It’s time to say hello to wedding season, and the Diwali hangover makes it a mean feat indeed (the weighing scale didn’t agree with “calories don’t count” now, did it?). As you gulp ‘em smoothies and chomp on ‘em walnuts, we bring you Zoe Modgill’s exclusive insights to make this uphill battle a HIIT (yes, we did that). The fitness goddess shares the kick-a$$ routine you need to get in shape in this DSSC x Zoe Modgill Stay Fit Series part trois. Go ahead, put on some music, it’s time for training the Modgill way.
A HIIT Workout
High-Intensity Interval Training is a good mix of cardio and bodyweight exercises. Short bursts of HIIT training followed by rest work exceptionally well. One minute of workout and thirty seconds of rest, ideally continued for twenty minutes is just what you need. You can try jump rope, push ups, or any high-intensity exercise that tickles your fancy.
Burpees Are For Everyone
For me, this season is all about burpees. You can choose from a plethora of varieties, and it covers all aspects of training – strength, cardio, flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance, and stamina. Churn out a hundred of them in twenty minutes and this calorie-killing, strength-building, full body movement is better than anything else. Here’s how to do it:
- Bend over or squat down and place both hands on the floor in front of you, just outside of your feet.
- Jump both feet back into plank position.
- Drop to a push-up—your chest should touch the floor.
- Push or snake up to return to plank position.
- Jump feet back in toward hands.
- Explosively jump up into the air, reaching arms straight overhead.
- Add a little clap at the top of your jump (you gotta appreciate yourself for all the effort!).
While speed is essential, you don’t want to go too fast and burn out after the initial few burpees. Build yourself up to churn out as many in a row once you’ve tried it out a couple of times over a few weeks. Don’t miss out on upbeat Indian music while training!
The Detox Diet
Diet is just as important as training. Flush out the rich foods and alcohol you binged on all month by kick-starting the morning with a litre of water (warm or cold) with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Follow it with green tea breaks through the day, it has just the balance of caffeine and antioxidants you need. Add a touch of vanilla and cinnamon to your morning Oatmeal Heaven for brekkie. Opt for yoghurt, soups, and fruits when hunger kicks in at odd hours and go for fish and fresh vegetables for scrumptious yet healthy suppers. Play with interesting grains like cracked wheat, red unpolished rice, and various millets for creating variety in your meals.
Motivation Comes From Within
Motivation is key to achieving your fitness goals, in nailing those hundred burpees, and repeating them the next day or week. It all comes from actually knowing yourself, knowing what drives you. Is it hard work? Is it passion? Is it skill? Is it results? For me, it’s progress. I constantly challenge myself, with realistic targets, yet targets that push me to work hard in ways I never knew possible. Constantly looking for a new goal after achieving the first keeps me going. Right now I’m trying to perfect the handstand! Find your inner motivation and fitness will become a part of your everyday life.
Pumping up #OurCity, Studio 60 co-founder, Zoe Modgill is a force to reckon with. The fitness goddess dishes out ace tips in this exclusive DSSC X Zoe Modgill Stay Fit series, to train you to her tones.