Hrithik Roshan's fitness advice - 'Strive to become the best version of yourself'
With classic good looks, a physique to match, and killer dance moves, he is called the ‘Greek God of Bollywood’. YourStory caught up Hrithik Roshan – an icon who has inspired an entire generation towards fitness. Edited excerpts from an email interview.
Why launch a business when you are already so busy with acting?
HRX is my platform to give back to the people who have showered so much love and adulation on me for years. It is a way of reminding people that no one is born perfect, but with sustained effort and by constantly pushing your limits, you can become a better version of yourself. This is the essence of the brand, which has grown over the years because of consistency in quality, constant innovation and great affordability.
Actor Hrithik Roshan believes that being disciplined is the first step to success
How important is fitness to you?
For me, fitness is synonymous with being happy, and feeling the joy of being functionally strong and agile. It is about being able to discover new skills with your body, being able to breathe deeply, and feel the life force and peace and excitement of just being.
How do you keep fit? What are some of your important fitness rituals?
Initiative and consistency are the key to having a good physique. For me, the rules are simple: explore, find out and be curious about how you would feel if you could truly be the best version of yourself! My fitness routine consists of morning cardio for an hour, followed by functional/weights training for an hour.
What kind of diet do you follow? What are your favourite foods?
I am very particular about what, and how much, I eat. I know what is good for me. I am always on the lookout for ways to eat healthier. So, I make sure to eat the right foods at the right time. My meal plan includes six meals a day, which I eat after every two or two-and-a-half hours (depending on what time I wake up). I plan my meals according to my fitness goals from time to time. I also abide by the rule of not eating after 8 pm and always make sure that I finish the last meal before or by 8 pm.
Staying fit is all about maintaining consistency and initiative
Can you give us a few tips to stay healthy?
My five-point plan for staying healthy is:
* Set a goal
* See it
* Begin
* Go insane
* Then make a bigger goal
When you look back at your experiences in the film industry - what were some of the traits that kept you going?
Initiative and consistency
How do you stay so disciplined? Can you give us some tips on how to stay disciplined and motivated?
It’s easy when you realise that discipline actually sets you free. Because I am disciplined, I can do what I feel like, eat what I want, binge when I want, wear what I want etc… because at all other times I am disciplined.
Hrithik Roshan works out for two hours each day
Do you think pressure and stress are an important part of life?
Of course, they are. These are the precursors to growth. There can be no growth without uncertainty. Those times are like a gym for the mind.
How do you push your limits at work, especially for stunt and action scenes?
If I can see it in my mind, I can do it. Then nothing can stop me.
Tell us about your fashion line.
Men’s athleisure is my star category. Tees, joggers and tracks lead the pack for me. The styles are in line with international trends, with graphic tees, infographics, shapes and forms and camouflage.
Can you tell us about HRX and the inspiration behind it?
HRX has been conceived and created to serve as a platform to bring like-minded people together and it stands on pillars of fashion, fitness and technology. It has a purpose to serve in the form of helping people become better versions of themselves with sustained effort and a strong belief. The name is a combination of HR and X. The letter X stands for “Extreme” which is borrowed from the brand philosophy of “Pushing your extreme to become the best version of yourself”.
What are your plans for the immediate future?
Get better every day. At everything.