While physical fitness often takes center stage in workout routines, actor Ananya Panday brings attention to a less visible benefit — mental fitness.
In a conversation with content creator Prajakta Koli for Brut India, Panday shares that she finds inspiration in Koli’s dedication to fitness, especially in how she motivates herself with positive self-talk after each workout. Panday says, “I know how tough it is to get out of bed and do that one workout. But it really makes a huge difference.”
Koli replies, “You’re a different person after that. For me, everybody asks me, ‘Okay what is your goal weight?’ or ‘What is the kind of body…’, and I said, ‘Whatever changes come in my body, that’s a bonus. For me after every workout mentally I’m so good and I’m more productive, I’m in a better mood. Everything’s great.”
Ananya agrees and adds, “People associate working out with physical fitness but I think more than anything, it’s actually mental fitness.” Her perspective highlights an increasingly recognised benefit of working out: the mental clarity, reduced stress, and improved mood that come after a good session.
How can individuals shift their mindset to prioritise mental fitness when they work out rather than focusing solely on physical results?
Dr Vajalla Shravani, MPT, certified pilates trainer and founder at Tone 30 Pilates, tells indianexpress.com, “Shifting the focus from physical appearance to mental well-being starts with a mindset change. One of the most effective ways to do this is by redefining your goals. Instead of setting appearance-based targets, like losing weight or achieving a certain physique, consider goals related to mental health, such as reducing stress or boosting energy levels.”
Shifting the focus from physical appearance to mental well-being starts with a mindset change. (Source: Freepik)
Moreover, she adds that practicing gratitude for what your body can do, rather than how it looks, can transform your exercise experience. For instance, being grateful for the strength to lift weights or the ability to run helps to foster a more positive association with working out. Journaling after workouts to note how you feel mentally and emotionally can reinforce this new mindset.
How can people recognise when their approach to fitness is too focused on aesthetics and what can they do to address it?
A fitness routine overly focused on aesthetics often comes with warning signs, Dr Shravani says, such as guilt for missing a workout, excessive comparison to others, or engaging in exercise solely to ‘earn’ food or lose weight. When these behaviours start taking a toll on mental well-being, it’s time to reevaluate your approach.
Advertisement
She adds, “One effective strategy is to practice intuitive exercise, which involves listening to your body and engaging in physical activities that feel good, rather than those you think you ‘should’ do for appearance-based reasons. Additionally, scheduling ‘joyful movement,’ like dance, hiking, or yoga, can make workouts feel less like a punishment and more like an enjoyable part of your day. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, such as replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations about your body’s capabilities, can also be transformative.”
Tracking non-aesthetic progress, such as improved energy levels, reduced anxiety, or the ability to lift heavier weights, helps shift the focus from appearance to overall well-being. Setting performance-based goals, like running a certain distance or mastering a new yoga pose, can also encourage a healthier relationship with exercise, mentions Dr Shravani.
