Don't blindly emulate star workouts

Preeti Kotwal, personal trainer and fitness expert at a city gym, agrees, "More than anyone else, it's the teenagers who have this craze of aping stars. They don't understand that, most of the time, the way the stars look are camera tricks. Just as they change their fashion statements, they want to keep changing their body." So how does she handle their queries and confusion? "Education is very important, and we always work towards raising awareness about fitness. We tell them that it takes at least three months to change a body."

Fit bods or zero sizes? Is it about a flat tummy or a curved back? If this confusion is not enough, there are DVDs by these stars which promise more than what they can deliver. Virendra Sherlekar, director of a gym, says, "Sometimes, it's the chest size and sometimes, the arm size. These days, it's all about the waist and abs. People are confused, but we try to logically see through what an individual wants to achieve. From there we start our fitness programme. Most of the time, these fitness videos of stars lack proper equipment, correct postures and techniques. Some people do buy them, but I feel that they are the ones who do not work out. They are the ones who let these DVDs eat dust on their shelves."

It's a well-known fact that staying fit is different from being thin. Yet, there are youngsters who get blinded by the glam world and lose out on the reality. As Smitha Pillay, branch manager and personal trainer of a fitness club, says, "Actors are backed by a great team, but obviously they don't talk about all that on camera. For each individual, genetics and body system work differently. You can get the best of only what your body can give you. We take regular counselling sessions with our confused clients in which they are explained and introduced to practicality." So are people convinced after the session? "Not everyone is. But yes, after following our plan, they so realize that what they see on TV is unrealistic. Though we don't discourage them, but we never give into their demands or suggest them crash diets or steroids."

Fitness experts feel that it is their job to remove the blindfold from their eyes. "Every person has his/her own expectations. We try to convince them, and explain what their body composition and requirements are. We figure out if there is actually a need to lose fat in the short amount of time that they ask for. Once they get a bit free with us, they understand. But yes sometimes it's difficult." Relating an incident, he says, "I had a 55-yr-old lady who had put on a little more than her body could take. She was struck by the glitz of Bollywood. In the beginning, it was tough to convince her. But we made her talk to a physiotherapist and dietician and took her to a trainer. You need to explain them the entire process and talk to them. Education is the only solution."

Have realistic goals and a thorough understanding of your body's requirements. If you want a hot bod like Bipasha Basu or a cool torso like Hrithik Roshan, go slow. Remember that they are stars, and staying fit is their route to being a hit.