Pooja Batra’s Fitness Secrets at 49: Mixed Martial Arts, Yoga, Pranayama, and Hiking for a Toned Body

Actor Pooja Batra, who turned 49 on October 27, once opened up about her passion for fitness, mixed martial arts (MMA), and yoga in a 2021 interview with Mid-day.com. The former Miss India International, who holds a brown belt with two black stripes in MMA, said the discipline has transformed both her body and mind.

‘MMA keeps your brain active and engaged’

“I trained in MMA three days a week for six years and earned a brown belt with two black stripes,” she said. “I find MMA good for your physical and mental health. When you learn routines and execute movements using both sides of your body, you’re joining the dots in your brain and keeping it active for a long time. If you put gold into your body, you become gold.”

Pooja believes fitness is essential to overall happiness. “Knowing the dynamics of intake versus expression makes it simple to monitor weight. Fitness is needed to stay happy,” she added.

‘Yoga and MMA help me stay balanced’

Now based in Los Angeles, Pooja is also a certified yoga teacher. Her commitment to yoga, combined with her MMA training, reflects her belief in leading a balanced life.

“In order to thrive as a human being, you need to have satva, the Sanskrit word for balance. Yoga and MMA lead you to live a balanced life,” she said. “I did my first yoga retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica, in August 2021.”

‘I’ve hiked to the base camp of Mount Everest’

An adventure enthusiast, Pooja has trekked to several of the world’s most stunning locations, including the base camps of Mount Everest, Mont Blanc, and Mount Baldy in Yosemite.

“I’m also a hiker and have hiked to the base camps of Mount Everest, Mont Blanc, and Mount Baldi, Yosemite,” she shared.

From martial arts to mountain peaks, Pooja Batra’s fitness philosophy is rooted in strength, balance, and self-discipline — a testament to her enduring passion for wellness and adventure.