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BY the time you read this, the marathon may be over and you could be reaching for a bag of chips and the TV remote control. However, doctors in the city warn that if you’re planning to kiss your fitness regime goodbye after the event, it could have serious repercussions on your health.
Dr Richa Anand, nutritionist at Hiranandani Hospital, says that while she’s inundated with patients who want to be in shape for the run, a definite lull will occur post-Sunday.
“It frequently happens. After the event is over, people go back to their bad habits. Individuals who may have knocked off four kilos, regain seven. The body builds up resistance to weight loss with every yo-yo diet and exercise pattern, making it harder to lose weight,” she said.
“Fresh applicants who haven’t gone on crash diets yet, achieve their goals much faster than those who opt for quick fixes,” she further added.
The same problem also hounds fitness freaks who train religiously for months and then stop all activity.
“It’s disappointing to see people not go the extra mile to maintain their health. We have customers who drop out of the training session soon after the marathon. There are some, however, who are inspired and opt for physical activity in their schedules,” says Kalindi Mehta, project manager, Talwalkars Health Center.
If one is planning to tone down their fitness schedule after the event, doctors recommend phasing the routine out in three weeks.
“Those who abandon their activity abruptly may experience pain in their knees, calf muscles, thighs and abdomen,” says Dr Ameet Pispati, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Jaslok Hospital.
He also warns participants against taking painkillers. “Runners often take a combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol or diclofenac, which can cause severe cramps or even kidney damage in long distance running,” says Dr Pispati, who treated nearly 60 people complaining of giddiness, dehydration and vomiting last year.
‘Life is a marathon’ Post-marathon diet
n 15 minutes later: Juice or glucose to provide necessary sugar for energy
n Two hours: Light carbohydrate meal with minimal protein like cornflakes, oats, sabudhana kheer, egg whites and brown bread n Four hours: Complete meal — vegetables, meat or fish with rice or rotis. Avoid food items with high fat content or that is deep-fried — this causes cramps or even induces vomiting.
n Drink an electrolyte solution. Avoid drinking only water as this may cause water intoxication, which may lead to slow damage of the nerves |
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