With a national pageant title, a dozen television shows and films, and a body to kill for, Vivan Bhathena has our attention. The actor shares his workout secrets that help him lead a healthy life.
WEEKLY WORKOUT ROUTINE
Depending on what muscle group I am targeting or what my goals are, my workout is close to five days a week. I try to hit one body part per week because my body does not recover enough to do more than that. I try to play a sport twice a week. I play some volleyball or do some cardio.
FITNESS MANTRA
Consistency is the best fitness mantra. If you are not consistent with your diet or your training regimen, then you are not going to get anywhere.
FITNESS MYTH HE WANTS TO BUST
“Post-workout protein”. I think it is the biggest folly that I have heard of. Honestly, I myself have fallen prey to it a lot of times, but you don’t need it. You don’t need protein at all actually, until you are trying to get on stage or something like that. Even the guys getting on stage don’t really use it when they are preparing because it gives you a lot of water retention. It gives you a fake bulk or bloating of sorts, and it is not healthy.
IF NOT IN THE GYM
I love playing sports. If not in the gym, I’d prefer travelling. I will walk around, go for hikes, or any other such adventure sports.
IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY
The most important meal of the day is breakfast. If you are trying to gain muscle and you have been starving for 8-10 hours of your sleep, it becomes important to eat properly in the morning. I tend to have, at least, 20-25 grams of protein, plus some fats. I add a little bit of oats with it. And of course, my cup of tea, which I cannot do without.
THREE MUST-HAVE EQUIPMENT FOR A HOME GYM SETUP
A barbell is very important. A set of dumbbells and maybe some resistance bands are more than enough to set up your mini gym at home.
ONE MUSCLE HE HATES AND LOVES TO WORK ON
I love doing the aesthetic muscle groups like the chest, biceps, and triceps. I hate working out on legs because you don’t really get to show them. But as you grow older, you realise the importance of working on the foundation of your body, which is the legs, and how much it affects your physique. So as you grow older, you should train your legs.
TOP THREE WORKOUT TRACKS
I am listening to Spider-Man 2’s soundtrack currently. I like listening to Hans Zimmer’s soundtracks. Basically, instrumental music, but something that encourages me to push harder. Eminem also is on my list since I do listen to rap music as well. There is an Indian rapper called Fotty Seven, I really like him as well.
FITNESS IDOLS
There are too many actually. We have all aspired to look like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jean-Claude Van Damme. I like Chris Bumstead currently. I think his physique is really admirable.
A QUICK HEALTHY RECIPE
On the go, I guess almonds, some oatmeal, and eggs are invaluable. It is a very basic thing to just smash up three eggs and make scrambled eggs with a glass of protein. It is the easiest thing to do. Don’t buy those stupid fitness bars.
