FIT@WORK

Pic/Datta Kumbhar

It’s possible to get high “naturally”, without depending on booze or drugs, a recent German study (out to convert cynics) claims. This is how it works. When you exercise, it causes a flood of endorphins to rush to your brain. Endorphins are associated with mood changes; the more endorphins your body pumps out, the greater the effect.

Apart from enhancing your mood, exercise also increases your stamina and is an effective stress buster. And you needn’t take the term, “Runner’s High” literally.

Other forms of vigorous exercise are also good enough  from Samurai sword fighting (Actor Arya Babbar’s addiction) to Latin ballroom dancing (actor Shveta Salve’s pick) to the more common gym routine that actors Kim Sharma and Iqbal Khan swear by.

What’s the Runner’s High? 

German researchers say running releases a flood of endorphins in the brain. They are associated with mood changes, and are responsible for the state of euphoria that athletes and people who exercise regularly experience.

Start your day on a healthy note
Health guru Mickey Mehta spells out the benefits of exercising

“Most people have a misconception that daily exercise will tire them. So, they avoid working out on a regular basis,” he says. As a result, they could lose out on many health benefits.

Why exercise with a vengeance?

>> It’s A Mood Enhancer: An intense workout increases circulation, thus releasing energy obstruction blocks. This flow of energy inside the body boosts your confidence levels, and helps you experience a high.

>> For Multiple Health Benefits: As a result of regular exercise, your heart and lungs get stronger. This ensures improved immunity, reflexes and alertness. Your digestive system gets efficient at excreting toxins from your body, which results in better quality of blood. Heightened oxygenation to the brain improves memory, concentration and focus, which gives you clarity in vision and thoughts. As a result, your attitude improves, your thought process gets streamlined and you feel more positive.

Celeb Pick: Samurai sword fighting, ballroom dancing...

Isha Sharvani,
Actor and dancer
Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art is a vital part of my fitness regime, apart from Dancing. It helps improve concentration, build stamina, and increases flexibility and agility. I practise it for 30 to 45 minutes, thrice a week. This intense workout helps me start the day on a positive note. I feel fresh after a session; it puts me in the right frame of mind, keeps me positive and boosts my confidence.

Arya Babbar
Actor
I’m passionate about Samurai Sword Fighting and Swimming. While the former improves stamina, body posture and sharpens my reflexes, the latter is a complete workout.

Shveta Salve
Actor
I enjoy Latin Ballroom Dancing and Kathak. A session of dance always makes me feel good. It puts a smile on my face, improves body posture and is an intense yet fun exercise form.

Kim Sharma
Actor
Weight Training helps me lose weight and stay in shape. Unlike certain other exercises, it also helps tone your body.

Iqbal Khan
TV Actor
A combo of Cardio and Weight Training keeps me upbeat, tones my body, increases stamina and helps me stay fit.

Straight from the exercise addict’s mouth

Siddhesh Sapte, advertising firm Grey Worldwide’s Group Head, says, “I exercise regularly since it helps relax my mind and body. It offers a feel-good factor. If I skip my workout even for a day, I feel the difference in my mood and stamina level.”

Siddhesh’s Routine: A combination of cardio and weights for one hour at 6 am every day.

Siddhesh’s Tip: Hectic schedules can make it difficult to find time for a workout. So, it’s best to start the day with one. It can be difficult to adjust initially, but you will get addicted soon.