They both have fitness as a common passion and recently came together to shoot a campaign for Gear bags. Actor Anindya Chatterjee and artist and yoga pro Sneha Ghosh. t2 took down some important fitness notes from Anindya and Sneha in an exclusive chat.
What does fitness mean to you today vis-a-vis 10 years back?
Anindya: Fitness has been a constant in my life since childhood. Over the past decade, my endurance has significantly improved, making it an integral part of who I am.
Sneha: The whole concept of fitness has evolved along with my evolution as a human being over the years. Ten years back I didn’t know better, at that point it was only a tool to sculpt, shape and minimise my body according to a set of unrealistic beauty standards. I didn’t have that kind of awareness back then, and neither was there anyone to tell me, ‘Sneha just stop!’ But today, I approach it like a holistic practice, where I move, breathe and I’m present. I’m not lost or mindlessly running on the treadmill to lose calories. I burn differently and beautifully now.
When did fitness happen to you?
Anindya: I was introduced to my first love, swimming, when I was just a toddler. It laid the foundation for my lifelong journey in fitness.
Sneha: Sport and fitness were never a part of my childhood. I was a very low-on-confidence kid, and sport really helps to build on your self-assurance. I mostly saw myself running and competing in relays in my imagination. But I always knew that one day I was gonna be one of the fittest women in my batch and I totally manifested it, as I stepped into the world of the fashion industry, and quickly learnt what looks good is what sells, and that idea helped me push myself to the edge and fall madly in love with fitness.
How has your regimen changed over the years?
Anindya: From swimming to cycling and now running, my fitness pursuits have evolved. I might explore a triathlon combining all three in the future.
Sneha: My regimen has drastically changed, not in terms of what I consume more but rather, when and how much I consume. I’ve always been a die-hard fan of Bengali mishti, chocolates, basically a very typical Bengali craving sweets after lunch or dinner. I don’t believe in compromising on the simple things that make me happy. Life is too short to have so many rules; nothing is permanent, and neither am I, so why not indulge, but in moderation? My mantra is being balanced, yoga, eat, sleep and laugh.
Anindya Chatterjee.
Picture courtesy: GearWhat does a regular day of working out entail?
Anindya: Currently, my routine includes a mix of strength training, running, and cycling. During the summer, I add swimming to the mix.
Sneha: I basically train twice a day. Sunday is a rest day, which is super important. My regular day begins with my 5am morning practice, which is Ashtanga yoga. I train myself thoroughly for about three to three-and-a-half hours. Then towards the evening, I work on my mobility, strength, core and callisthenics. I always encourage doing all types of body weight movements, since Ashtanga yoga is a very intensive yogic practice and it requires an extreme amount of body awareness, mobility and strength apart from flexibility to prevent serious injuries. And both my practices end with deep chanting and meditation, which allows me to see my raw self, my true self, and centres me as an individual in case I’m all over the place or stressed out. It’s my drug.
Is there anything else you do to enhance the benefits of your workout?
Anindya: I prioritise a good night’s sleep and strive to maintain a disciplined lifestyle, complementing my fitness routine.
How has fitness changed your life?
Anindya: Fitness isn’t just a routine, it’s a way of life. My cognitive health has improved, and it’s about finding that sweet spot amid the challenge and pushing for breath.
Sneha: It can sometimes be hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about yoga that helps you to live a better life because the changes are subtle and organic. I didn’t experience anything profound in one day, I always say it’s like falling in love with a person, a process, an out-of-body experience that can’t really be explained and words can’t do justice. I’m definitely a better version of myself than I used to be, at least I’d like to think so! I feel more. I’m more sensitive towards animals and humans. I feel like I found purpose in life and found the reason for my existence. It gives me so much peace to watch my students walk out of my class stress-free.
What are your top tips for those who haven’t yet discovered fitness?
Anindya: Just jump in, and the self-discovery will follow. I would say start embracing the journey, and you’ll uncover the transformative power of fitness.
Sneha: My advice would be, rather than breaking your head about what the future holds for you, try and be present now. No matter how much money you make, wealth can never buy health or time. I feel like it’s good to be driven, but not at the expense of one’s mental and physical health. Material things only make one happy temporarily and then eventually you’ll get bored. Look for balance, chase butterflies because life is beautiful and make yourself the biggest investment of your life.
Your fitness icons are…
Anindya: Alexander Popov, Peter Sagan, Naveen John, and many others inspire me in my fitness journey.
Sneha: Honestly speaking, I get very inspired looking at the older generation. I have a list of yogis who are in their 80s, 70s and 50s to immensely motivate me. Deepika Mehta is an Ashtanga yoga practitioner and I absolutely adore the way she trains, eats and lives.
What’s the aim?
Anindya: My goal is to improve my VO2 max, pushing my physical limits and reach new heights in fitness.
Sneha: The aim is to live in the present, not dwell in the past or worry about the future. That’s where we all get stuck mostly. I think being true to yourself and being honest about who you are will just help you be in a good space mentally in your life and in your community. Most importantly, being grateful for being alive, and touching as many lives as possible in the most positive ways.
What do you do for a fit mind, alongside a fit body?
Anindya: Positive mental fuel is key; it’s not just about the six-packs but cultivating a holistic well-being that nourishes both mind and body.
Sneha: Well, it’s difficult to train the mind, but of course, you can have control over it through regular asana practice, which involves focus, and concentration on your breathing. Other than that, reading and listening to music keeps the mind positive. Also consciously deep-cleaning the head of all the bullshit society has conditioned us with. It’s a good way to keep the mind joyful and uncomplicated. A fit body is just purely lifestyle. Your sense of discipline, being headstrong about me-time, which could be any physical activity, and taking cold showers really help.
