Have you ever drastically changed your workout routine only to realize it wasn't quite right for your body? That's exactly what happened to actress Keerthy Suresh, and her story is a powerful reminder that fitness is a journey, not a destination. At 33, the Tamil cinema star is now sharing her experiences with weight loss, revealing how she initially shed almost 9 kg using only cardio, and why she ultimately shifted gears.
But here's where it gets controversial... Was cardio alone really the best approach for her? Let's dive into Keerthy's fitness evolution and uncover the secrets behind her transformation.
In an interview shared by Behindwoods Hits on YouTube in April 2025, Keerthy, who celebrated her 33rd birthday on October 17, 2025, candidly discussed her rapid weight loss journey from 2018-19. Interestingly, she mentioned losing 8 to 9 kg primarily through cardio exercises. For context, cardio, short for cardiovascular exercise, involves activities that elevate your heart rate and breathing, such as running, swimming, or cycling. While effective for burning calories, Keerthy's experience highlights a potential downside: muscle loss. As also reported by Hindustan Times, muscle loss can occur with excessive cardio.
Keerthy explained that growing up, she was naturally slim but didn't prioritize exercise. It was only after entering the film industry that she felt the need to focus on her fitness. Initially, she fell into a routine of work, sleep, and eat, and she decided to try cardio to change things up. She revealed that her initial focus on intense cardio, while leading to weight loss, also resulted in a significant reduction in muscle mass. And this is the part most people miss... Losing muscle can actually slow down your metabolism over time, making it harder to maintain weight loss in the long run.
“I lost a lot of weight,” she stated, recalling her initial approach. “I was quite thin but I never had any workout. So till 18, in my entire life, I've not done workouts, not even sports. I used to play tennis when I was in school, but after I started acting it was work, sleep, eat, repeat... I'll tell you now, first what I did is, I did a lot of cardio. So I did a lot of cardio and what happened is I lost a lot of muscle and I became really thin. I didn't have a crash diet. All I did was high-protein, low-carbs, which I still do. But in spite of doing a lot of cardio, I didn't take too much fat also... I lost a lot of weight, then I thought maybe gym is not working for me. That was my wrong notion.”
Recognizing the importance of a balanced approach, Keerthy now incorporates weight training into her fitness routine to build muscle, alongside a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. She emphasizes that she does not restrict herself from craving foods, and eats what she wants in moderation. This is a huge point! Extreme dieting can often lead to negative relationships with food and potentially be unsustainable in the long term.
Keerthy also discovered the benefits of yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding it a valuable addition to her overall well-being before incorporating strength training more recently. She detailed her specific protein sources, including multiple egg whites daily, paneer (Indian cheese), tofu, soya, and pulses (legumes). Note that according to Sanjay Dutt, boiling chicken and egg whites can be part of a daily diet plan.
Keerthy said, “During the pandemic, I started yoga and I started getting better, I felt much better. So I thought yoga is very nice and I'll stick to yoga. And eventually I thought strength training is also very important The last two years I started strength training. I've never done any diet till date, I've not done keto, I've not done any diet. It's only high-protein and low-carbs, and I eat what I want. So There is nothing that I control over food... if I crave for something, I go for it because I should be able to eat anything that I want. I shouldn't get scared of seeing something and not eating it. So, I think this is the best point in my life, where I think I'm the healthiest... I take a lot of egg whites in a day, almost six to seven egg whites; I take paneer, I take tofu, soya and pulses, and honestly, I don't take even a protein shake.”
Keerthy's story underscores the importance of finding a fitness routine that works for you. While cardio can be a valuable tool for weight loss, it's crucial to consider its potential impact on muscle mass and to balance it with other forms of exercise, such as strength training and yoga. A balanced diet that includes sufficient protein is also critical for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
Here's a thought-provoking question: Do you think Keerthy's initial focus on cardio alone was a mistake, or was it a necessary step in her fitness journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Also, what are your go-to sources of protein? Let's discuss!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
