Midlife Euphoria Day 47: Key to Fitness

As we approach midlife, fitness becomes a requirement. I remember saying very jovially that with every child I bore, I put on 5 kilograms. So, I had two girls – that is 10 kgs. I became comfortable with the weight and then when I put on another 5, my rationality went out of the window. Starting with a weight of 50 kgs, I was obese. I brushed it off flippantly, saying the extra 5 kgs is for my adorable pet who is like my baby. But it was a somber situation. Was I going to blame my dog’s litter for my superfluous weight next?

Time to deliberate! My husband and I had a serious discussion and decided to take the situation in hand. Both of us like to walk but we realized just walking is not the solution. Walking with a purpose that is brisk and long may be the answer. We did that but it gets a bit tiresome and is subject to weather discrepancies. Cold mornings, hot days, rainy days, late nights become an excuse to bunk. Also, reading voraciously about the subject we recognized that fitness means weight training for our osteoporosis-prone bones, working out in a different way every day to ensure that every muscle and tissue is drilled is the key.

Health and weight loss is a common grief amongst our age group, so we gathered a lot more knowledge about the issue in the course of social gatherings. Amazingly while discussing these issues, we paid no heed to our indulgence in culinary delights, but focused mainly on disciplining our expanded body. One thing that appealed to me immediately was a detoxing week in one of the exotic locales in Kerala. Somatheeram is a beautiful resort and Ayurvedic Hospital situated on the banks of the Indian Ocean. On enquiry it sounded like the perfect solution to all our problems. Though frightfully expensive, we decided to go for it as it is time for us to invest in health and only health. After all, ‘health is wealth’.

Somatheeram was well worth the money we spent. Located about 45 minutes’ drive from Trivandrum airport, it is a charming little resort nestled amongst coconut trees. Winding paths along the slope of the hill, peppered with medicinal trees, cobbled pathways and antique artefacts in every corner is a treat to the eyes. The twenty-three acres of tropical landscape is scantily dotted with ancient Kerala-style cottages. The use of local materials such as stone, wood and clay is imperative to the structure. These are harmonious with nature, and the surroundings seem like a healing heaven.

One is treated as a patient in this Ayurvedic Hospital. They first take your health history, likes/dislikes and routine – in short, an account of your lifestyle and then slot you as a particular type. They tell you what you should eat/avoid depending on your body type. There are various massages to rejuvenate, cleanse and detox your system. A two-hour massage followed by yoga and meditation during the day keeps you fully occupied. The food is vegetarian and wholistic without being heavy. A great experience to start the fitness regime. We felt good and did lose a couple of kilos but to sustain our endeavour we needed something back home. Fired by the experience, we decided to join a health club with yoga thrown in on alternate days.

This process kept us occupied for a couple of days. Signing up was followed by a frantic shopping spree. We needed the right/chic clothing and appropriate footwear. After all, we had decided to invest exclusively on health. I was quite upbeat thinking of the quote, “Your body will be around a lot longer than that expensive mobile. Invest in yourself.”

Now we walk, lift weights, operate numerous gadgets to train every muscle – from calves to hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, biceps, triceps, forearms, trapezius and abs. I did not even know we have so many neglected parts in our body. Luckily, there are trainers to aid you; otherwise, it can be very intimidating.

Joining the gym was one of the best things to happen to us. It put us on a routine. We get up in the morning with a purpose, get ready – which is better than lounging around in your night clothes till midday – look forward to meeting strange people who almost feel like friends. Best of all, exercise changes not only your body, it changes your mind, attitude and mood. Ever since I have started doing yoga, I feel more energetic. I am up and about much more, game for an impromptu get-together with friends, read more, involve myself in the kitchen by trying new (healthy) recipes. The day we miss out, we feel not only sluggish but also guilty.

While at it, I started intermittent fasting recently, a concept I always scorned at as being almost punitive. Surprisingly since I am following it, it doesn’t seem so formidable. The eight-hour eating window is sufficient to keep us well satiated where food is concerned. The best part is that you can eat whatever you want without any restrictions. So, in effect you aren’t really missing anything. Since you want to eat the right kind of food in this window, the desire to eat unnecessary things automatically becomes minimal. Choosing green vegetables and whole fruit over bacon and ham was an easy choice. The first things I dropped from my list were sweet items. These changes are supposed to bring dramatic results to our health, which still remains to be seen. However, we are enjoying the journey feeling very upbeat. Sleep is far more regulated and energy levels are a lot higher. In short, feeling on top of the world.

According to the GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center, five major benefits of exercise, especially for midlife, is:

1) Prevent disease. Exercise improves overall immune function, especially for seniors as their immune systems are often compromised.

2) Improved mental health. Exercise produces endorphins (the feel good hormone) which acts as a stress reliever and leaves you happy and satisfied. Also it enhances your sleep experience which is very important for mental wellbeing.

3) Decreased risks of falls. Exercise improves strength and flexibility, which helps improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Seniors take much longer to recover from falls, so anything that helps avoid them in the first place is critical.

4) Social engagement. Maintaining strong social ties is important for ageing adults to feel a sense of purpose and avoid feelings of loneliness or depression.

5) Improved cognitive function. Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine.

I hope this will motivate all those who read this to incorporate exercise into their lives. Exercise should be regarded as a tribute to your soul. “He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”