You’ll never believe what Deepika Padukone does to stay fit!

Think the actress spends hours in the gym to get that svelte body? You're wrong. Here's her simple fitness secrets.

By: Kriti Saraswat | | Updated: May 19, 2016 3:31 pm

Deepika Padukone is quite the versatile actress who takes up challenging and different roles including mainstream as well as off the beaten track. According to me, she effortlessly transforms herself according to the requirement of each role whether it is a messed up alcoholic in ‘Cocktail’ or a bar dancer in ‘Happy New Year’. But one thing that’s been constant in all her films is her svelte figure. If you are wondering how the actress manages to be in shape despite her busy schedule, you’ll be surprised to know she doesn’t do anything extraordinary. Here’s her fitness routine. Also Read - Taapsee Pannu's nutritionist spill the beans on her shredding diet for "Rashmi Rocket"

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Being the daughter of a renowned badminton player, Deepika owes to her genes for her excellent metabolism and stamina. She herself is an excellent badminton player and would train for hours for the same. In her initial training days, Deepika would run, weight train and also play badminton — all in the same day. Perhaps this resulted in her having an athletic physique right from her teens.

Now, Deepika sticks to cardio, strength and weight training and Pilates. These further improve her core strength and flexibility. Actors often have to shoot in remote locations which makes it difficult for them to find a gym to work out. But Deepika makes sure she gets her fair share of exercise by either swimming, running or simply dancing. (Here are 8 lessons we can learn from Deepika)

Yoga routine

Deepika’s yoga trainer Abhishek Sharma says she incorporated this fitness regimen in her plan in 2008. It not only helps her relax physically but mentally as well. He has devised a yoga plan to suit her needs which is not very high intensity but targets her entire body. It starts with 10 rounds of Surya Namaskar and then asanas to strengthen her spine and improve posture such as Cat Stretch, Warrior Pose, etc. He has also included deep breathing as part of her yoga routine for additional health benefits. Read more about her yoga routine here.

Diet dos and don’ts

Deepika is one of those actresses who does not put on weight too easily due to her active lifestyle. She also does not like to cut down on her favourite foods or starve herself. According to her Pilates trainer Yasmin Karachiwala, Deepika eats what she likes but makes sure she works out post the indulgence. She often stays away from junk food but to satisfy her sweet tooth, she eats dark chocolate at night. Read why this is a healthy idea.

Deepika also starts her day with fresh fruits. She even makes sure she eats light for dinner but her diet mostly consists of basic Indian food such as dal, subzi, roti with salad. Being a teetotaller works in her favour as alcohol adds loads of empty calories without much nutrition. She manages to eat a balanced diet rich in protein, carbs and other food groups to stay healthy.

Want to know how Deepika maintains her luscious locks? Click here.

Deepika and depression

Though the actress in her best form physically, she did suffer from bouts of anxiety and depression. But instead of hiding this fact about her personal life, she’s been vocal about it and also plans to spread mental health awareness in our country where such things are often taboo and brushed under the carpet. Read what Deepika has to say about her depression.

This article is based on research and interviews given by Deepika and her fitness trainers to various websites and publications.