I know a lot of us are often curious about the diet, beauty and workout habits of fitness trainers and professionals.Contrary to popular belief, they have cheat days, drink wine on the weekends and have rest days by the telly as well. Ever wondered what a day is like in the life of a pilates and Zumba instructor (yes both). We’ve got the lowdown from Sanaa Vidyalankar. Sanaa is a certified fitness instructor and founder of Soul to Sole.

I’m curious about how well you multitask Zumba, personal training and pilates. Tell me about your day please?
On a typical day, my alarm goes off at 530 am followed by a few snoozes and slobbery puppy kisses. I generally hop out of bed and get moving to pick out my favourite workwear and scarf down a bowl of fruits—pomegranate, papaya, kiwi and banana. yes, I eat a lot of fruit and I feel like my body needs it because my days are pretty hectic. Even though I advise people to slow down in the mornings, my own lifestyle demands that I take my breakfast to-go.

My gym bag usually lives with me through the week (either in my car or in the studio), stocked with 5 different outfits, a light read and sunflower seeds. Once I open the doors to my studio in the mornings, the day is crazy with PT sessions, fitness classes, interviews, emails and coffee with colleagues. There is never a dull moment at work
From personal trainings to fitness classes to catch up sessions in between, there’s never a dull day in the week.

I’ve been a fitness trainer for over 3 years now and I’m always looking for new ways to bring laughter and life into all my classes. I make it a point to watch at least one new video everyday and innovate fun ways to motivate my students to workout. In between exhaustive sessions, I make sure to slow down and catch a coffee with my colleagues—making it a point to unwind and not mention work. Its hard to slow down during a crazy day but I cant tell you how important this is for you and your physiological well-being. I prefer to be alone for half an hour before my sessions to go through all the moves, to get my playlist ready and to realign my posture and calm my nerves.

What is your diet like on a daily basis?

My day starts with fruits of my choice (with either chia or flax seeds) along with a serving of museli/overnight oats usually. Breakfast includes a 4 egg mushroom, spinach and cheese omelet, a slice of whole wheat toast and coffee. I need to have coffee and a breakfast that satiates because my days are really crazy.

My favourite seeds to nosh on have to be sunflower and watermelon. When I don’t have these around, I grab a handful of unsalted almonds. Alternatively I have a vegetable juice as a snack. Instead of buying store-bought varieties that contain preservatives and colours- I usually make my favourite which is apple, beetroot and carrot.

Lunch is usually light and vegetarian. I find it too hot to have a large meal in the afternoon so usually eat 2 chapatis with a bowl of daal and any vegetable. As most of you already know, I train a few times a day so I make it a point to refuel before heading out for my evening classes. I drink either watermelon juice or coconut water along with a light bite (carrots and hummus/ sweet potato / peanut butter and a toast).

Some classes can be particularly intense, especially back to back classes of Zumba and personal training so I grab a homemade protein bar. Once my last workout of the day is up- I grab a scoop of my protein shake with water and have dinner soon after.

Dinner is usually grilled or boiled chicken or an alternate protein source like tofu, paneer with a generous serving of grilled vegetables. My cheat days can vary from craving to craving but I love a homemade pasta with cheese sauce. Everyone has to give in sometimes and remember if you are eating right 80% of the time- it’s alright to indulge mindfully and without guilt.

I end up turning in quite early and like to be in bed by 10 pm most days. My vice of choice is wine and if I do go out and drink with friends- I make it a point to drink at least 2 bottles of water before going to bed.Also, I make it a point to stay hydrated the next day with coconut water, lemonade and watermelon juice. There’s nothing like a good cardio class to get rid of a nasty hangover. You can thank me later.

Tell us a little bit about your beauty routine
I get a massage twice a week and oh they feel so good! If you’re working out on regular basis, massages are a must to relax those muscles. And of course the oil keeps your skin oh so supple and radiant. Once a week I take a morning off to give my self a home facial. Just the usual steam to start with, a nice scrub (currently using Biocare wine and beer scrub), fresh aloe vera gel to lock in the moisture (from the plant in my house) and finish it off with a fresh papaya mask.

I use Kaya Nourishing Night cream and can swear by how soft it makes my skin in the morning. My day cream is Olay Total along with Sesderma Azelac Ru Serum every single day. My hands usually get very rough with my workouts so every alternate day I use a mixture of sugar and olive oil to exfoliate. I wash it off and wear gloves to bed. I do the same thing with my feet and they feel amazing. The essential part is the gloves and socks which don’t let the moisture get out.

What would you like to tell people reading this?
Well, have fun and make fitness a part of your every day life. Celebrate your body and embrace it as it changes and transforms. Take some time out to unwind and let your hair down with your friends. Make space for a cheat meal or a glass of vino with your girls. A little party never killed anybody and the key here is in the balance. Good luck! See you in class. xx

Quick Notes-
Soul to Sole
B-64, Greater Kailash 1
Landmark : Standard Chartered Bank
+91 9990021303
+91 9873351874

http://soultosole.in/
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Picture Courtesy- Soul to Sole