Source : Times of India
Date : 7 November 2000
MUMBAI : "Who needs to work out? Don't the local trains take care of that?" If this is the way you reply on being asked if you work out, then you are not only out of shape but also out of touch.
Now is the season to be fit, not fat. Slim is in for girls and for boys it's high time to really build up some muscles rather than flexing their non-existent ones especially after the Hrithik mania.
Bhakti Sarang, a Ruparelite, has been frequenting a gymnasium for three years and to her it means more than a trend. Says she, "I have lost 10 kgs and exercising has helped me not only in gaining a good figure, but also in the all round development of my personality." She, however, has one weakness, like other collegians do, of not being able to resist junk food. She says, "Whenever I consume more of junk food, I work out all the more to burn up the calories." She also admits that this year she has found it difficult to be regular to the gymnasium as she is appearing for her H.S.C. examinations and so her stamina has also reduced.
"It is almost impossible for students in professional colleges to continue going to a gymnasium," says Ragesh, a student of Sir J.J. School of Arts. So now he works out at home with his dumbbells and regularly does the surya namaskar and baithaks. He also asserts, "For many, it's a craze, especially for those who have just stepped into college or for those who are crazy about Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan. Soon they realise that body building is not everyone's job, it requires dedication, and the enthusiasm tapers off.. I am so addicted to exercising now that if I don't exercise for a day or two my confidence decreases."
His friend, Nikhil Idurkar from the same college is of the opinion that dance is a better form of fitness than body-building as dance makes the body supple and flexible. Nikhil had joined a three-months dance course to learn jazz and aerobics and also to lose the excess weight he put on after his H.S.C. examinations. "Though the initial investment exhausts your pocket money, it yields results. I lost my paunch and I generated interest among everyone specially my mom who was particularly shocked with the improvement she observed," he says gleefully.
For those who think going to a gymnasium or dance class is passe, yoga is a good option. Sacha D'Costa of St. Andrews College, who goes to a yoga centre considers yoga to be a 'sound form to keep one mentally and physically fit and cool.' Says she, "I did'nt want something strenuous and so I turned to yoga. If along with fitness your concentration level increases and your body gets relaxed, what more could you ask for?"
Kriti Dahl of SNDT College, Juhu, believes that going for a brisk walk in the evening can make a difference. "Although the results are not instant, you should stick to it because it helps in the long run. Besides, it is zero investment, less time-consuming and gives you time to be with yourself." She also involves herself in sports like basketball and tennis and adds that all this contributes towards her fitness.
However, Vivek Patel of Sathaye College, perceives fitness differently. For him, somebody like Arjuna Ranatunga is fit because he has a flexible body! "If I want to go for body-building I will definitely go to a gymnasium. Otherwise fifteen minutes of light exercises like jogging and skipping in the morning and a shower after that is enough to refresh me for the day."
While ways of exercising differ drastically, the underlying goal, that of keeping fit, remains the same.
Here are some helpful hints to keep you fit.
A brisk walk in the morning.
Avoid junk food; fruits and salads are better.
Diet control is an important part of fitness and neither a crash diet nor overeating is recommended.
Make it to the gym thrice a week at least, if it suits you.
Never miss out on a warm-up session before exercising.