Fitness has always been a crucial aspect of Saqib Ayub’s life, complementing his versatile acting career. Best known for his compelling portrayals in projects like ‘Farzi,’ ‘She,’ and ‘Brahmastra,’ Saqib now takes on a challenging antagonist role in ‘Love Adhura,’ currently streaming on Amazon Mini TV. In this series, he embodies the character of Prakash, a complex and menacing psychopath who thrives on chaos and destruction, opposite Karan Kundra and Erica Fernandes. Despite the demanding nature of his roles, Saqib maintains a disciplined approach to his fitness regimen, ensuring he’s always ready to embrace the diverse characters he portrays. Discover Saqib’s fitness journey in discussion with Surabhi Goel.

1. Many of your fans admire your fit body. What are your top fitness tips for staying motivated and consistent with workouts?

Staying motivated and consistent with workouts is essential; it’s about having a routine. Motivation comes from within, driven by a desire to achieve. Following a daily routine, even amidst work commitments, ensures consistency. It becomes a habit; missing a gym session feels off. Even during shoots, I carve out time for a workout. Physical transformations for roles depend on the character’s demands and the time frame provided by the production team and director. It’s about supporting the character with the knowledge and effort needed, whether it’s in the gym or elsewhere.

• Could you describe your typical fitness routine? What types of exercises or workouts do you enjoy the most?

My typical fitness routine consists of working out at least five to six days a week. This includes an hour of weight training, 30 minutes of cardio, and 15 to 20 minutes of core exercises. I vary my workouts by targeting single body parts, double body parts, and sometimes triple body parts. Additionally, I enjoy incorporating football into my routine on certain days as a form of cardio, adding variety and enjoyment to my workouts.

• Nutrition plays a crucial role in fitness. Can you share some insights into your daily diet and any specific dietary preferences or tips you follow?

In my daily diet, I prioritize incorporating salads into both my meals. I consume around 400 grams of salad daily, split between two meals. Before lunch and dinner, I have about 200 grams of salad each time, followed by a 20-minute break before my main meal. My meals typically consist of a balanced combination of protein and carbohydrates. This routine helps ensure that I maintain a nutritious diet throughout the day, providing ample fuel for my fitness regimen.

• What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to achieve a healthy and fit lifestyle, especially those new to fitness?

My advice for those aiming for a healthy lifestyle is to prioritize balance. While occasional indulgence is acceptable, it’s crucial to maintain equilibrium. Your body is your most valuable asset, so take care of it by balancing indulgence with healthy choices. Aim for adequate sleep, around 6 to 8 hours per night, and establish a consistent daily routine. This includes regular mealtimes to keep your body’s rhythm stable. Consistency is vital in fitness, so find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s gym workouts, running, swimming, or anything else, and stick with it. Maintaining balance, consistency, and finding joy in your fitness journey is vital to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining balance and consistency in your lifestyle. Nutritionists recommend consuming 2 to 3 litres of water daily. However, individual needs may vary, so listen to your body’s cues. Keeping a bottle of water by your bedside can help you stay hydrated throughout the day, preventing dehydration and supporting overall well-being.

• Maintaining a balanced diet can be a struggle for many. Could you share some of your favourite healthy recipes or snacks that help you stay on track with your fitness goals?

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for staying on track with fitness goals. For my lunches, I prepare a hearty salad consisting of grated and boiled cucumber, carrot, beetroot, broccoli, onion, capsicum, flax, chia, and pumpkin seeds. I prefer minimal sauces, but feel free to customize to your taste. Alongside, I enjoy a bowl of flavourful Tadke Wali Dal for protein, sometimes accompanied by marinated chicken or steamed fish. Marination allows for versatility in flavour; I often experiment with different spices or yogurt-based marinades to enhance taste without compromising health. I pair this with multigrain bhakri of Jawar and Bajra or brown rice for carbohydrates. To aid digestion, I finish my meal with a glass of buttermilk, helping to regulate body heat.

• Lastly, what projects or goals are you working on in your acting career and fitness journey that you’d like to share with your fans and followers?

I eagerly anticipate the release of my next film, ‘Superman of Malegaon,’ shot by Excel Entertainment and directed by Reema Kagti. Additionally, I have several upcoming shows with Applause Entertainment, although details are yet to be revealed. On the fitness front, I’m currently fasting for Ramadan and am excited to see how my body adapts once it concludes. I aim to build muscle mass while maintaining a lean physique, leveraging the post-fast period for optimal gains due to heightened metabolism. I aim to regain lost muscle mass and achieve a balanced physique with a defined muscle tone.

Quick takes- 

Who are your favourite male and female actors with what you consider the perfect physique, and what do you admire most about their dedication to fitness?

My favourite male actor with the perfect physique is Hrithik Roshan; his dedication to fitness is unparalleled, evident in his sculpted physique and role versatility. Similarly, Deepika Padukone is my favourite female actor with a fit body, showcasing a commitment to health and fitness. Additionally, I admire Christian Bale for his transformative performances, displaying remarkable dedication to altering his physique to embody diverse characters.

What activities do you find most calming and relaxing?

Maintaining mental well-being is crucial, and I have a few go-to methods for destressing. Firstly, hitting the gym is my therapy, providing a calming and relaxing outlet. Additionally, I find solace in reading a good book, spending quality time with close friends, sharing laughter, and enjoying meals together. Watching a captivating film or indulging in a good night’s sleep also helps me unwind. I cherish moments of tranquillity, like savouring a coffee in silence while observing nature or taking a midnight stroll to clear my mind. These small yet meaningful activities are essential for relaxation and balance in our fast-paced digital world.

We all experience stress from time to time. Can you share some of your go-to methods or activities for destressing and maintaining mental well-being?

When it comes to destressing and maintaining mental well-being, my top choice is engaging in physical activity, whether hitting the gym, playing sports like football or badminton, or simply going for a jog. Sweating it out and challenging my muscles always leaves me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Additionally, I find it helpful to categorize my thoughts and not fixate on stressors I can’t immediately solve. Taking breaks and engaging in activities like reading, watching movies, spending time with friends, junking, or having good food are also effective ways to unwind and practice self-love. Ultimately, allowing myself to take a step back and relax is essential for managing stress effectively.

Who is your favourite fitness idol, and why?

I don’t have a specific fitness idol, but I admire individuals like Arnold Schwarzenegger for his enduring commitment to fitness, even in his later years. While he’s primarily known as a bodybuilder, I respect his dedication to maintaining his health and physique over time. Similarly, I look up to Chris Heria, whose workout tips and tricks I regularly follow on YouTube. Another figure I admire in the fitness industry was Greg Plitt, whose contributions were significant before his untimely passing.

Do you love traveling, and which is your favourite destination?

I love traveling! It’s not just about exploring new places; it’s also a crucial aspect of destressing and rejuvenating. I make it a point to plan a trip every 3 to 4 months to unwind and recharge. My favourite destinations include Kerala, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Additionally, I’m eager to explore more of the Northeast region of India in the future.