Bollywood actress and fitness icon Shilpa Shetty Kundra has unveiled a new workout routine that’s taking the internet by storm. Her latest fitness video features a challenging variation of sit-ups, dubbed the “impossible sit-up,” and it’s already inspiring fans to push their limits.
The “Impossible Sit-Up”: Core Strength Redefined
Shilpa Shetty is renowned for her dedication to fitness, often sharing workout videos and tips on her social media platforms. In her most recent post, she demonstrates a unique sit-up variation that demands exceptional core strength and body control.
How to Attempt the “Impossible Sit-Up”
- Starting Position: Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms stretched out overhead.
- The Ascent: Engage your core muscles to simultaneously lift your torso and legs off the ground.
- Forming the “T”: Keep your arms extended straight out to the sides, parallel to the floor, forming a “T” shape with your body.
- Controlled Descent: Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Repetitions: Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.
While the exercise appears daunting, Shilpa encourages her followers by writing, “ABS-olutely worth it!” implying that the challenging nature of the exercise yields significant results for abdominal strength.
More Than Just Abs: Shilpa’s Holistic Fitness Approach
While the “impossible sit-up” is currently in the spotlight, it’s important to recognize that Shilpa Shetty’s fitness philosophy extends far beyond a single exercise. She advocates for a holistic approach that encompasses yoga, functional training, and a balanced diet.
Yoga: A Way of Life
Shilpa Shetty is a long-time proponent of yoga, viewing it as “a way of life.” She often shares videos of her yoga practice, showcasing various asanas and breathing techniques. Yoga, for Shilpa, is not just about physical fitness; it’s a means of integrating the body, mind, and soul. She emphasizes the importance of yoga for improving flexibility, strength, and inner peace. Her yoga routines often include Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and end with meditation. She has also highlighted specific yoga practices for concerns like glowing skin, incorporating asanas and pranayama to enhance oxygen flow, boost circulation, reduce stress, and detoxify the body.
Functional Training and Gym Workouts
In addition to yoga, Shilpa incorporates functional training and gym workouts into her routine. This includes exercises like Bulgarian split squats/lunges, weight training, and cardio. Functional training focuses on exercises that mimic everyday movements, improving strength, balance, and coordination. Shilpa also uses tools like the Bosu ball to elevate her workout. Bosu ball workouts are known for targeting the core and stabilizing muscles, further improving balance, strength, and coordination.
Diet: The Cornerstone of Wellness
Shilpa Shetty believes that maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for overall well-being. She follows a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of simple foods.
- Breakfast: Her day starts with aloe vera juice, followed by porridge and tea. She avoids white sugar, opting for brown sugar instead.
- Lunch: Lunch typically consists of dal rice (brown) or chapatti with chicken curry and one vegetable.
- Evening Snack: If hungry in the evening, she’ll have one brown toast with two eggs and tea.
- Dinner: Shilpa tries to eat dinner early, typically having a salad, soup, and one chicken dish. She aims to have dinner before 7:30 PM.
Shilpa Shetty emphasizes the importance of not starving oneself and consuming a balanced diet. She replaced white carbs with brown carbs and uses coconut milk in her diet.
Inspiring Women Over 40
Shilpa Shetty is particularly inspiring to women over 40, demonstrating that it’s possible to maintain a high level of fitness and vitality at any age. She shares workouts specifically aimed at women over 40, focusing on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and overall fitness. These exercises include:
- Spinal Wave Flow
- Bulgarian Split Squat
- Core Pilates
- Warrior Pose with Skandasana
- Single Leg Bridge Drive
- Trampoline Workouts
- Bosu Ball Sessions
She emphasizes fun and dynamic exercises for a healthier lifestyle.
Shilpa’s Fitness Journey: Overcoming Challenges
Shilpa Shetty has also been open about her personal fitness journey, including the challenges she faced after pregnancy. She gained 32 kilos after having her child and followed a low-carb, no-carb diet to lose the weight. She highlights the importance of choosing the right kind of carbohydrates, such as baked sweet potatoes instead of fried potatoes. Sourdough bread is a staple in her morning routine, and she tries to avoid carbs after 7 pm.
Social Media Inspiration: Monday Motivation
Shilpa Shetty’s Instagram handle is a source of fitness motivation for many. She regularly shares “Monday Motivation” videos, showcasing her workouts and encouraging her followers to stay active. These videos often feature fun and engaging exercises, demonstrating that fitness can be enjoyable.
Simple Soulful App
Shilpa Shetty also has a fitness app called “Simple Soulful,” which offers yoga, exercise, dance, and diet plans designed by celebrity experts. The app includes goal-based programs for weight loss, yoga for various needs (fat blasting, stress relief, flexibility), and meditation programs.
The Impact of Shilpa Shetty’s Fitness Advocacy
Shilpa Shetty’s dedication to fitness and her willingness to share her knowledge and experiences have made her a role model for millions. She inspires people to prioritize their health and well-being through yoga, exercise, and a balanced diet. Her latest “impossible sit-up” challenge is just one example of how she continues to motivate and encourage others to push their limits and achieve their fitness goals.
Beyond the Physical: A Holistic Approach
Shilpa Shetty’s approach to fitness goes beyond just the physical aspects. She understands the importance of mental and emotional well-being, incorporating meditation and mindfulness into her daily routine. This holistic approach is what sets her apart and makes her a true wellness icon. By sharing her journey and inspiring others, Shilpa Shetty is making a positive impact on the lives of many, encouraging them to live healthier and happier lives.
