Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar turns 53 today and how! The blockbuster machine doesn't look a day older than 35 and each passing year makes us wonder how the man is acing it all. Akshay, who started his career in 1987, has won many hearts and accolades in the past with hits like Toilet- Ek Prem Katha, Gold, Padman and Mission Mangal. Along with such blockbuster hits to his credit, the Khiladi has taken home many awards including a Padma Shri and a National award. While his fans are eagerly waiting for his next release, Laxmmi Bomb, the actor has already begun shooting for his bext, Bell Bottom.
But if there's one thing that the actor is known and respected for by not only his fans but also his industry colleagues is his passion for fitness. His disciplined schedule and a balanced lifestyle has made him the undisputed fitness icon in Bollywood. That lean yet muscular frame is a result of strenuous workout and a strict diet that the star regularly follows. Trained as a martial arts expert, Akshay's athletic body can easily give any new age actor a run for his money.
(Also Read: Akshay Kumar's Diet and Formula for the Fit Life)
Here are 5 things we can steal from Akshay Kumar's fitness routine for a healthier lifestyle:
1. Be Naturally Fit
The Khiladi of Bollywood doesn't believe in any shortcuts to fitness. He steers clear of any supplements, protein powders or shakes to bulk up muscles and believes that while gym can strengthen your stamina, overall fitness comes only by building your body naturally. And to do so, he follows a disciplined daily routine that involves waking up early, working out that is a mix of basketball, kick-boxing, yoga, swimming and lots of martial arts, of which he often posts videos on Instagram to motivate his followers. He loves to mix his workout routine with new things to break the monotony. Even on his birthday today, he posted a picture of his fit body, motivating his followers to go all natural and not be product of a product. He said in the caption, "We Are What We Eat, Be a Product of Mother Nature. DON'T be a Product of a Product, #AntiSupplements. Be True to your body & it'll carry you in ways you only dreamed of at this age...trust me, I'm a father of two. Take care, 1 Life, Get It Right."
2. A Teetotaller
Akshay refrains from indulging in both smoking and drinking along with an excess intake of caffeine. "If you smoke or drink, you will not have the stamina to work out," Akshay had said in his interview for Bombay Times. According to a leading film magazine, Akshay has also made his office a strict no-smoking zone too.
3. Ghar Ka Khana All The Way
The superstar has time and again said how he simply loves home-cooked food and it is the best way to stay healthy. "Whatever your mother makes at home is the best," believes Akshay, who is also a firm believer in Ayurveda and the magical benefits of haldi wala doodh (turmeric milk) for good immunity. He has talked about the effects of Ayurveda on his Instagram account as well. According to many reports and interviews of his colleagues, Akshay Kumar carries his own dabba to the sets.
4. Early To Bed, Early To Rise
At several occasions, industry colleagues have praised the disciplinarian that Akshay Kumar is when it comes to his routine and fitness. He is known to have a strict rule of not shooting late in the night and prefers to start early in the morning. "I love my sleep and I love to see the mornings. People who invite me to a party know that I will leave early because I have to be in bed. And let me tell you, I hate night shifts," he revealed during his interview with Karan Johar on Koffee with Karan.
5. Load Up On Water
A daily intake of minimum 4-5 litres of water is what the actor swears by as told in an interview to an English daily. It is important to stay hydrated while carrying out the daily chores and drinking loads of water not only helps with that but also helps with metabolism.
With all these wonder tips and more, no wonder Akshay Kumar has been a fitness inspiration for all of us over two decades. We wish him a very happy birthday and hope he continues to inspire us in the future as well.