Rakul Preet Singh recalls doing 1,000 squats in one-off challenge: ‘Couldn’t feel my legs for a week’

During the conversation, she also mentioned losing eight kilos for De De Pyaar De (2019), in which she starred opposite Ajay Devgn. “I was transitioning from the South to Mumbai during that time. I was asked to lose weight because, before that, I was playing a town girl, and I had to look chubby. I was eating a lot at that time. So, I lost eight kilos for it,” shared Singh.

The actor, who is married to producer Jackky Bhagnani, said that she eats clean for six and a half days except for one cheat meal on Sundays, which has a “piece of pizza, pasta…any carbs, protein, anything”.

Taking a cue from Singh’s revelation of doing 1,000 squats, we asked a fitness expert and dietitian whether it is even advisable to try.

How many is too many? (Photo: Pexels)

Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal, also a fitness expert, said extreme challenges like doing 1,000 squats in a single session may sound exciting, but they can actually put the body at serious risk. “Overloading the muscles without proper progression and rest can cause microtears, excessive soreness, and in some cases even lead to rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle breakdown products enter the bloodstream and can harm the kidneys,” said Goyal.

According to Goyal, if someone cannot walk properly or feels pain lasting for days after such a workout, it is a clear sign that the body has been pushed beyond safe limits. “Squats are a fantastic strength-building exercise, but they need to be performed with correct technique, moderate repetitions, and under a structured plan that allows for recovery,” said Goyal.

Sustainable fitness is built on consistency, progressive overload, and adequate rest, not extreme one-time challenges.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.