Fitness First: Shayan Lalani

Shayan Lalani shares his fitness philosophy

We catch up with fitness expert Shayan Lalani to know more about his fitness mantra, favourite cheat meals, the food items he can’t go a day without and so much more!

How would you describe your fitness philosophy?

One should possess not only aesthetic physique but also a functional and athletic body.



How did you decide to become a fitness trainer?

Fitness has been a part of my life for about 20 years now. I started very young; playing various sports and ardently involved in athletics. When I started weight/resistance training, it was primarily to overcome my latent anxiety due to being too skinny. Fitness has always helped me overcome mental barriers and kept me moving forward. I decided to make a career out of my passion eight years ago, but over time my mission became more so of helping others overcome body image issues and anxiety to some extent, through regular fitness training.

Who or what gives you the most inspiration or motivation?

While I have many idols in the fitness world like Greg Plitt, Frank Zane and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger, the biggest inspiration came from Australian body-builder Aziz Sergeyevich Shavershian, better known as Zyzz, a gentleman that revolutionised a major chunk of the younger generation to take up fitness in order to improve their lives.



Advice you’d give to people looking to attain a healthier lifestyle?

It’s never too late to start. I personally know and have trained people who started on their fitness journey after hitting 50! The benefits of switching to a healthier lifestyle become apparent in all aspects of one’s life.

What are some of the misconceptions people have about exercising?

Most people and even some trainers don’t realise that training is purely based on science. Nutrition is obviously a huge factor as is common knowledge but understanding the concept of training is of utmost importance. Every training regime has a specific purpose be it gaining strength, increasing muscle mass or improving cardiovascular fitness. Most people want to change their physique but don’t train for it accordingly and are often misguided by trainers who aren’t aware of the concepts themselves.

Three things in your diet you can’t go a day without?

Eggs, black coffee and yoghurt.

What is the most effective exercise according to you?

Focusing on the aesthetics is a priority to me so for me, nothing beats an intense aesthetic bodybuilding session in the gym. Our body is a sculpture that we need to work on every day to get it to a certain shape or size.

Your favourite foods to eat on a cheat day?

I have a sweet tooth so I usually go for big desserts.

Something you enjoy doing when not working?

Reading, playing the piano, indulging in creative videography and video games!

A saying or quote that keeps you going?

No retreat. No surrender. Failures may come and go but champions never quit.