It's no mean feat to sport a six-pack abdomen and ribbed muscles at the age of 42. However, Shah Rukh Khan has learnt that brawn comes at a price. The actor has been complaining of cramps and a pulled hamstring recently.

It all started on the sets of Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om while filming a lavish song recently. Says a reliable source, “Shah Rukh has done a tremendous job in the song sequence where he will be seen bare-chested. There were times during rehearsals when he got terrible cramps in his legs.”

The actor's personal trainer, Prashant Sawant blames it on the actor's low-carbohydrate, protein-rich diet. Also, the actor had sustained injuries in the hamstring while filming for Chak De in Australia earlier this year. A reluctant Sawant says, “It's a minor thing. He has almost given up on carbohydrates and that's why he keeps getting these frequent cramps.”

The story goes that Khan has always aspired to have a physique to reckon with. However, back problems and a tight schedule didn't leave him with much time to concentrate on his body. After wrapping up Chak De and Kaun Banega Crorepati, the actor has been working out rigorously every day.

Talking about it Sawant says, “Shah Rukh has been training every day for the last four months.” The actor's exercise regime includes cardio exercise and weight training. “We have concentrated on abs and I can tell you he has got the best abs in the business. We do crunches, reverse crunches and leg raises. There have been days when we have done about 1500 of them.”

Khan abstains from restaurant food and eats small meals after every three hours. Apart from drinking lots of water, he also swears by protein shake. Says Sawant, “The protein shake helps in building muscles. Also, after five in the evening he is supposed to have even lighter meals.” The actor was unavailable for comment.

Do or Diet

SRK has been advised to eat small portions of the following food every three hours:

• Egg whites, carrot/ fresh fruit juices Boiled/grilled chicken, boiled vegetables, salads (with no dressing), protein shakes, plenty of water

• No rice, rotis and potatoes

• No processed food