Can you train like a pop star?

Weight-lifting and cardiovascular exercises emerge as favourites among India’s singing divas, but for the most part, they enjoy a little bit of everything

Dhvani Bhanushali

Fitness is crucial to avoid feeling lethargic [as a performer]. I eat regular meals, and avoid things that can affect my energy levels. I take care of my health so that I can work more. The awareness came about over time. I had to discover what worked for me, and what didn’t. 

I like to stick to Pilates, cardio and functional training, but if I [train excessively], I tend to bulk up, which is not good for me. 

Currently, I exercise four times a week, and walk a lot. I try to stay active. I have a nutritionist who monitors my diet. That’s helpful.

Anusha Mani

I had always been [athletic], but had to stop training when I [became busy due to my profession]. Then I felt it was affecting my health, so I started training again. Singers have drawn inspiration from the west, and have learnt to groom themselves. Nowadays, [shows] are also different; there is enough dancing, singing and performing involved, and one needs to be fit to pull it off. 

I have practiced weight lifting, Pilates, running, kick-boxing and functional training. I keep switching from one form to another. Currently, I have returned to practicing weight-training, and am enjoying it. I believe practising the form of exercise you enjoy will bring you benefits. 

Neha Bhasin

I was 17 when I took to dancing. At 18, I joined the gym. So, when I began my career at 19, I was fit. I knew I wanted to be a performing artiste, so  fitness was important for me. Also, I am fashion forward, so I like to be fit [to dress well]. 

The pressure [to look good] is there, anyway, whether or not you are a performer. My routine has evolved over the years. I began with dancing, moved to lifting, and then practised High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)  for seven years. I enjoyed it. Now, I love to run. 

In the last year while I was tackling health issues, I couldn’t do cardio, but I would do mat work. I enjoy animal flow and kick-boxing too. I believe in clean-eating. I am vegan, and gluten-intolerant, which helps me [abide to a healthy diet]. 

Tulsi Kumar

There isn’t any pressure to look fit, but being in a healthy state of mind makes you feel good. Looking better makes you feel and perform better.

I indulge in each and every form of exercise. I train at the gym, where I practise weight-lifting and cardio. When I am travelling or rehearsing for my shows, dance becomes the form of exercise I adopt. If I can’t train, I will walk often, and use the stairs. I also switch my exercises often; I may practice weight-lifting for a few months and then take to yoga. Sometimes, I may just do 100 to 108 suryanamaskars. Often, I practise running for 7 to 10 days at a stretch. On holidays, I may learn from YouTube videos. 

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