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The model turned actor, Omer Shahzad talks to Instep about his healthy lifestyle choices.
Omer Shahzad, who began his modeling career in 2012, has worked with celebrated designers such as Deepak Perwani, Sania Maskatiya, HSY, Zainab Chotani, Fahad Hussayn and Deepak and Fahad, amongst others. He ventured into acting in 2013 with drama Adhoori Aurat in which he essayed a negative character. Apart from this, he has featured in drama serials Choti Choti Khushiyan, Noor Jehan, Alif Allah aur Insaan and the recently concluded Gul o Gulzar, among many others. Omer also has a few films to his credit, including Teri Meri Love Story, the Moammer Rana and Sonya Hussyn starrer Azaadi (2018) as well as blockbuster Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (JPNA 2), which featured Humayun Saeed, Kubra Khan, Fahad Mustafa and Mawra Hocane in lead roles.
Omer’s obsession with fitness and his shirtless pictures on social media have been as much a source of interest for fans as his acting and we got in touch with the actor to ask how he stays fit and above all, how he finds time to maintain a crazy gym schedule.
When it comes to health and fitness, Omer Shahzad is definitely a health freak, he shared. “I take fitness very seriously; I work out six days a week and take an off on weekends. It is my lifestyle and my discipline. I firmly believe that if you want to lead a healthy, fit life then you have to have the motivation. If you lack that drive then it becomes very difficult to up your fitness regime,” he informed.
“If we talk about achieving fitness goals, I have already achieved my target,” Omer furthered. “However the, most important and difficult part is to maintain it. As my healthy lifestyle is one of my priorities, I make sure to sleep on time, eat on time and definitely take out time for my workout routine.”
If you want to stay in shape, a healthy routine along with some workout goes a long way. “I head to the gym in the morning because usually our work starts around 9 or 10 am and I make sure to work out at 8:00 am so that I can concentrate on my day ahead,” shared Omer, adding that he does cardio exercises for one hour every night before he goes to bed.
Talking about his exercise regime, he informed, “My morning routine includes weight lifting, though I don’t do heavy weight lifting, it is a hardcore workout with normal weights. And at night I do cardio exercises like running on the treadmill or walking for an hour. I use all the equipment, manual or machine, and I make sure to change my workout cycle every week.”
He further went on to share that he has a personal trainer, Kashif Rehman, who is a nutritionist as well and that he takes care of his diet plan and guides him every step of the way.
Omer takes four meals a day including breakfast, which includes egg whites along with a cup of coffee or oats. “As far as lunch and dinner are concerned, I usually take chicken and veggies and for snacks I prefer protein bars as they help with sugar cravings. My diet also includes lots of fruits and fresh juices as well as protein shakes made with almond milk, which I consume after my workout.”
He furthered, “However, when travelling, it becomes very difficult to maintain my healthy lifestyle but I somehow manage it, because I believe that once you set your heart on something you can easily achieve it. When I am shooting in Karachi I don’t eat on sets and take homemade meals. I don’t eat outside food too much except for my cheat meals – I indulge in fast food and desi food items once a week and that is on Sunday.”
“There are a lot of international athletes who I follow; I follow their workout routines, diet plans and that keep me motivated. Also, when I see the results of my hard work in the mirror, it helps me stay motivated. And then of course my personal trainer also plays a significant role; he gives me tips and I think all of this helps me follow my health regime religiously.”
“My advice is that even if you don’t head to the gym, it is very important to get involved in some kind of sports or workout/exercise routine. Whether it is cardio or brisk walking, make sure to take out one hour during the whole day for yourself; trust me it will definitely benefit you in the long run. Eat on time, sleep on time and make sure to get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Love yourself and your body and make sure to invest in yourself. By setting your priorities right you can easily lead a healthy lifestyle,” he concluded.
