26 June,2009 08:51 AM IST | | Swati Kumari
Random gymming gets you nowhere, says a new study. Pick the right exercise regime to thrash your health problems, says iTALK
While sweating it out is a great idea to stay fit and fab, it is the choice of the right exercise routine that will improve one's health and lifestyle, suggests a recent report in the Daily Mail. According to the article, several alternative exercises help in reducing the symptoms of many common ailments. For instance, yoga is beneficial for gut pain and hiking helps in getting rid of hypertension. Apart from staying off obesity, choosing the right exercise can cure basic and chronic health problems too. Read on to see what exercise suits you best.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Exercise regime to be followed: Yoga
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS causes discomfort in the gastro-intestinal tract with no confirmed cause. The primary symptoms being abdominal pain, discomfort in association with frequent diarrhoea or constipation. Yoga asanas help stabilise digestion process and are also helpful in preventing or minimising menstrual cramps, which often exacerbate IBS. "Yoga can safely be called an insurance policy as it has support for all problems. It is helpful as it reduces stress, anxiety and pain resulted by chronic illness. Regular practice will definitely improve one's physical and mental fitness, promote relaxation, and give him/her a sense of control over their health and well-being. A 30 to 45-minute session everyday can do wonders. But one should perform the asanas on a empty stomach and under the tutelage of an expert," says Yogacharya Vijay Kumar, chairman and CEO, Universal Yoga Group.
Additional benefits: Yoga also has proven beneficial for patients with back pain, arthritis and depression.
Case Study > Yoga keeps her ache free
Nikita Anand, Bollywood Actress and former Miss India
It's been five years since I began practising yoga. I have been associated with Yogi Ashwani's Dhyan Foundation and am a regular at their spiritual healing sessions. I have benefitted a lot from yoga for it has helped me in achieving a balance in the body. Some specified breathing techniques help maintain overall fitness and longevity. I perform the asanas for at least half an hour a day and they have helped me fight ache both external and internal, and cold and cough.
High Blood Pressure
Exercise regime to be followed: Cycling
Pranav Kukreti
Cycling is a great fun activity; it not only enables you to derive pleasure, but also goes a long way in ensuring overall fitness. Apart from helping shed those extra calories, it also helps boost metabolism. It fights high blood pressure as well.
"A regular aerobic activity like cycling prevents and controls high blood pressure. This apart, the activity has other added advantages like maintaining balanced weight, managing diabetes and improving blood cholesterol levels. A moderate exercise routine of 30 minutes per day, on most days of the week, is recommended," suggests Pranav Kukreti, Director Marketing, Treks and Rapids, an outfit that endorses healthy lifestyle.
Other exercises: Brisk walking or water aerobics are also known to be useful in treating high blood pressure.
Case Study > He pedalled to push pressure away
Varun Rathore, 26, Placement Consultant
I have suffered from high blood pressure for a very long time. As I was under medication, the doctor suggested cycling as an added remedy. This is one activity that I follow religiously. Once I am done with work, I make sure I cycle for at least 20 minutes. This not only keeps me rejuvenated but has also kept my blood pressure in check.
Osteoporosis
Exercise regime to be followed: Walking
Shilpa Rane
Exercise works for preventing osteoporosis because it places stress on bones, which results in increased bone mass. A walk in the sun gives bones the strengthening benefits that come with the weight-bearing exercise of walking. The skin exposure to sunshine also helps with the absorption of Vitamin D, which is needed to absorb calcium and is good for the bones.
"Walking has not been shown to restore bone that is already lost to osteoporosis, but it can help preserve the bone density that a person has. For older individuals, a regular programme of brisk walking may assist in bone maintenance," proposes fitness expert Shilpa Rane.
Other exercises: Weight lifting and aerobic dancing.
Depression
Exercise regime to be followed: Salsa
Nanda Kundu
This racy dance form can be an effective exercise to boost mental health. According to Nanda Kundu, a Salsa trainer, this is an energetic form of dance that raises the heart rate and could potentially increase production of endorphins hormones that are responsible for mood elevation. "Salsa helps mental-health sufferers in their fight against depression. The opportunity of social interaction combined with the need for full concentration during the sessions, reduces the degree of isolation," she says.
Case Study> She shimmied her blues away
Bhumika Pradhan, 25, student
I joined salsa classes just for fun, but I feel as if I am in therapy now. Not only have my confidence levels shot up, but I also stay positive most of the times. Meeting interesting people makes me happy.
