Kriti Sanon has been turning heads with her lean and toned appearance in Cocktail 2, and fitness enthusiasts are eager to know the secret behind her transformation. According to her fitness coach, Karan Sawhney, one of the key elements of her training routine was a surprisingly simple exercise: incline walking.
Combined with strength training, a high-protein diet, and adequate recovery, incline walking played an important role in helping the actress achieve a fit, athletic, and camera-ready physique without resorting to extreme weight-loss methods.
Why Incline Walking Is So Effective
Unlike walking on a flat surface, incline walking forces the body to work against gravity. This increases the intensity of the workout, leading to greater calorie burn while keeping the exercise relatively low impact.
Fitness experts often recommend incline walking for individuals who want gradual fat loss without sacrificing muscle mass. Because the body works harder, more calories are burned in the same amount of time compared to regular walking.
Supports Fat Loss Without Excessive Strain
One of the biggest advantages of incline walking is that it helps create a calorie deficit while placing less stress on the joints than running or high-intensity cardio workouts.
This makes it particularly appealing for people looking to lose body fat while maintaining consistency and avoiding injury. It is often described as a sustainable approach to improving body composition rather than a quick-fix solution.
Strengthens the Lower Body
Walking uphill naturally activates the glutes, hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps more intensely than walking on a level surface.
Over time, regular incline sessions can help improve lower-body strength and muscular definition, contributing to a firmer and more toned appearance.
Improves Heart Health and Endurance
Incline walking elevates the heart rate and challenges the cardiovascular system without requiring the impact associated with running.
Consistent practice can improve stamina, endurance, and overall cardiovascular fitness while remaining accessible to people of different fitness levels.
Complements Strength Training
Many fitness coaches prefer incline walking as a form of cardio because it works well alongside resistance training programs.
Unlike excessive high-intensity cardio, incline walking generally allows for better recovery and is less likely to interfere with muscle-building goals. This makes it a valuable addition to balanced fitness plans.
Helps Improve Posture and Core Engagement
Walking on an incline encourages greater engagement of the abdominal and core muscles. It can also promote better posture, provided individuals avoid leaning heavily on treadmill handrails.
Maintaining an upright position throughout the workout helps maximize its benefits and encourages proper movement patterns.
Suitable for Beginners and Experienced Exercisers
Another reason for the growing popularity of incline walking is its adaptability. The treadmill incline can be adjusted according to individual fitness levels, making it suitable for beginners, older adults, and experienced gym-goers alike.
Even moderate inclines can significantly increase workout intensity without requiring advanced fitness skills.
Consistency Matters More Than Any Single Workout
While incline walking contributed to Kriti Sanon’s transformation, her trainer emphasized that no single exercise was responsible for her results. Her physique was built through a combination of regular strength training, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and long-term consistency.
The takeaway is simple: incline walking can be an effective tool for improving fitness and supporting fat loss, but lasting results come from a well-rounded routine rather than any one workout alone.