Know Jacqueline's fitness mantras

BEAUTY AND THE BODY
    When I first came here from Sri Lanka, people were surprised to see my toned arms. I had come right after the Miss Universe pageant (2006). I was skinny too. In fact, I weighed 10 kilos less than what I weigh today. Right now my weight is around 56 kilos! I was told that I was too thin and that my stomach was too flat. They suggested that I should have some fat and that a lil’ belly show works. But now things have changed. You can’t even have one pound of fat on you. Even if I put on one kilo, it will be noticed in the photographs and they will comment, “Oh! She’s fat!” The first time I joined the gym was during the Miss Sri Lanka pageant in 2006. Then I went for the Miss Universe contest where I was exposed to girls who were so fit for their age. They could have joined the Olympics. They were doing crazy exercises. While I was only doing the treadmill, some weights and squats. These girls were doing hammer jacks, parade, cross fits… the works. But after joining the movies I’ve become more aware about health, fitness and nutrition.

JUST WORK IT
   After Murder 2 I had somehow become unfit. I had got kind of lazy. I wasn’t working out much. But when I signed Race 2, they wanted me to do fencing. I was keen to be super fit for Race 2. I began working out non-stop. I started doing cross fit and gymnastics. Today I am on a routine that is natural and easy for my body. I like to alternate things. I’m not on an extreme diet neither on an extreme workout. Fitness is your strength and so regular exercise a must. I wake up at 7 am. After a cup of tea and reading the newspapers I work out for an hour at home. On days when I’m energetic I work out even twice a day. I do it on a mat with great music - rock, pop and even EDM (electronic dance music). When I go to the gym, I prefer light weights. I go a bit heavier with the legs as they are strong. My friends Mishali Singhani and her husband Suren Joshi run a gym in Bandra called I Think Fitness. Suren keeps reminding me how fat I am. He says, “Go workout!”

 YOGA TALK
    I also attend yoga and dance classes. My yoga is not just about Suryanamskar. I keep trying new things. It’s amazing that Shilpa Shetty and Bipasha Basu have released their own DVDs. I have been training with yoga instructor Deepika Mehta. I enjoy dancing too because it’s not only an exercise but also enables you to learn the form, something which Madhuri Dixit endorses.

SMART DIET 
  I have a protein shake after my workout. I divide my meals into three portions - carbohydrates, protein and vegetables - a mix of rice, beans or protein and salad or stir fried vegetables. Also, I make these ‘nutri-balls’ at home. I combine dry fruits, nuts and seeds together and form them into balls. When I feel hungry while travelling, I have them. Generally, I’m not too strict with my diet. If I want to eat a chocolate or a pizza I go ahead. Even when I cheat, I keep it healthy. Like if I want to have pizza, I’ll go to a good restaurant like where you can ask for your choice of vegetables with a thin wheat crust. At times, I enjoy a bit of cake or some dessert. It’s not like it will kill you. Also, when I am out travelling, I make it a point to walk. I don’t get into a car or cab easily. So there are smart ways to stay fit. 

Jacqueline’s Fitness Tips:
  Aim to have flexibility, stamina and strength. Cardio builds up stamina. It could be running, dancing, swimming.
Weights are essential for muscle toning not losing weight.
To achieve flexibility stretching and yoga is the best. 
Drink a lot of water.
I carry a bottle all the time.
Consume at least two cups of green tea/herbal tea daily.
No carbs is not a healthy approach. 
Health foods also have calories. So have small portions.
Don’t push yourself too hard. You will injure yourself.