The right way to exercise to lose weight by fitness guru Mickey Mehta

My definition of health is wholesome wellness and self-healing through productive exercises, good nourishment, yoga, conscious breathing, meditation, prayers and rest. In short, it includes lifestyle corrections for the enhancement of health and to experience optimum health in mind, body and spirit. Most people make conscious effort to lose weight and are ready to deal with challenges of personal stress, life transitions and changes and career pressures. Instead of the changes they make, they fail to lose weight as they may be going wrong with both their diet and exercise.

Why is exercising necessary?
Exercising oxygenates our body for constant cell renewal. The feel-good hormones or the endorphins released during exercise help in the release of energy. Walking, swimming, aerobics, calisthenics and yoga are highly recommended. Regular practise of yoga and pranayama have healing and stimulating qualities, apart from its benefits of promoting core strength, concentration, memory and coordination.

Weight loss is the by-product of such a plan. We are obsessed with slimming or starvation for quick weight loss. Innumerable unhealthy methods have been tried and tested like fad diets, over-exercising, starvation diets, radical treatments, intestinal and gastric bypass surgeries, but none have given sustained results.

What is the right way to exercise to lose weight?
In my opinion, it is reasonable to take up exercise in a composite, holistic way. Do not isolate and fragment your body parts. Address your body in totality for long term goals, wholesome wellness and long lasting energy. Exercises must be creative, imaginative and must have recreational values to stimulate and motivate you.

• Choose anything from calisthenics, pilates, boot camp, aerobics to a good gym of your choice and plan a regime that suits you. Add a brisk walk to your daily routine. It provides aerobic fitness, strength and endurance, and requires no special equipment.
• No matter what exercise you choose, it must be a regular part of your daily life. You must follow the basics of warm-up, stretching, slow and conscious breathing for better stamina and strength, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength and bone density.
• Incorporate yoga, breathing exercises and meditation in your routine. Yoga strengthens and stimulates the endocrine, nervous and the immune systems, helps develop core strength and stamina while helping you build lean muscle.

What exercises should one avoid when on a weight loss plan?
The only form of exercise one needs to avoid while on a weight loss goal is over-exercising, aggressive and violent types of exercises and over-reliance on machines and heavy weights.

Most importantly, eat smart. Eat natural, wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, herbs and whole grains as these are stimulating, rejuvenating and can boost your immune system. Avoid the use of processed and refined foods that are bereft of nutrients and have high amounts of sugar, sodium, fat and artificial colours.

Despite all the different trends available, there is only one way of achieving sound health. And that is a combination of exercises, pranayama, meditation, sleep and a good diet.

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