From Fat to Fit

Health and Food | April 12, 2010 | Share

I the paunchy vagabond roamed the glossy boulevards, craved for burgers and capered for ice-cream flavors/ Smell of ‘tandoors’ seduced my salivary glands, and pizzas offered no amends/ I had only pot-bellied brethrens for company, thus every meeting segued into greasy ceremony/ Such was the tale of acrid acrimony that days came and went in complete monotony/ Just when it seemed life was caught in the pea pod, gym came calling and someone delivered the customary prod.

This has been the tale of many obese turned obsessed, who made numerous sacrifices just to look fit amidst global eyes. All of a sudden fitness revolution has caught up like the quondam ‘French revolution’ or ‘Industrial revolution’ did. Not only the Gen-next but ‘mamaji’, ‘chachaji’, ‘mamiji’, ‘chachiji’ and even ‘dadaji’ and ‘dadiji’ went claustrophobic coming out in open to shed the unwanted kilos. Some ran for life like ignited rockets, others joined yoga and winked for peace, the rest pilated, danced and lifted weights. Though, the fitness fanatics fought rigorous battles, their regime did churn out rich dividends both mentally and physically. Research has proven that obesity leads to a number of diseases, like- hypertension, diabetes, Pickwickian syndrome, heart problems, etc. so being obsessed certainly is better than being obese.

When the ‘NEW YORK POST’ featured a shirtless photo of President-elect Barack Obama vacationing in Hawaii with his family, many eyebrows were raised and criticisms were hurled from opposition (team McCain). But it seemed odds worked in Obama’s favor and the toned body only helped in further toning his political career. Recently, again the president was in news for passing a fitness test with flying colors, as reports contained several statistical jargons certifying he was the fittest ruler now. However, expecting the same from Indian politicos will be a gesture too demanding, yet India is not laid back in the fight for fitness; it should be noted that our country was the birthplace for Yoga and artisans like Baba Ramdev have earned plaudits from all around the globe. The sudden transformations of Adnan Sami, Shekhar Suman, Aamir Khan and ilk have made it clear that we neither lag nor sag behind. The advent of new age techniques like power yoga, water aerobics, parkour etc. has made shaping up possible sans the pain.

Exercises not only help attain a proper physique but also serve the soul for that perfect poise of living. Spiritual fitness was always a part of Indian livelihood, as the fables suggest, several wise saints adorned the Himalayas and dwelled in cavernous locales in quest for that eternal happiness. In today’s times, that happiness eludes mankind and as the hectic schedule of city life keeps on piling, we struggle for breathing space let alone thinking about nurturing our minds. As this busy life can never be parted with, we can at least take an hour out of our daily routine to culture our body and mind as it is a necessity for the sake of survival too.

Cardio-vascular exercise on any given day sounds better than cardiac arrest- So time to get moving guys!

Debojit Dutta