu Kapoor and make this weekend the start of your own wellness journey.
