Warm up your body before going for a fitness regime

Even as the City witnesses a rise in events like marathons, organised to maintain fitness and a healthy heart, doctors are cautioning the participants.

A lot of preparation is needed before running on the tracks, they opined. Accordingly, the theme for World Heart Day 2014, observed on September 29, is to create ‘Heart healthy environments.’

An attempt to lift a heavy object cost a 33-year-old his life in the City. The man who was rushed to Jayadeva Institute of Cardio Vascular Sciences in August after he tried to lift a heavy object, breathed his last as his aorta had ruptured. While moderate exercise is known to be an essential factor contributing to a healthy heart, extreme workouts could well be fatal.

According to the World Heart Organisation, at least 60 per cent of the world’s population is not sufficiently active. However, the City doctors also warn against extreme exertion. Dr C N Manjunath, Director, Jayadeva Institute of Cardio Vascular Sciences who spoke to Deccan Herald said that it was important to begin with slow intensity exercises and later increase it.

He also warned that unaccustomed heavy exercise would take a toll on one’s health. “It is ideal that one undergoes medical examination before starting a fitness regimen,” Manjunath added. Besides, he said that it was ideal that one does moderate intensity exercise over a long period of time rather than doing high intensity exercises for a short period.

He also said that warming up before the exercise was also important. “To begin with, at least for the first ten minutes, minimum exertion should be given. The body then gears up for the exercise and prepares itself to take the stress,” he explained. He added that it was essential to give adequate rest to the body post exercise.

Dr Rajpal Singh, interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital said “Those with a family history of heart ailments or sudden deaths must get a check up done before starting any form of exercise,” he added. Besides, Dr Singh said that it was necessary to follow a proper diet for a healthy heart.
DH News Service