Laila Khalid is a London-based fitness trainer. She has studied Arts and Design and Social Studies....
fitness
Laila Khalid is a London-based fitness trainer. She has studied Arts and Design and Social Studies. She works as a presenter, fitness model and actress internationally. These days she is in Karachi and taking fitness classes. In an exclusive interview with You! magazine, Laila talks about her fitness goals and shares some fitness secrets with our readers...
You! Where did your passion for fitness originate?
Laila Khalid: I have been naturally inclined towards keeping myself fit since I was a child.
I was the best runner in my school and college.
You! How did you start your career in fitness?
LK: After seeing my extraordinary interest in fitness, I was told to get professional training in sports and fitness. I was trained by UK best Instructors. Gym is my second home and this is how it started.
You! : What are your favourite work out/ exercises?
LK: I love spin; step and resistance bands work out.
You! How do you start your day?
LK: I wake up around 7am. Have a portion of fruit as a breakfast and low fat yoghurt and hit the gym. Then I carry on with my daily task.
You! How many times should people exercise in a week?
LK: Everyone is different and one should always consult a professional in terms of workout and their ability of performance but it’s healthy to work out 3 to 4 times a week.
You! For busy working women, what do you think is the most important thing to do when it comes to staying in shape?
LK: If you want be in shape, don’t worry, take a one hour walk as a first step of your achievement. Walking is the best exercise one can imagine. Of course, control on food is the key to get in shape.
You! What are some exercises that someone can do in their office or cubicle that will instantly get blood flowing and rejuvenate them in that post-lunch slump?
LK: Put your back against the wall and slide down until you are in a sitting position. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. You’ll start to feel burn after a minute.
Stretch your legs as it won’t draw any attention.
Stand straight, bend your arms, go back down and hold that position for 30 to 40 seconds.
Stretch your neck, slowly flex your head forward, backward and side to side and look right and left.
You! What’s the best part of your job?
LK: I love everything I do but the best part is to train people from various backgrounds.
We all learn from each other.
You! What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your job?
LK: Challenges are my motive and focus. I am preparing for Marathon for next year. It is very tough but I have taken it as a challenge.
You! Who is your fitness guru/idol?
LK: My Instructor Andy SIB. Mudassir Hussain who trains me on weight lifting and is extremely strict with me and Karl Fernandos. This is my best UK team and very professional indeed.
You! What is your philosophy on diet and exercise?
LK: I presume you eat healthy food like fish, salmon, lean meat, vegetables, salad, chicken. Avoid oily food and sweets. Always avoid crash diets as it has massive negative impact on body as we age. Have vitamins in your daily life.
You! What and when one should eat around one’s workouts?
LK: British theory of workout is to eat in 30 mins of your work to bring the energy level back up. Do you know that Lentils (Daal) gives super power to body. When we are trained in London we have lentils soup almost every day. There are indeed bars which are high in protiens and vitamins and essentially excellent after a workout. Always check their label and buy the right one.
You! Any suggestions on pre and post workout food:
LK: Pre work out food:
Banana and peanut butter sandwich on brown bread
Avocado with boil eggs
Greek yoghurt with berries
Handful of nuts and raisin
After work out
Eat food with protein to help repair and grow your muscles, including whole grain bagel, baked poatao, peanut butter sandwich etc.
Always remember, these are guidelines, we have different digestive system. Always be honest about your health before following any guideline.
You! What do you normally eat to keep you in shape?
LK: I eat lots of salmon, fish, prawns, grilled chicken, lean meat, salad. I drink coconut water to avoid dehydration during workout. Water is my beauty tip to all to eliminate the fat.
You! What is your favourite indulgence?
LK: On Sundays I indulge in Pakistani food and I visit spa and enjoy massages.
You! Any tips on how someone can get motivated to work out?
LK: Be positive, focus and create yourself a challenge. Believe in yourself...you can do it.
You! Best tip for finding consistency with workouts?
LK: Don’t get hooked with one work out. Combine your cardio gym work out to Aerobics, spin, and cardio blast. Attend yoga and give yourself a break of 1 to 2 days for your muscles to repair. Your consistency will come with a challenge and focus.
You! What advice can you give women for how to make a healthy lifestyle a way of life as they get older?
LK: Vitamins and Supplements play a vital role in our life. They provide energy and results are substantial. A healthy walk can also increase level of energy.
You! What are your future plans?
LK: I will take futhur education in fitness and sports. I would love to do more workshops and train people in Karachi.
