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Sizzling Shama Sikander reveals her fitness secrets!

We got actress Shama Sikander, who plays the role of Shunya in Yash Raj's television show Seven to share her fitness secrets with us. Read on to know how you can look fab, just like her!

Are you a fitness freak? What kind of fitness regime do you follow?

Yes, I am. I entered the industry at a very young age, when I was about 13 or14 years old and fitness has always been an integral part of my daily routine, which has stayed with me over the years.

I ensure that I work out everyday for at least an hour. Also, it is important to eat right and think positive. A good sound sleep of about 8 hours each night helps a great deal.

How important is it to follow a routine?

This depends from person to person. As far as I am concerned, I have always been a fitness-oriented person. Fitness for me is as important as eating food or drinking water.

How much time do you spend in a day working out?

I try and spend at least an hour everyday on workouts.

Any sport or habits outside of exercise that help you maintain your body?

I am not much into sports. However, I do indulge in kickboxing quite regularly and that helps me keep fighting fit.

'I had a lot of pent-up anger in me, which kickboxing helped release'

How did you get into kickboxing and how long have you been doing it?

I have been kickboxing for the last 8 to 10 years now. I have always loved action movies and, in fact, I have always harboured this fantasy of being an action heroine.

I also had a lot of pent-up anger in me, which kickboxing helped release. It is important to take the negativity out of you as a person and kickboxing provides me the ideal outlet to deal with it. As a woman, it gives me a great high to be able to punch hard or kick hard. However, for people who can't do it, brisk walking or stretching can be a good alternative.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated towards your workout schedule?

You can keep yourself motivated by thinking positive and aspiring to be fit. Once the body is fit, everything else follows. Fitness is a way of life.

'I make it a point to drink 4 litres of water everyday'

What is your daily diet like?

I have a glass of warm water after waking up. This is followed by a bowl of muesli and oats. For lunch I have multi-grained rotis, sabzi, dal and dahi. I make it a point to drink 4 litres of water everyday. Also, in between meals I have at least 3 servings of fruit. The night meal is the lightest, comprising of salads and fruit.

As far as your diet goes, is there a strict regime that you follow?

Yes, I do follow a strict regime almost through the week. However, I let loose and indulge myself by eating almost everything I like once in a week.

Do you have a dietitian or an instructor to maintain your fitness levels?

Yes I have a personal trainer and on and off I consult a dietician. I generally consult a dietician only if I need to lose weight or prepare myself for a particular role. Else I follow my daily routine.

Do you count calories when it comes to eating?

Not really. I eat what benefits me and don't think much about it. Nowadays you do get foods which keeps a check on the calorie count and I have them once a while.

'When people start following others' diets or fitness regimes, it really doesn't work'

Do you equate fitness with the shape of the body?

Not really. Fitness is in your mind. If you are mentally fit, it helps you to stay physically fit too. Mental fitness is a very important aspect too, which can't be discounted.

A workout myth that you'd like to break.

Every body functions in a different way. When people start following others' diets or fitness regimes, it really doesn't work. It is important to work out a routine and diet plan that suits your body best.

Anyone that you idolise when it comes to staying in shape?

Hrithik Roshan and Halle Berry.

Do you have any fitness advice for our readers?

A healthy body is important because, as an individual, your first responsibility is towards yourself. Your body is like a temple and should be respected and taken care of. One can achieve a lot more in life if one is mentally and physically fit.

'It's important to hit the dance floor and let loose'

Any specific fitness tips you'd like to share?

• Drink enough water, but be careful not to overdo it, as that can be harmful too.
• Include fruit in your diet, have more fibre and less carbs.
• Salads must be a part of every meal.
• Butter milk helps keep the body cool, especially in summer.
• Have multigrain bread instead of normal bread.
• Above all, stay happy and positive.

Can you suggest some fun ways of working out?

Kickboxing and dancing are two excellent fun ways of working out. Dancing is a great exercise, which invigorates you and keeps you fit too. So it's important to hit the dance floor and let loose. Also, listening to music while working out is a great way of making your workout sessions fun.

Do you meditate or do yoga?

Yes I do yoga, also power yoga at times. I make it a point to listen to a lot of meditative music whenever I get the time. I have lots of that kind of music on my iPod and mobile and I sometimes turn it on in the car, in between shoots etc. It is important to keep practicing meditation.