Srinagar, 28 Sep: World Heart Day is observed today with the goal of educating people about cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main focus of the event is to increase awareness of CVD, its prevention, and its effects on people all over the world. Public speeches, sporting events, and concerts are held as part of World Heart Day celebrations by government and non-government organizations all over the world to raise awareness of CVD.
Special Correspondent Jahangir Sofi speaks to two prominent and known Gym/Fitness trainers Umar Rashid and Mushtaq (Mushi) about the importance of workouts and cardio exercises for maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Mushtaq Ahmad known by the name of Mushi is a well-known martial artist and fitness trainer. He told Rising Kashmir that not just elderly but younger people should also continue doing cardio exercises given the changes in their lifestyle habits.
“While it is true that there should be a balance between calorie intake and outlay, excessive fat storage in the body is undoubtedly a recipe for health problems, and a medical professional can only speculate as to what one might experience,” said Mushi.
Stating that a healthy heart is just as important to people as a good physique and that anyone can exercise at home, everyone should make it a habit to spend some time working out.
Since there are fitness centers all over, more people, both men, and women are showing interest in sports and exercise. However, more needs to be done in terms of raising awareness, he continued. “The narrative on the ground has to be changed now. Earlier people were less into sports and exercise other than the seasonal outdoor sports in which a selected section of society used to participate.
According to Mushi, unfortunately beginning an exercise routine can be daunting to some people, and if done incorrectly, it might even pose a risk to those who are already at risk for heart disease. Under the guidance of a doctor, a knowledgeable and skilled personal trainer with degrees in “Exercise Science” can help develop a programme based on an individual’s current level of fitness and health and help advance a programme safely and effectively.
Mushi continues, “A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease along with abnormal blood lipid values, smoking, and obesity. Regular exercise has a favorable effect on many of the established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Rising Kashmir also spoke with Umar Rashid, a well-known face in gym sports, who stated that things are changing on the ground as more people are now showing up to maintain good cardio health and physique.
“From my observations, I believe people are coming forward now to maintain good cardiovascular health, but the buck does not stop there because maintaining a good physique requires motivation, but maintaining a good internal body mechanism requires exercise, which I believe is needed for everyone,” he said.
According to Umar, physical activity is an important supplement to heart health. Furthermore, when combined with a diet, it can help someone maintain a healthy weight. Moderate exercise can lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
There are numerous examples of moderate-intensity cardio exercises, according to Umar, including brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling on mostly flat terrain, doubles tennis, or lawn mowing as directed by a cardiologist.
Umar also emphasized the benefits of group exercise classes, saying that they keep you motivated and make you more willing to try new things if you enjoy being a part of a group and absorbing the enthusiasm of others who share your interests.
Together with a group of trainees, Mushi and Umar suggested that people should focus on maintaining their cardiovascular health as well as their physical fitness by not adopting a sedentary lifestyle and limiting their intake of fast food and other unhealthy foods.
Mushi said that he along with Umar keeps on motivating youngsters and elderly people for tapping into their nearest fitness centers to keep themselves both physically fit and in a good state of health.
