Remember what grandma said? If you feel good, you look good. So if you want your skin to inspire sonnets and your personality to wow onlookers, start by celebrating a healthier you. Shilpi Madan outlines ten steps to feel-good fitness.

1. Let’s get physical Bring in a quantum of physical activity into your daily routine. Else the creaks and twinges will creep in, let alone the flab. "Half an hour of any physical activity – and I am not talking gym here – five times a week, suffices," says fitness expert Shalini Bhargava. Dive for your racquet on the tennis or squash court, lap up the swimming pool with a vengeance, go cycling, do a wild tango, do anything that merits a mention more than simply verbal gymnastics. Jumping to conclusions, kicking up a storm and beating eggs don’t count. Dusting and spring cleaning do. You get the drift.
2. Weights and watch:
   Get an exercise regimen into place. Not just on paper, but in practice. "You have to get off your behind and start pushing those weights around. Remember, spot reduction is the biggest myth women fall prey to," says fitness specialist Leena Mogre. You could probably alternate your gym routine with a chosen outdoor exercise like jogging or skipping
3. Water therapy
   Drink plenty of water. Okay, so this is a jaded mantra that is part of every wannabe model’s and aspiring starlet's look-good guide. But it actually works. Water flushes out toxins from your body, revs up your blood circulation and keeps you wonderfully hydrated in the sweltering heat. "Try and tank up on at least 10 glasses a day," says Leena.
4. Watch what you eat
   Take to a healthful and nutritionally sound diet. This means a judicious mix of fruits and vegetables. If the mere mention of the over-publicised organic brigade puts you off, bring in a fair amount of raw fruits and vegetables in your diet. It translates to more fibre and better skin. The Gwenyth Paltrow way.
5. Tuck into anti-oxidant rich food
   The physiological ageing of your skin starts once you cross 25 years of age. "To combat the fine lines, make sure you consume foods rich in Vitamins A,E and C. These are anti-oxidants and literally lift the years off your face," says Leena. So dig into walnuts, papayas, green leafy vegetables, flax seeds...
6. Try yoga
   The sages in ancient India did wear that serene smile. So even if you don't want the halo, take to the art of yoga. "Whatever suits your fancy: power yoga, artistic yoga... It keeps your limbs working well and leaves you feeling good, every day. A bright start to your morning," says Leena.
7. Prioritise flexibility
   "This is something many ignore while working on an exercise regimen," cautions Shalini. "To feel healthy in the true sense, it is important that your muscles are supple and strong too." You needn't try and slip in to Hrithik Roshan's shoes, but take to whatever gives you a kick: from pilates to tai chi. Start swinging.
8. Get enough sleep
   Okay, you kill yourself playing a mix of supermom, super wife and super home maker. Everyday. But secure sound sleep for yourself. Start by rationing time for quick fix power naps during the afternoon. Even ten minutes leaves you feeling fresh and invigorated. Hit the bed in time so that you get an average of eight hours in noddyland. You're worth it.
9. Pursue a hobby
   It could be painting, doodling, gardening, making e-cards, creating pottery.. Anything that makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Join a biker's club or enter crazy competitions. You could take to this pastime alone or with friends. But do remember to slot it once a week at least.
10. Tune into yourself
    "If you can't take out one hour for yourself from within 24 hours, it's not worth it," says Leena. "Do keep in mind that the woman always has to take care of herself, even when she is unwell. That's a reality. Chime with your thoughts through meditation, catch a movie you like, or listen to music that calms you." Keep smiling.