Showing posts with label Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Training. Show all posts
Decoding Deepika Padukone's Fitness Regime | Exclusive - Farhan Dhalla
When it comes to the fittest female A-list Bollywood actor (and by fit, we don't mean thin. It clearly means being healthy, strong and agile) Deepika Padukone of those few female actors who leads the pack. With abs and shoulder cuts to die for, folks can't stop obsessing over her hot bod. The actress has been a national level badminton player and swears by regular physical exercises. Actors often change their exercise routine to suit the requirements for a role, especially if it demands a lot of physical exertion. We've all been treated to some stunning stills from Deepika's upcoming (and first) Hollywood films - xXx The Return of Xander Cage, and we can't stop going gaga over her sexy avatar in the film. While the actress began her preparations in Mumbai with trainer Yasmin Karachiwala, she also had to undergo special training during the shoot, for which her team zeroed in on a popular trainer based in Canada.
We recently came across videos of Deepika's workout regime and were quite blown away by her dedication (and that awesome-sauce routine). The man behind Deepika's transformation for her hollywood debut is none other than Farhan Dhalla, one of Canada's best fitness instructors. In the past, he has worked with some of the world's greatest athletes, including Canadian Olympians and other world class athletes, many of whom have won gold medals and are world record holders. In an exclusive interview with Diary of a Dancebee, we got chatting with Farhan to understand Deepika's regime and quizzed him on all things fitness!
How did you come on board to train Deepika Padukone?
Deepika came to me as a referral from her trainer, Yasmin Karichiwala and my cousin Zeena Dhalla from Los Angeles. The two of the them together wrote a book in pilates titled “Sculpt and Shape - The Pilates Way” and are close friends. When Deepika was coming to Toronto, she inquired if either of them knew of any trainers in Toronto. Zeena suggested my name, as I’m not only a trainer, but also a former physiotherapist. Everything fell into place after that. We had our first session with Deepika on April 1 and our last on May 20 in Toronto (for the film). Then, June 21-26 in Madrid (for IIFA).
We recently came across videos of Deepika's workout regime and were quite blown away by her dedication (and that awesome-sauce routine). The man behind Deepika's transformation for her hollywood debut is none other than Farhan Dhalla, one of Canada's best fitness instructors. In the past, he has worked with some of the world's greatest athletes, including Canadian Olympians and other world class athletes, many of whom have won gold medals and are world record holders. In an exclusive interview with Diary of a Dancebee, we got chatting with Farhan to understand Deepika's regime and quizzed him on all things fitness!
How did you come on board to train Deepika Padukone?
Deepika came to me as a referral from her trainer, Yasmin Karichiwala and my cousin Zeena Dhalla from Los Angeles. The two of the them together wrote a book in pilates titled “Sculpt and Shape - The Pilates Way” and are close friends. When Deepika was coming to Toronto, she inquired if either of them knew of any trainers in Toronto. Zeena suggested my name, as I’m not only a trainer, but also a former physiotherapist. Everything fell into place after that. We had our first session with Deepika on April 1 and our last on May 20 in Toronto (for the film). Then, June 21-26 in Madrid (for IIFA).
What was the brief given to you for her look?
The focus wasn’t so much on the look, but the emphasis was really about helping Deepika with the physical demands in the scenes of the film. Deepika would describe to me what was required of her and then, I created a program to best prepare and optimize her performance. The benefits of this training secondarily resulted in her achieved physique. Though there were definitely no complaints about her results!
What kind of changes were brought about in her regular exercise routine, for her look in the film?
Our primary focus was on active stability, endurance and timing. Active stability is where we create a joint that is strong and flexible. It is for joints to function through full range of motion. Endurance was important to allow her to work and function with sufficient energy and minimal fatigue. And timing also refers to how well a body is coordinated to carry out a task efficiently and effectively. Since she is also a dancer, I created exercises that were like choreography. This worked best in helping her connect to what we were doing. It really made me step out of my box and tap into my creative side. It’s also one of the reasons why I love what I do. Every client is different and you have to be able to treat each one as such.
Were there any changes in her diet during this period?
My main concern with most clients is that they don’t eat enough food! But, Deepika's diet was pretty solid. So, we didn’t need to make any changes as such.
What was Deepika's exercise routine like?
A typical workout suggested by me begins with meditation and grounding exercise. We would then move on to mobility warm up exercises, in order to help her prepare for the workout. Deepika's workout in particular blended yoga, a bit of pilates (from physiotherapy principles), conditioning with weights, agility and dynamic exercises based on what she was shooting that day or week. Finally, some mediation to allow the body to assimilate and integrate the workout.
How would you describe your experience of working with Deepika?
What I noticed most about Deepika is that she has a mind set and focus that is very similar if not better then many of the athletes I’ve worked with. Her ability to focus and deliver whatever I asked her to do was quite inspiring and motivational. She is an absolute joy and blessing to work with.
Love,
The Dancebee
Training like a Pro | Nike (Part II)
Before I start, here's wishing all the fans and readers of Diary of a Dancebee a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Personally, 2014 has been a great year and I truly felt like the almighty has blessed me in the best way possible. I took some major decisions, drifted away from a few things and decided to hold on to things I love the most. And to be honest, I am glad I took this step. It gave me the confidence to believe in my work and rise above the usual. I can't thank my family enough for their support, but over and above everything, I must thank all of you. Yes, the readers and well wishers who stood by Diary of a Dancebee and my work for weeks and months, while I juggled a full time job as a journalist. While I do realize that the first half of 2014 saw days when there were no posts or updates, I promised myself to get back with a bang in the second half. And I, along with everyone associated with Diary of a Dancebee, did that in style. The brand transformed itself and presented new dimensions, that will continue to entertain the readers. Thank you for making 2014 a special year for me and Team Diary of a Dancebee. Keep showering your love! xoxo
And now, on to the second part of our 'Training like a Pro' feature with Nike.
While in the first part, we spoke about the fabric, technology, style that Nike swears by, along with putting together the perfect look for training in winters. I have now tweaked the look for a pre-training look (before heading to the gym) or for those want to see how they can style the same look for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2015. Remember, these looks are a sure no-no inside the training area, except for one shown towards the end, where we have kept the jacket aside. Post workout, you can put on the jacket again and head back home with it on, in order to keep your muscles warm and maintain the body temperature. If you catch the cold breeze in anyway, its really not a good thing for your body.
In case you plan to meet your friends before the workout and would like to jazz up the training outfit a bit, play with the way you are wearing that jacket. Wear it over your shoulders for that classic look or just go the casual way by tying it around your waist. These two looks never go wrong and can add a nice twist to the outfit. What's interesting is that Nike has got jackets in different fabrics and a fantastic variety of colors. If you are not the color loving individual, worry not, because you always have the good ol' black or grey option to choose from.
For the training period (and for those who don't want to carry a jacket along to a pre-workout meet up) can just pick a T-shirt in a pretty, bold color and opt for a material that is comfortable for all forms of exercise (be it aerobics, weight lifting, Pilates among others). Wear it with a pair of colorful track pants or workout leggings (or go the sober way by opting for a steel grey hue). Remember to tie your hair up in a neat pony tail or bun during the workout. Once done, leave it open so that the extra sweat doesn't stay there to build residue.
With 2015 just a day away, I am sure most of you would get down to jotting resolutions in a diary somewhere. Going back to the gym or getting fit will surely make its way to most resolution lists. If you are one of them, let me tell you one thing. If you do take up the challenge, don't leave it mid-way. The journey might be a tough one, but the results will only benefit you and that too, on a long term.
So get out there and Just do it!
Have a wonderful NYE and we shall see you in 2015, with tons of new articles, updates, videos and a brand new campaign!
Outfit Details
Obsessed FZ hoodie
Slim Fit swoosh tee in Purple
Hyperwarm Mezzo Training tights
Studio Training shoes - (All) Nike
Love
The Dancebee
Training like a pro | Nike
The road to fitness is not just about investing in good equipment and fancy food items. A very important aspect, that most people fail to take seriously, is the workout wear. Buying the right pair of shoes and apparel is a must. The market is filled with a variety of options, right from fancy running shoes, to training specific ones and even wraps (perfect for exercises that are traditionally performed bare feet). And when it comes to the perfect blend of fitness and a splash of colors, no one does it better than Nike.
Since childhood, I have been a workout wear hoarder and a trip to the Nike store always topped my agenda while shopping. Why? Well, my reasons as a kid was because I loved the way they play with bright colors (I love my workout gear in happy hues). Then as a teen, I absolutely adored their range of shoes, both for comfort and style (plus, my favorites - Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova wore Nike on the court, so I would always eye their limited edition gear). And as years passed by, I suddenly noticed that an entire shelf in my wardrobe is filled with Nike workout gear (apparel and accessories).
One glance at the Nike women range of apparel, accessories, shoes and you will notice that although the brand has successfully stuck to their signature elements, they have never shied away from experimenting. Be it with patterns, colors or constantly churning out different shoe technologies for specific needs, the brand has always dared to be different. A dash of neon green on teal or a stroke of steel grey on purple, every collection and the products part of it are sure to keep you happy.
But over and above every aspect, be it style, color among others, what I really love about the brand is their mission to offer every individual the technology that athletes swear by. From Dri-FIT fabrics to slim fit cotton tees, or Training shoes with upper mesh that allow room for air, thus improving breath-ability; each product focuses on not just improving your training and keeping injury at bay, but keeping you comfortable as well.
I chose hues of purple and teal for one of my recent trip to the joggers park. Keeping the cold weather in mind, and the fact that I always feel cold, no matter what, I paired this super comfortable hyperwarm mezzo training tights (made in an ultra-soft Dri-FIT jersey fabric, which helps keep sweat away and also keeps you warm) with a slim fit swoosh tee and of course my favourite - a full zip hoodie in cotton blend, to maintain the body temperature and keep it warm post a workout (which is essential). Keeping my feet comfy while I twist, twirl and jump is the Nike Studio Trainer. The fitsole sockliner with cushioned footbed makes this extremely lightweight pair of shoes a complete winner. While dancing (and jumping in between), I can land on the ball of my foot with ease, and the front mesh ensures that there is no trace of sweat inside (which is a boon in the otherwise humid climate that we deal with).
But that's not all, we have got another part of this post reserved for you.
Apart from talks on workout gear and our favorite items from Nike, we will be changing a few things here and there in the same outfit, to show off a different look.
Till then... Keep smiling, switch on your training mode and stay fit!
Outfit Details
Obsessed FZ hoodie
Slim Fit swoosh tee
Hyperwarm Mezzo Training tights
Studio Training shoes - (All) Nike
Love
The Dancebee
Master Class with Ramona Braganza (Part 2) + Fitness Month Contest
Here's presenting the second part in our Master Class with Ramona Braganza series, where the celebrity trainer answers a query submitted by several readers. Beauty and Fitness. Does it really go hand in hand? Watch the video to find out.
We have also got an exciting contest for our all book-loving, fitness freaks. As part of our ongoing Fitness Month, we are giving three lucky winners a chance to win celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza's brand new book - Feel Fit Look Fantastic in 3-2-1, where she shares the fitness secrets and exercises, which were used as part of the fitness regimes of Hollywood A-listers like Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Zac Efron among others. Watch the video and answer a simple question to win.
Don't forget to participate and Get fit!
Love
The Dancebee
