Rajinder Singh, aka the 'Skipping Sikh', will be running his first-ever marathon when he takes part in the London Marathon at the age of 74. Mr Singh, who turns 75 in October will be raising money for the learning disability charity, Mencap. In an exclusive Q&A with Asian Voice, he revealed his fitness regime and eating habits.
Q - What is your mantra to stay fit?
My faith and one word Waheguru which means wonderful god. I rise early to pray, I eat well. I stay positive and happy.
Q - As Asians, where do you think we go wrong in fitness?
We eat the wrong food, too many jalebis, mithai and it's not good for us. We need to control the amount we eat and be sensible
Q - At what age should we start to balance fitness and nutrition?
When and how did you do that? I have done it from a young age and I think everyone’s body is different, we should really balance it when we are adults.
Q - You are about to run your first marathon at 74. What kind of preparation goes into this?
I train every day little bit and try and push myself weekly by running more and walking more. I also skip, cycle, do weights and have protein powder as I am a vegetarian.
Q - What do you do for mental fitness? Please give some advice to our readers to balance the mind and body.
My faith, prayer is all I need to help me with my mental fitness. I believe we can do anything we want to. We just need to have faith and be focused and determined we can do it.
Q - What does a day in the life of Skipping Sikh look like when it comes to food and fitness?
I eat smaller portions 5 times a day. I eat dark chocolate, I only eat brown bread, raw vegetables which are slightly cooked, brown rice, I drink coffee, water and like raisins, dates and milk. I eat bananas but no other fruit. My diet is very simple and I don't eat Indian food unless I go to the Gurdwara where I will have daal and a prashada (Chapati) as this is langar and it's blessed food.
Q - How much has your family imbibed from you when it comes to staying fit?
They have taken it seriously, my wife has started to run, skip and hula hoop at 70. My daughter is taking exercise seriously and loves skipping now.
Q - In a pandemic ridden world where movement is restricted, how did you manage to stay fit?
I went to the allotment and I skipped every day. I went for a run, walks, cycling and I kept active every day. I am always on the go, never sit down.
Q - As the father of a daughter, what would be your advice to Asian fathers who seldom take interest in the fitness of their daughters?
It is so important to encourage our daughters to stay fit and active. It's down to us as fathers to be role models so we should look after our health so our daughters feel inspired by us. We should exercise together and make it a family fitness which is fun.
