A35-year-old woman died while lifting weights in a gym recently. This shocked fitness enthusiasts. BM spoke with experts to know the do’s and don’ts of exercising.
Dr Divya Marina Fernandes, consultant, interventional cardiology and Heart Failure Specialist, Aster RV Hospital said: “We see athletes collapsing in gyms or on fields. This could mainly be attributed to conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm).”
She advised getting a treadmill test before starting endurance training even for those under 40. She said basic life-saving skills like CPR are good to know.
“Focus on building stamina and strength gradually and listen to your body. Take adequate rest when necessary. Avoid supplements unless they have been tested and certified by reputed bodies,” she added.
A bad diet and other poor lifestyle habits are common among youngsters. Many are into performance-enhancing drugs and unscientifically marketed supplements. To add to it, heavy exercise without heeding to early symptoms is terrible for health.
Trainers need to be aware of sports medicine and the risks of over exercising, said Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, senior interventional cardiologist, Sakra World Hospital.
A family history of heart attacks at a young age, symptoms like chest pain or uneasiness or effort intolerance are reasons to visit a cardiologist immediately. Do not delay in seeking advice.
Dr Sanjay Bhat, senior consultant, interventional cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, said, “Regular physical exercise is important to keep bodies fit, combat health diseases, etc. However, over-exercising can be harmful.”
“It is important to warm up before exercising. A five-minute warm-up is critical for better performance and fewer injuries. Start slow. High intensity and irregular exercise can lead to heart problems… When you indulge in heavy workouts, it pushes the heart to produce abnormal rhythms. Unaccustomed exercise without adequate training and overindulging in heavy workouts to achieve quick results can do more harm than good,” he said.
However, Shodhan Rai, Ekalavya awardee and celebrity fitness consultant, said, “A gym/health club is an hour-long affair. Workouts are a minuscule thing to cause these accidents. The real factor is what we do outside to improve or worsen health.”
He advised precautions: “Managing stress, sleep and nutrition is of utmost importance. If you don’t wake up feeling fresh, don’t push yourself during your workout. Practise an easy stretching or breathing exercise. Under a qualified trainer, follow what is necessary and works best for your body to reach your goal instead of replicating another’s workout… Proper guidance at the gym is crucial.”
