The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Even homemakers need exercise

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Even homemakers need exercise

Special Correspondent

Excess weight can lead to diabetes, blood pressure

Bangalore: Household chores such as cooking, ironing clothes, grocery shopping and driving children to school serve as calorie burners but homemakers may need more exercise, if they have to shed weight.

"The idea of starting an exercise regimen is appalling to many women, even those who were in sports in their college days," says health club trainer Natasha Singh. Over the years of being wives and mothers, many women, even those with jobs outside, may find little time to exercise. "If you are more than five kilos over the optimum weight for your height and build, think seriously about losing weight... those extra kilos can easily multiply. As in the case of men, overweight women are in the risk category for diabetes, hypertension and possible heart conditions. These may appear years later but maintaining the ideal weight from the age of 30 onwards helps," says general physician P. Eshwar. When exercise is no longer an option, try to combine aerobic and conventional workout, trainers advise. Aerobic activity speeds up your metabolism and you burn calories faster. The pedalling plus stair climbing actions tone up the legs, thighs, hips and the rear areas.

Since home exercise equipment cost a tidy sum, even with cash discounts, one should go for the best available. They should be sturdy without being too heavy. Those that can be folded or dismantled suit most city apartments where space is scarce. The dealer should be willing to offer at least a year's warranty and available for any servicing or repairs.

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