Vivek Oberoi's Dedicated 5:30 AM Fitness Routine Earns Praise from Celebrity Trainer
Injuries can often derail even the most committed fitness journeys, but actor Vivek Oberoi's perseverance has become an inspiration for his celebrity trainer, Vinod Channa. Recalling their initial sessions, Channa revealed that Oberoi approached him while dealing with multiple injuries and weight gain.
"When he came to me, he had a lot of injuries, and he had put on weight," Channa shared during a recent podcast appearance. "Because of the pain and injuries, it is natural to feel irritated and lose confidence. So, I was taking him through things very slowly to avoid aggravating any pain."
Structured Recovery Approach
The trainer emphasized the importance of maintaining motivation during challenging recovery periods. "It is necessary to keep them motivated and tell them that what you can do, nobody else can," Channa explained, highlighting the psychological aspect of injury recovery.
Their fitness routine during Oberoi's injury phase followed a carefully structured approach. "We started with weight training slowly, then added mobility," Channa detailed. The actor was recovering from ankle and knee injuries resulting from an accident, requiring particular attention to gradual progression.
Early Morning Discipline
What impressed Channa most was Oberoi's unwavering commitment to early morning workouts. "This guy exercises at 5.30 am. I leave my home at 5 am. We workout 5.30-6.30 am because his factory is far away," the trainer revealed, expressing admiration for the actor's discipline despite his busy schedule.
Channa found personal inspiration in Oberoi's dedication, noting "If he can struggle despite having everything, then why shouldn't I....that's what I learnt from him."
Expert Recovery Guidelines
To provide comprehensive insights into injury recovery, we consulted with consultant dietitian and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra, who emphasized that "Recovery from an injury isn't a race; it's your personal path to coming back stronger, smarter, and more in tune with your body."
Malhotra outlined a phased recovery approach beginning with basic care: "Start simple with rest, ice, gentle compression, and elevation to ease swelling. No gym yet—just easy muscle squeezes while seated, holding for a few seconds to wake things up without strain."
Nutritional Support for Healing
The dietitian highlighted the crucial role of nutrition during recovery periods. "I see this as prime time for healing foods: Load up on protein-rich eggs, lentils, or fish to mend tissues, plus vitamin C-packed oranges and zinc-filled nuts for faster repair," Malhotra recommended.
She also suggested incorporating anti-inflammatory foods: "Add flaxseeds or walnuts for their omega-3s to dial down inflammation."
Gradual Return to Activity
For the exercise component, Malhotra advised: "Ease into motion next: Soft stretches, a foam roller for tight spots, or slow joint circles to loosen up. Toss in 20 minutes of yoga or Pilates 2-3 times weekly—it rebuilds balance and flow, keeping pain at bay."
When ready to resume strength training (typically after 6-8 weeks), she recommended: "Bodyweight moves like planks or wall squats first, then light weights for 8-12 smooth reps. Go slow on the lowering phase to fortify tendons."
Building Long-Term Resilience
Malhotra emphasized consistency and patience in recovery journeys, drawing parallels to Oberoi's disciplined approach: "Picture crisp 5:30 am mornings fueling your discipline—small, consistent wins stack up. Tune into mild discomfort (not sharp pain), prioritise 7-9 hours of sleep, and celebrate progress."
She concluded with an encouraging perspective: "In 3-6 months, you're not just recovered—you're resilient. Your body thrives on patience, nourishment, and your inner spark."
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from public sources and expert consultations. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new fitness or recovery program.
