The lockdown has undeniably brought with it a lot of interesting trends and adaptations of how to keep physically fit. While some athletes have taken to social media to keep their audiences motivated, some have gone the extra mile and created their very own training facilities in their homes or backyards. This period might seem a tad bit more challenging for who had just begun training, or are regular sportspeople. Fear not, because here are some tips from star athlete and Ironman Milind Soman, and how you can get back to training while amidst coronavirus pandemic.
The celebrated athlete, supermodel, actor and entrepreneur has been inspiring lives across the world and has worn multiple hats with aplomb. Constantly raising the bar for fitness, his determination and dedication to stay healthy has motivated many to walk the path. Whether it is ensuring he goes for his morning run even when temperatures are below freezing point, following his swim routine when on vacation, or maintaining a healthy diet even while travelling, Milind has shown us that fitness is a way of life.
Tips On How To Maintain Your Fitness Routine
Here are some tips from Milind Soman to get started on your fitness journey:
1. Keep A Close Eye On Your Diet
Milind Soman: "When training for a sport, a marathon or just keeping up with your fitness routine, it's most important to keep realistic expectations. Don't pressure yourself into losing a lot of weight quickly, else your plan to achieve better health may miscarry. Thinking about why you are making a healthy choice will motivate you better, and sustain the momentum."
"The first thing to keep in mind before beginning your routine is to eat healthy. For me, that's easy - as I am someone who prefers home cooked meals along with fruits and nuts. My mantra is to begin the day by eating right, which I do by ensuring to include a handful of almonds as a part of breakfast. Since I was a child, almonds for me, have been a staple breakfast item. Not only are they tasty and filling, but they contain a host of essential nutrients like protein, vitamin E, magnesium etc. that are good for overall health. They also provide energy which helps me kick-start my day. So first and foremost, fix and manage your diet better to begin a healthier and more productive training routine."
Milind says: "My mantra is to begin the day by eating right "
2. Start Scheduling Your Day
Milind Soman: "Since the lockdown has confined us for quite a long period of time, motivating yourself to keep busy and constantly productive might be a challenge. My recommendation is to create a time table or schedule for your day, with planned hours for training. While training, if you miss out on something in your schedule due to other work, try to make up for it the same day. However, don't overwork yourself and give each activity an equal amount of time to maintain a balance in your routine."
"I personally believe that for any athlete discipline is the key, and having a schedule will also help in maintaining a track of your progress and achievements. Follow this regularly and with determination, and within a few weeks' time you will be able to feel the change in your everyday life."
(Also read: Ketogenic Diet: A Great Diet, But Not For Everyone)
Milind believes that discipline is the key to stay fit
3. Move Beyond Local Exercises
Milind Soman: "Understanding the difference between simple exercises and simplifying exercises is key. You cannot control where your body decides to burn fat, thus while training, your workout approach needs to focus on the entire body. There are different ways of doing this, but I personally recommend to opt for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT is a great way to begin and by channelling it correctly, your body will continue to burn your body fat even after you are done working out. Try it to believe it."
Milind Soman recommends opting for High-Intensity Interval Training
4. Don't Underestimate The Need To Stay Well Rested
Milind Soman: "Sleeping well and adequately is not just essential to maintain your health, but also extremely important to drive results from your exercise routine. Sleep is crucial for training recovery and helps with muscle repair after a workout. On the flip side, inadequate sleep can interfere with the body's ability to recover and inhibits it to build maximum muscle strength. For me, getting the right amount of sleep is my number one priority. It allows me to focus better and perform my day to day activities efficiently - both professional and personal. So, ensure you sleep well everyday to achieve the best-desired results from your routine."
Exercise and rest both should be in balance - Milind Soman
5. Snack Right
Milind Soman: "Another important thing to keep in mind is to snack right. After all this training and effort, a few wrong food choices can end up hampering your progress. With a tight training and food schedule, it's only natural for you to crave for a snack once in a while. Instead of curbing this feeling, I always recommend to opt for mindful snacking. Skip fried snacks and opt for nuts like almonds. You can roast them and keep handy to munch on whenever you have the urge to snack!"
Follow these expert tips from Milind Sonam and make fitness your way of life.
(Also read: 9 Effective Tips To Start Running)
