Flavour of the season
Fitness Conscious
Metrolife finds out that after participating in the 10k run, many Bangaloreans have realised the importance of staying fit
If what you do makes you sweat more than the City traffic then you sure are getting a good workout! And when it comes to workout choices in the City, the options are plenty. Especially if you are allergic to sweating it out in the artificial confines of a gym. The choices are endless, from martial art to sport and even dancing.
Says Sindhoor, a software professional, “I have been running for over two years now.
But I am not very regular. I have also realised, the painful way, that strength training is critical for running. I am also a Bharatanatyam dancer and attend classes twice a week.
It has been a challenge to run and dance as both are very taxing on the legs but it’s paying off. I am only discovering the balance now and I know it will help me stay on top of my workout schedule.”
Uttam on the other hand took to basketball, for a happy workout.
“I was a basketball player in school, but after college I didn’t play much. Recently, I started playing again and it’s been a lot of fun, even though I am not as good as I used to be once.” Uttam scaled his 10k run without any difficulties. “I have done 30k runs, so it wasn't tough cracking 10k,” says Uttam. But what about those who see fitness as an outcome rather than their primary goal?
Affirms Debamitro Chakraborti, another software professional from the City, “Kalaripayattu was the first martial art I tried to learn, but I had no idea that it was probably the most challenging one. It builds your strength, stamina, and flexibility to an amazing level. So I was confident that I could complete the 10k marathon, although I was never into any kind of sport or outdoor activity. The marathon was tiring, and I walked many times in between. But I completed it in 75 minutes, and did not have any pain/cramp afterwards.”
Working out does not only boost your fitness levels, but also has other intangible benefits.
Says Mayank Rungta, “I love meeting new people from different backgrounds, and this is a great platform.” A study says that free-hand exercises like sport and dancing are great stress buster as they release endorphin — the ‘feel good’ hormone.
Vidya organises belly dancing workshops in the City, and says that belly dancing has become popular among women in the City.
“Belly dancing is a low impact activity, and it helps keep the weight off from crucial areas like the belly, the thigh and the hips.”
