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Oh, for that macho image!
Satya working out in his gym.
Going from "skinny, wimpy and unattractive" to "ripped, sexy and hot" that's what many young Vizagites are doing: pumping iron at local gyms. Bicep is the byword now.
The success of the movie "Kaho Na Pyar Hai", had youngsters making a beeline at local gymnasiums, coaxing instructors to help them to develop Hrithik-like biceps. Not to forget Salman Khan, who was the first major influence and continues to be so for over a decade now.
The gyms which were "not a place to be" for the teenagers, until two years ago, have become a sort of "place for worship" for many a wannabe hunk. K. Vijay Kumar, an engineering student joined the gym after a friend pointed out to him that he was very lanky and needed to put on some muscle. "I have been working out for a few weeks now and I feel more confident about my appearance. A guy with a good frame appeals more to the girls," says the lad.
Students are turning up in hordes at gymnasiums all over the city making up for over 80 per cent membership of any health club. Says two-time winner of Mr. Andhra and runner-up at the Mr. India contest, G. Satya of Fitness Zone: "Today's youth are more glamour-conscious and want to flaunt their bodies more than anything else. The sex-appeal factor is also very important to them. Many aspiring models and actors workout religiously as looks and a good frame help them get vital breaks."
Though fitness instructors stress the importance of building a proportional physique, the teenagers are mainly interested in developing steely biceps and a rock hard abdomen, putting in more effort for the bicep curls and crunches. Young guys love showing off their hard-earned biceps, triceps and pectorals in T-shirts at the popular hangouts in the city.
Satya working out in his gym.
Shaping up a good physique requires a great deal of effort, patience and dedication. Many enrol at the local fitness centres expecting quick results, and when it does not happen, they quit in frustration. Three times winner of Mr. Visakha, Anand Rao of Healthy Home health club in T.P.T. Colony says, "Disappointment sets in when the boys do not find improvement after a few weeks of training. Only a few persist and actually go on to develop shapely bodies. Not many are willing to spare the time and effort regularly which is so essential to mould your physique."
And those who put in the hard work and dedication are always in a hurry to attain the ripped body. They try protein supplements, stamina boosters, energy drinks and even herbal medicines. Four times Mr. Andhra, K. Ganesh of Vayuputra gym at Rama Talkies junction states, " Protein supplements and other energy boosters should always be taken on the advice of the doctor advice or the coach as there could be side effects. Normally herbal products are safe and if taken with a healthy diet they can work wonders for a person."
The coaches pointed out that the new generation was fitness conscious but lacked time for workouts. The lads lose interest once they take a break during examinations or holidays. Despite the dropouts, health clubs are doing steady business with new members compensating for the loss of the old.
Hunk-mania is in, what with every second guy seeming to head for the health club. In the end it does not matter if the desired muscles were built or not. The stints at the gyms certainly do no harm to anyone.
FAQs on workouts
Here are some frequently asked questions about workouts for building a trim body. G. Satya of Fitness Zone has the answers:
*What is the right age to start working out with weights?
One could start after the age of 15. Children have tender bodies and they are better off with cardiovascular exercises and sports activities.
*Does exercise affect the growth of height?
Workouts do not affect the natural height of a person. Height depends purely on hereditary factors.
*Should one drink water during workouts?
While exercising there is a lot of sweating and one should drink enough water to compensate the loss.
*What are the suitable weights for a person to work with?
A person should lift weights suiting his or her strength and stamina, not too heavy not too light.
*Should one exercise during summer?
During summer energy levels are low and one gets exhausted very soon. Moderate exercise would do.
SHAZEEL M BASHA
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