Shama Sikander works hard to maintain her gorgeous physique, but she knows when to relax. The Indian actress is enjoying some down time from her busy schedule, taking selfies in a bright pink bathing suit. “Let the sea set you free,” she captioned an Instagram post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Sikander stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
1. She Loves Kickboxing
Sikander loves to mix up her workouts, incorporating both high and low intensity exercises. “I do kickboxing, an hour and a half of weight training and an hour of spinning every alternate day,” she says. “And I still have energy left in me, I walk for about half an hour! That constitutes my fitness regime.” Kickboxing is a great full-body workout, experts say. “There’s a physical element of fighting back against things that weigh you down in life,” says Brooke Budke, vice president of marketing for Title Boxing Club. “When the company also questions their clients about why they stick with kickboxing, one-third of members say it’s the stress relief. The biggest thing we hear is that people feel empowered—they consider kickboxing their therapy. They’re fighting for their mental strength, happiness, anxiety and just a release. So, people feel good during the workout, but they also feel amazing after, and throughout the day and week. You’re basically on a boxing high.”
2. She Knows When To Relax
Sikander enjoys regular massages and spa visits. “I just love going to spas and indulging myself in massages at least once a week,” she says. “Sleeping for me is another great way to relax. Listening to soft music helps me unwind after a hard day’s work. Traveling is another passion that always rejuvenates me!”
3. She Puts Cardamom In her Tea
Sikander starts the day with tea, and loves to add cardamom to her brew. Cardamom offers a wealth of health benefits, experts say. “Cardamom is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc, and it is also a very good source of dietary fiber, iron and manganese,” says Laura Jeffers, MEd, RD, LD.
4. She Loves a Healthy Breakfast
Sikander enjoys a bowl of oats (no milk), and an egg while omelet with olives and avocados for breakfast. “Olives are rich in plant compounds called polyphenols which have effective antioxidant properties,” says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook. “The beneficial effects of these compounds include reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Olives are one of the most popular fermented foods, by consuming such foods you are adding beneficial bacteria and enzymes to your intestinal flora, which increases the health of your gut microbiome and digestive system and may enhance your immune function.”
5. She Has Cheat Meals
Sikander enjoys a healthy diet, but definitely has some indulgences now and then. “I love ice cream, I also love pizza, but I like to stay away from gluten nowadays so I prefer a gluten-free pizza,” she says. “And if my mom has cooked some yummy food (because she's an amazing cook) I'll have that. I love Italian, Moroccan food, Turkish food, Greek food, home food.... all these are my most favorite cuisines!”