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Nazim Zilkha, Dechert, New York

Zilkha is a partner in the firm's corporate practice group and represents clients in complex cross-border transactions.

How often during the week do you work out? I am an avid tennis player and try to get out on the court at least two days a week. I also have been enjoying Pilates for a number of years, which helps keep my core strong. More recently, I have been going to physical therapy training twice a week to help me with a knee injury from skiing last winter. Overall, I do some sort of workout usually three or four times per week.

Nazim Zilkha.

At what time during the day or evening do you work out? I prefer to work out in the mornings, as it gets me going for the day. I used to work out at night, but I would get home late, and finding time to eat and workout was challenging. Besides, playing tennis late at night makes it difficult, at times, to fall asleep at a reasonable hour.

What's your go-to routine? Each morning there are a few routines I follow to keep in shape—no heavy weights or workout machines required. I use resistance bands to perform upper body and leg exercises. I do this at home to save time and usually try to find somewhere away from our dogs so that they don't get in the way.

How long does it take? I typically spend about 20 to 30 minutes on my daily exercise routine in the morning, and supplement that with getting on the tennis court at least twice a week.

Why do you like this routine? I have found that my morning routine is easy to follow and a great way to get me energized for the rest of the day. Keeping in shape helps minimize aches and pains when first getting up in the morning!

What does regular exercise do for you? Regular exercise keeps me toned and in shape so that when I am out on the tennis court I am less apt to injure myself. There's also an important mental health benefit that comes with regular exercise, and this balance is critical for thriving in a fast-paced, challenging field, such as corporate law. In addition to physical exercise, I try to spend a few minutes each day listening to music or meditating. Finding relaxing moments during the day is important, and I have even tried using the Journey meditation app Dechert has made available to all of us.

How long have you been exercising regularly? I have been exercising and playing tennis since I was a kid. My entire family plays tennis, which is a great way for us to spend time together. My younger daughter is playing Division I tennis in college and started beating me years ago. I am happy to see that those years of tennis lessons for her have actually paid off!

In what ways have you changed your routine over the months or years? Finding a way to keep active is important to staying fit and healthy. When I joined Dechert a few years ago, I teamed up with a colleague, Chris Ujkic, to form Dechert's first corporate USTA tennis team. We get to play over the summer at several locations in Manhattan and bond with other Dechert lawyers and clients passionate about tennis. Our first year in the league, we won our division and made it to the finals this past year!

How do you convince yourself to work out when you don't want to? As I get older, there are more aches and pains to deal with, and exercise is a healthy way to combat them. I also know that I will feel motivated and happy with myself once I am out there moving. Besides, I need to stay in shape as an example to my fellow tennis team members and improve our chances at regaining our championship title next year!

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