Fit fundas

Gymming isn’t the only way to remain fit. We’ve found alternatives for the active,yet treadmill-challenged

A new addiction has caught on in the city and is spreading at lighting speed. Symptoms includes toned bodies,higher stamina and compliments galore. Haven’t figured out what we’re talking about? Young and old,everyone seems to be chanting fitness mantras to improve their lives and they’re more than proud of it. Amrita Batra,a homemaker and former badminton champ,winning tournaments at the national level in Madras,Pune and the Nilgiri District says,“I’ve led a highly active childhood and as a result,can’t sit idle even today. I try to squeeze in any kind of activity during the day. A game of badminton with my son,a walk in the evening or just helping out with the house work.” While she doesn’t follow any rigid plan,she’s particular about what she takes in. “You have to eat healthy,at the correct times to stay in sound shape. If you munch away in front of the TV,you’ll get nowhere on the fitness scale.” Eighteen-year-old Tripti Singh,a recent graduate from Vivek High School agrees. “When you make exercise a habit,rather than a task to help you lose weight or buff up,it becomes enjoyable”,explains the former national-level child gymnast,star athlete and swimmer of her school. While she doesn’t follow sports anymore,she takes yoga classes every morning and goes for a swim and run every evening! “The best part is that my routine is flexible,so I meet my friends everyday as well. When I’m hanging out with them,I can tell who is unfit because they get tired so easily.” Tripti keeps herself going by changing her location for the run whenever she gets bored which includes the track at the lake,the Bougainvillea garden,gym,streets as well as her own locality. We’re panting already,watching her go!

Meenakshi Yog,a city-based yoga teacher,holds regular classes and has seen tremendous results in her students. “Yoga isn’t just about an asana or posture. It is the act of joining the physical with the mental,so you can be in full control of your present state of being,” she explains to us as we marvel at the cures it results in. If practiced in a disciplined manner,one can achieve permanent stress relief,toned muscles,healing of injuries,treatment of diabetes,blood pressure and hypertension,better skin and health – you name it and yoga solves it. Meenakshi swears by this as she confidently states,“I can give it to you in writing,Yoga is the answer to health. It has been scientifically proved!”

Bharat,a recent graduate from DAV College,has added a punch to his workout with personal kickboxing lessons at CGA. “It includes a lot muscle and cardio exercise. I end up burning some 900 calories per class,” he tells us before going in for his session. Apart from increasing stamina,the exercise has improved his flexibility as well,“by the end of it,you’ve done 500 punches which,believe me,is hard!” This active lad goes to the gym as well and with his diet of high proteins and low fat and carbs. Inspired?