Vidya Balan reveals she hasn’t ‘worked out all year’ yet is at her ‘slimmest’; we find out how can that be

Surprisingly, her weight loss journey didn’t involve strenuous workouts. Balan added, “They asked me to stop working out, and everyone’s been telling me, ‘Oh my god, you look your slimmest’, and I haven’t worked out all year… and I want to say, judgment around the body is brutal… people put on and shed weight for serious reasons because our bodies express what we’re going through emotionally also.”

Unpacking inflammation and overtraining: The experts weigh in

Balan’s journey has sparked renewed interest in the relationship between overtraining and inflammation. Dr Surender Pal Singh, Head of Physiotherapy at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, explains that overtraining can paradoxically lead to increased inflammation. When overexerted beyond their natural threshold, muscles become inflamed rather than strengthened. This is especially true if one consistently trains the same muscle groups without sufficient rest or proper form. According to Dr Singh, “Excessive load on a particular muscle group for too long can lead to pain and inflammation instead of aiding weight loss.”

Balan shed light on her transformative weight loss experience, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on societal judgments and the emotional toll they take. (Source: Freepik)

Dr Singh recommends adhering to basic steps such as a thorough warm-up, gradually increasing the workout load, and rotating muscle groups to avoid this. This approach minimises the risk of inflammation and overuse injuries, essential for sustainable and injury-free fitness.

Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, emphasises that pushing the body too hard without rest is akin to “revving a car engine nonstop.” Chronic inflammation triggered by overtraining reduces performance and can lead to weight gain. Overtraining disrupts the body’s balance, making it more susceptible to injuries and mental strain. Symptoms of overtraining include persistent muscle soreness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and constant fatigue—all warning signs that the body needs a break.

Striking a balance 

Both experts underline the importance of rest and mindful training as central to any fitness regimen. Dr Singh advises incorporating rest days, gradually increasing workout intensity, and maintaining good hydration, nutrition, and sleep habits. Techniques such as periodisation, where high- and low-intensity workouts are alternated, and progressive overload, a gradual increase in resistance, allow for steady progress without overstraining muscles. Active recovery days featuring lighter activities, like yoga or walking, can also help maintain momentum without leading to inflammation.

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.