I am 21 years old. My height is 5'6" and weigh 67 kg. I want to be in good shape and lose some pounds. Which exercises would you recommend if I start gymming? I heard that once we start going to a gym , we have to continue for life, otherwise we become fat, is this true?

I would not recommend going to a gym. If you have the open road and a good pair of running shoes, you are good to go. Remember, when running or jogging, you should do so on your toes, don't run with the full foot down, slam! that your spines jerks and moves about. Running too is a skill. If you want to simply shape and tone up, then I would recommend swimming or a brisk walk. These two exercises work wonders and trim the body uniformly.

I am 21 years old and weigh 57 kg. For my height, some doctors say I'm not overweight but I have irregular fat deposits in my chest and thighs. I feel this fat is because of my childhood days eating habits. I have been going to gym but i'am not able to go regularly because of my collegework and monthly tests. I don't eat much of junk stuff and there are improvements but not that noticeable.  Please suggest me ways to minimise these irregular deposits and become more fit. .

You have not provided me your height. Sometimes even if an individual is of normal weight, there is no telling whether he or she is fit, as they could be brimming with high amounts of triglycerides and cholesterol. The mantra of today is 'to be fit'. It's no longer about being fat or thin. Are you able to run a 5 Kms distance without panting and gasping for breath? Are you able to climb seven storeys without stopping? These are some of the crucial tests of fitness. Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Concentrate on more raw foods like fruits and salads. Always drink a glass of water 30 min before you commence your meal, then go for the salad, then the chapathis. Rice is preferably eaten in its whole form, or red rice, this form has more minerals and vitamins. Exercise should be either a sport like basketball, football or swimming. If these are not possible, try jogging in the mornings for half an hour. If you find this too difficult, try and walk and jog intermittently. Jog one road and then walk back to the starting point, then jog back and so on. Today, exercise is imperative, it needs to become mandatory, like waking up, sleeping and eating.

Parul Dube, R.D
Health Professions Council, UK


YOUR QUESTIONS
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