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TRAINING ROOM

Here are some belly tales

Photo: C. Lakshmi Kumar

Stronger biceps Hammer curl trains the brachialis muscle

A pot belly is more often seen as a cosmetic problem, rather than as a potential threat to health. Only those who are seriously worried about their health pay attention to fat cell accumulation and keep cardiac problems at bay. However, the findings of a study published in the International Journal of Obesity some time ago surprised even the health-conscious.

The Farmingham Study reported that those who carried more fat in the abdominal and waist areas had high blood pressure and also showed a decrease in brain functioning! The fat build-up affected the blood vessels that were related to supplying blood to the brain. Such people were also more prone to having a stroke, the study warned.

The circulatory system, which is responsible for blood flow throughout the body, should be in top condition to ensure good health, freshness and vigour. The cells found in the organs related to this system release nitric oxide, which opens the veins and facilitates more blood flow. When more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood is pumped to the muscles and organs that work hard, we feel fresh. The waste products that accumulate in the muscles owing to stress and exercise are flushed out and the body recovers faster.

This is why it is necessary for us to ensure that the cells in organs such as the veins are always healthy. Too much of simple sugar (fast acting high glycemic index carbohydrates) and saturated fat often affect the health of such cells. And modern research suggests that fat accumulation in the abdominal area also affects such cells.

Stand erect with a dumbbell in each hand held straight down at arm’s length, palms facing the outer part (side) of your thighs. Lift or raise the dumbbell in your right hand towards your shoulder. The palm should face inward and stay that way throughout the movement. Once the dumbbell reaches the shoulder, squeeze the biceps hard for a second and lower the weight to the starting position. Repeat the movement with the left hand. The elbows should stay close to the body throughout the movement. This exercise trains the biceps, the brachialis that lies beneath the biceps and the outer part of the forearms.

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