If versatility is ever a measure of your billing as one of the world’s top fitness specialists, California-based Guru Mann’s name will feature among the top. For starters, he’s got the numbers on his side: Mann has 3,01,000 followers on his Instagram account and over 7.3 lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel. Then, he’s a professional fitness model (he’s been walking the ramp for close to two decades now), certified advance fitness trainer, a nutrition specialist, strength and conditioning coach, and has a sports nutrition company, called GM Nutrition, based in California.
One look at his chiseled physique and you know that this guy actually practices what he preaches. Mann also advises those suffering from medical conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, arthritis, stomach cancer, prostate cancer and more. He spreads the word on fitness through his videos on Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms which he does in collaboration with T-Series.
In a detailed conversation with HT, Mann reveals the secrets to his spectacularly chiseled physique, his mantras of life and how we can achieve similar physical feats.
What’s your diet like?
My diet contains high protein, moderate carbs and moderate healthy fats on workout days. On my rest days, I take low protein, high carbs and moderate fats.
For carbs: I eat sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, quinoa, fruits and vegetables.
For protein: I eat eggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentil, milk, yogurt, whey protein.
For fats: I eat almonds, peanuts, cashews, peanut butter, chia seeds, flaxseeds, whole egg, fatty fish, avocado and olive oil.
Do you always stick to your diet?
I don’t have any fixed ‘cheat’ days as such, and I usually eat clean throughout the year. If I ever feel like eating anything other than my normal meal, I opt for pizza or ice cream.
Do you work out every day? Do you have a fixed schedule for each session?
I work out in the evening for 1-1.5 hours, six days a week. I do strength and endurance training based on my goals, with lots of supersets, giant sets with short rest periods.
Abs: Thrice a week
Cardio: Thrice a week
I rest one day a week, but over the weekend, I like to go hiking or swimming.
Do you have a set sleeping and waking up time?
Absolutely. It is very important to get enough sleep. I sleep at 11pm and get up around 6 am.
What about protein shakes and supplements? Do you think they are harmful for the body?
Supplements mean dietary products which are important for the human body. We don’t get all the nutrients through our diet on a daily basis, which can cause deficiencies later. There are no side effects because of taking supplements unless you already have a pre-existing medical condition.
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Have there been instances when you thought you should just take it easy and not work out so much?
Never. Not in my book.
Do you think it is important to change one’s workout routine once in a while to keep up interest levels?
Yes it is necessary to change your routine once every 2-3 months otherwise our body hits a plateau, which stops the body from producing results.
Do you have any fundamental rules for working out which you never forget?
Never go 3 days without exercise
Workout at least 3 days a week
Never miss a Monday workout
Never give up
Did you decide to work hard on your fitness to get admiration from friends/family or for your own self confidence?
I have never done things to please others. My motto is to learn and teach others. I have always been keen to learn new things. I believe knowledge is power and if I keep it to myself, then there is no point. I spread awareness and share what I know.
How vital is it to have a proper fitness trainer?
All beginners need a fitness trainer to make sure that they can understand the correct weight lifting forms, ranges, tempo, volume, density, techniques which help the individual to build a proper foundation.