Fit n' fab

Q: I am in my 40s and I can see the onset of wrinkles. I have heard a lot about face exercises that help reduce the signs of ageing. Do they really help? If yes, can you please suggest a few exercises? - Geeta Pant

Being physically fit keeps you looking and feeling young. There are really no specific face exercises to keep your skin looking young. It depends on how you take care of your skin right from the kind of food you eat to the amount of make-up you wear, physical fitness, and most importantly, your genes.

So try to adopt a good fitness regime, eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, wash your face with cold water, and keep smiling.

Q: I am in my 20s. Although the other parts of my body are relatively toned, I am finding it hard to get rid of my paunch. I am not able to dress my age because of this and it has made me too self-conscious. What kind workout should I do to get rid of the fat on my tummy? - Aarti Venugopal

You have age on your side and if you start exercising now, your body will thank you later. Getting rid of the paunch is a matter of exercise and eating right. You have to exercise three to five days a week and eat clean and right, which is non-fried and non-processed food. If you manage this, nothing will stop those abs. And remember, the saying abs are made in the kitchen, is true.

Q: I am planning a vacation abroad this summer and I wish to get my body beach-ready. Even though I am in a relatively good shape, are there any exercises that I can do to make my body look great in a bikini? - Preeti Gupta

Good to hear that you are in good shape. You must be exercising regularly. Now if you want a more toned look, just go all out with strength and weight training. You can do some belly burn, abs, butt, and thigh exercises too. However, most importantly, watch what you eat.

Q: I am 23 years old. I am 5 ft 5 and I weigh 67 kg. I lead a sedentary lifestyle with no exercise. I wish to lose weight and increase my stamina and fitness level. I can't afford to join a gym, can you suggest some workouts that I can try at home? - Abhijit R M

Although you are of average weight and are not on the heavier side, exercising and staying active is important. You need to start with two days of cardio and four days of strength training.

Don't worry if you don't have access to the gym or to a nutritionist. You can start with home workouts. Start with beginners level and gradually move to intermediate and advanced. Short and easy home workouts don't require any equipment.