Running: Losing my religion

Forbes India Blog:

I am a runner by religion, and a very staunch one at that. I became a runner when I was 9 years old. I firmly believed that running gives you an even playing ground, which strips all of their social status and financial standing. 

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Making Champions, Sacrificing Childhood

A few days ago, I received a call from a gentleman who wanted to make his 9 year old son a badminton world champion. He needed my help to get his fitness levels up to the mark.

The problem was that this gentleman wasn't interested in his kid, but was looking only for a world champ. The kid pain thanks to playing the sport without being fit enough, but the father didn't seem too bothered about that.

Just make it more interesting, he then told me that he could do training with his son. Why did he need us or any one else?

I just wasn't sure why he had come to us in the first place.

It's sad to see that kids are used commodities, and not as living beings, leave alone sons and daughters. Can there be some legislation for this?

Most efficient and practical cardio-vascular exercise session

With marathon boom happening in India, people are confusing passion with activities like long distance running being best for your health. It was in 2007, during India's first Ultra marathon held in Bangalore, where the maximum distance was for 78 km, I did 100 km. The race organisers could not comprehend triple digits and it didn't show up on their results page. But during first weekend of October 2012, an ultra marathon was organised around Bhatti Mines where twelve people had signed up for 100 miles.

I am very clear in my head that I run because I am crazy about it. So might be the case with folks who attempted 100 miles. From 3-4 such people in 2007, today we have over a hundred who would happily enter for 100 km race. In 2006, there would a few hundred who would sign up forna marathon but today I would imagine more than a lakh run a marathon every year.

But for maintaining health and health benefits from cardio-vascular exercise, it's shorter duration higher intensity exercise that is more important. I usually suggest people to have 30-45 minutes brisk. Now, there is evidence for the same.

Intensity versus duration of physical activity: implications for the metabolic syndrome. A prospective cohort study -- Laursen et al. 2 (5) -- BMJ Open
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/5/e001711.full

Brisk Walking Beats Long Strolls ... - about.com

Brisk Walking Beats Long Strolls for Reducing Metabolic Syndrome Risk

Read full article by about.com, click here

Child diabetes 'is being missed' - BBC

Your child has a raging thirst and is rapidly losing weight. What could be behind it - it couldn't be diabetes - could it?

For full article in BBC, click here

Spinal steroid shots may have little effect on sciatica - Chicago Tribune

Despite the growing popularity of steroid injections to treat various kinds of back pain in recent years, a new review of past research finds the shots do little to alleviate sciatica, a common condition that causes leg and back pain.

To read the full article by Chicago Tribune, click here

Health First, Medals Later

There is a lot more to playing sports than simply winning

Recently, a father came to me with his eight-year-old son. He wanted his child to become a future world champion in badminton. He wanted me to assess and then address his son’s physical fitness, which he felt was lacking. I was given 18 months to raise the child’s fitness level to international standards. I loved the challenge because I thought I had full parental support and we were on the same page.

To read more, check the story here ... http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/d5GIPv5mCn4Pmf8zESVD8J/Health-first-medals-later.html

Testimonial: Severe Knee Pain to running 111km

Percy Fernandez:

I remember the evening I couldn't walk as I stepped outside the Metro. The pain was excruciating on my right knee as I simply couldn't walk. Thankfully, Rajat was with me as we were going into a meeting. And here I am, after a year. Stronger and wiser.

Thanks to them, I managed to run 111km on 11.11.11.

I love Rajat's approach to wellness. Holistic, I would say for want of a better word. Perhaps that's because he is a runner. His team is an illusion of magicians. They are professional to their marrow. They engage you. They can talk. And ofcourse, walk the talk. Most importantly, they are bunch of young, charming and vivacious boys and girls who add to that magical touch. Keep it up and keep up the good work.