Payel Sarkar's 5-step excercise routine revealed

Tell us about your training schedule.
I don't work out to lose weight, but to stay fit. I am not obsessed with my training schedule, as I want to enjoy my workouts, which I do six days a week for an hour. Generally, I prefer to go to the gym in the morning, but it depends on my work schedule.

What activities have you undertaken to maintain fitness — gym, swimming or zumba?
My mother tells me that as a child I used to love water and so my friends would call me a water baby , which I still am. I love to swim. And now I am addicted to aqua zumba. My trainer has a mix of exercises planned for me, so that I don't get bored. It comprises mediation, yoga, free-hand exercises, a bit of weight training, cycling, crunches, swimming and aqua zumba. I do a lot of breathing exercises, which is necessary to combat effects of pollution and stay healthy . Running in the park early in the morning is my all-time fave workout. I prefer exercises that increase my stamina and strength rather than help me lose inches.

What time do you hit the gym? How many hours do you train?
I don't have any fixed time to hit the gym, as it all depends on my shooting schedule. But I prefer mornings to burn the calories. I never work out for more than one hour.
Tell us about your average daily food intake.
I am not a big-time foodie. I only crave for dark chocolate. I start my mornings with a cup of green tea and a biscuit followed by a heavy break fast, which varies from curd mixed with fruits, toast, egg whites, dalia khichdi or cornflakes with milk. A midday fruit is a must. Lunch and dinner are almost the same -one roti, one bowl of boiled vegetables, roti, one bowl of boiled vegetables, one bowl of chicken or fish tossed in olive oil.

Do you also have cheat days?
Oh yes! When we go outdoors, you can't expect us to have you can't expect us to have what we have at home. So, I binge, but in mod eration. That apart, if I go for parties on week ends, I eat dinner at home and then go, so that I'm not hungry , as it makes you eat more. But I can't resist ice creams and chocolates. During the festive season, too, I eat merrily, but never forget to work out.

Do you have any fitness idol? If yes, then why?
Priyanka Chopra! I just adore her body , not because she has an hourglass figure, but she looks strong, healthy and fit, which is my mantra too.