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METRO WORKOUT

But while even autos here advertise weight loss remedies, there aren’t that many weight gain programmes around. I found my answer at Talwalkars’ Vasant Vihar outlet. Talwalkars has been in the fitness business since 1932, and today it boasts a national presence.

I reach Talwalkars with some amount of trepidation. It’s early afternoon, and the only clients are some women in salwar kurtas complete with sneakers and a few toned and trim young men. I fit into neither category; my discomfort grows. I am met by R.K. Yadav, a man of tight abs and few words. He’s quick to tell me that weight gain is the obverse of weight loss, but that it’s still difficult. You have to consume double the calories that you burn; and the focus is on exercising two body parts every day. And, rest is as crucial as working out.

Photos: Rajeev Bhatt

Weights do the talking! The focus is on exercising two body parts everyday

I start with a warm-up session of neck and shoulder rotations to prepare me for the rigours ahead. Add 10 minutes on a treadmill to safeguard my muscles from stress. Push-ups are always an excellent exercise, but a clap push-up is a distant dream. Yadav advises wall push-ups first and then knee-push ups. He recommends that on day one the focus should be on the chest. Day two is for arms and shoulders, and day three is for the back and the legs.

I start with the inclined press chest machine. Being a novice in such matters, I start with the lightest weight. Yadav suggests two sets of 8 to 10 repetitions for women. You also need to get your breathing right. This exercise not only improves muscle mass but also helps increase balance.

The fly exercise is next on the schedule. This simple but demanding exercise requires the hand and arm to move through an arc, while the elbow is kept at a constant angle. This helps give shape to the upper chest.

Yadav advises that women should stick to dumb-bells and avoid the barbells.

Weight gain doesn’t mean a brazen consumption of oily food. Healthy food is the best, with lots of paneer and eggs thrown in.

Forty minutes later, I am done — for fatter or for worse.

Talwalkars, Vasant Vihar, 12 Basant Lok, 011-26141450/51

( nandini@thehindu.co.in )

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