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With time, things changed. Rapid urbanisation lead to hectic and busy schedules, erratic eating and competitive lifestyles. Life became mechanical. Fast food culture left us indulging in high-cal, high-fat stuff.
The result is evident. Although people do excel in their work fields, a comparative increase in the rate of sickness, absenteeism and various psychosomatic problems has also been observed. The stock of knowledge at that time was limited but probably sufficient. New research and upgraded technology now is at our fingertips. A lot of work is on to improve health and personal fitness, the technological change was needed, and it has reached us at the right moment.
Many fitness centres and health clubs have come up in the past 15 years, with the latest computerised cardiovascular exercise gadgets. Many foreign brands have opened their retail outlets in India. Scores of youngsters, even middle-aged men and women wait in queues to ride the exercycle, stepper or a treadmill. Certified guides are available. You can also get free fitness tips on radio or TV.
The huge increase in fitness awareness is not limited to major cities or metros. It has also trickled down to smaller towns. You will see signboards shouting ‘Kings Gym’ or ‘Hercules Gym’ along the national highways, with local peasants pumping iron. We have come a long way since the days of bullworker.
This development is not just a cosmetic development. There is a deep sense of insecurity among the masses. Although the average life span has increased, the newer varieties of illnesses coming up every day is really scary. Every family has one member suffering from one or other crippling disease. The expenses they lead to are far more devastating.
With tensions and depression on the rise, came motivational counselling. Active exercises got partly replaced by passive therapies. Yoga and meditation centres started expanding. Prime time yoga discourses are on these days; some of the channels are completely dedicated to yogic asanas and breathing exercises. Prescription of yogic/herbal medicines is common.
The corporate world is also involved in enthusing staff with de-stressing regimes and are sending their top-level management for Yoga, meditation and vipasna camps.
When I started my first health centre in Delhi 15 years ago, we were the only ones in this field, promoting positive fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Our mission was to help every individual make a constant and deliberate effort to remain healthy. Health for us is not mere absence of disease but a complete sense of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Fifteen years down the line, we not only have our 50 centres across India, there are about 500 similar centres. The whole health and fitness industry today is a Rs 200 crore one. Way to go.
—The author is Managing Director of Personal Point and an acclaimed fitness expert |
