Designer Pallavi Mohan shares her secret of keeping body and mind age-proof.
BY PALLAVI MAJUMDER

**What motivates you to work out?**
The idea of getting older, and dependency that starts kicking in with age, as our metabolism slows down, motivates me to stay fit. As I grow older, I want to be more independent over depending on others physically. I practice yoga and also exercise at the gym. I know that if I don’t work out and take care of my body, it will definitely reflect later. But, I don’t work out to get slim. My goal is to stay healthy physically as well as mentally.

**What is your idea of fitness?**
All natural, definitely! I believe fitness is more than just exercising. It has a lot to do with being energetic. A fitness regime that does not tire me, too often or too quickly, works for me.

**How does your daily fitness routine looks like?**
I always try and start my day with a walk. Whenever I am not travelling, I try and hit the gym and work out under my personal trainer. Lately, I found myself inclined towards yoga. Honestly, I thought it to be much boring. It’s been three months into yoga practice and I already feel de-stressed. It relaxes my muscles and gives me calm. I practice yoga thrice a week.

**Your take on dieting and cleansing routines?**
I don’t believe in extreme diet plans or crash dieting. Dieting and cleansing should be a way to stay away from unhealthy food, and eliminate toxic things from the body. I do follow dieticians’ tips to eat right. The idea is simple: eat less, eat frequently.

**So, you have never tried a diet or a cleanse program?**
I have! I loved cleansing in Thailand with a 10-day detox and rejuvenation program that Kamalaya offers for mind, body and soul. But, I am not a crash diet person. I believe in natural and organic ways.

**Do you have any fashion essential tips for a workout?**
My go-to essential for work out is a smart, multi-functional bag to carry the things I require. My favourite is the Enlite Bra from Lululemon. They are made of breathable fabric, look good and feel good.

**What’s in your gym bag?**
There certain things that I always carry when heading out for a workout: a mist, hand towel, hand sanitizer, some energy drink to keep me hydrated, yoga mat and water. I avoid using plastic cups and bottles as much as possible.

**You are related to an industry that thrives on body shaming people for being ‘too fat’, ‘too skinny’ or ‘too athletic’. What’s your take on body image?**
I believe in being healthy, happy and comfortable in your own skin. One should not forget that health is important and it should not be ignored. Sometimes being too skinny is worse than being on the heavier side, so it should be about what your body requires and you are comfortable with. Personally, I used to be skinny but not anymore, and I am very comfortable in my skin. All I always really look for is getting healthier and happier.

> **”Being skinny or size zero is not my idea of being fit. Sometimes being too skinny is worse than being on the heavier side.”**

**So, it is curvy or skinny for you?**
Being skinny or size zero is not my idea of beautiful and fit. A person with a radiant face, who can brighten up the place they walk into, is healthy according to me.

**Your fitness mantra…**
Being healthy, energetic and happy!