tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80847149846112293092024-03-18T21:39:37.972-07:00My Fitness Log BookFitness Blog Including all recent and not so recent fads in fitness SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-83586250057809112492014-01-15T05:29:00.000-08:002016-05-12T20:20:24.493-07:005 Things to Do to Run The Mumbai MarathonHere are <b>5 Important things to do Before / After Running a Marathon</b> (Not Training!) <br /><br />Everyone knows there are important stuff to do before you actually run a marathon. A marathon is on many fitness lovers/freaks/fanatics to do list - "in things to do before one dies". So what is the important stuff to do before a marathon other than registering, practising, reaching the venue of the run, etc.<br /><br /><b>#1 to do before the Mumbai Marathon</b><br /><br />Find your running legs. Ensure that those pair of femur, tibia and fibula muscle bound essentials are in place and not misplaced. Oil them and preserve them till the D-Day when you can unleash them on the usual suspects. That means no overdoing stuff before the run but still having enough miles in the bank.<br /><br /><b>#2 to before cracking the Mumbai Marathon</b><br /><br />The marathon gear is as important as the actual running. What will you have to show after a 21 or 42 km run? A very sore pair of feet and sorer muscles? Well no. You will be showing selfies holding your timing placard and or your finishers medal. And more pics of proof you have crossed the line with you at the centre. So get your designer gear ready, the ear studs, the tattoos, the designer tee, shoes, runner's belt, smile (better cosmetized), skull candy and the practised V.<br /><br />It helps however if the gear is comfortable as well as stylish.<br /><br />PS - Gears would also include getting together your run playlist! And that means keeping your phone charged!<br /><br /><br /><b>#3 to do For the SCMM Mumbai Marathon</b><br /><br /> If you have been practising for the marathon - you would know about carbo loading. CARBO loading. Yes you got it right. Find the group of friends who ran with you and the nearest biriyani joint to hog it post run to make up for the lost calories. Your metabolism will be so high - it will be your safest chance to have a plate of mutton to go with that beer AND Biriyani. And if thats not incentive enough for a LSD (long slow distance run) then I dont know what is!<br /><br />#4 <b>to must do for the SCMM Mumbai Marathon</b><br /><br />Fill your chiller tray with beers<b>. </b>As everyone knows - resting after a long run is as important as running<b>. </b>And resting = chilling = chilled beer<br /><br /><b>#5</b> <b>essential for the SCMM Mumbai Marathon</b><br /><br />Arrange for a pick-up. You have run the 21 kms...Would you like to be stranded without friends? No way! For one thing you would have blisters. It would be mid morning - and most probably the trains would be crowded. Get you own private vehicle to take you to your destination!<br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Run Safe, Run Happy and I guarantee you will enjoy the experience - whatever the outcome!</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-77807815071384687172013-10-30T20:45:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.515-07:00Amanda Weight Loss Viral Video Look at Amanda X as she loses weight! Amanda (last name unknown) started taking a pic of herself tobetter moderate her weight loss efforts and in one year she lost an incredible 88 lbs going from fat to svelte! A Reddit user condensed the pics to a 5 sec gif of Amanda losing 88 lb and the clip is truly amazing and inspiring.<br /><br />In fact inspiring enough for me to take a shot of self (though not enough to share!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/womans-time-lapsed-weight-loss-video-goes-viral-135734803--abc-news-health.html">Woman's Time-Lapse Weight Loss Video Goes Viral | ABC News Blogs - Yahoo</a>SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-33751420217132765262013-10-23T18:22:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.525-07:00BMI CalculatorA BMI calculator is just one way to keep a track of a healthy body weight. Though there have been many criticisms of the BMI - for example it doesnt take into account muscle weight vs fat weight - its a good way to keep a check on whether one remains in the healthy zone by normal people. <br /><br /><iframe draggable="false" frameborder="0" id="bmiCal" scrolling="no" src="http://www.bodyengine.com/app/bmi/bmi.html?w=true&v=1" style="border: 0; height: 517px; overflow: 0; width: 493px;"></iframe> <br /><div style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px;">Powered by <a href="http://www.bodyengine.com/bmi-calculator.html">BMI Calculator</a></div>SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-75811126476894631752013-10-21T00:48:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.538-07:00Why Its Easier To gain Weight Than to Lose Weight?I have heard this refrain hundreds of times - "I have only got to breathe air to gain weight" or "I go to the gym but havent lost any weight" or just simply "Why dont I lose weight?"<br /><br /><b>Let me tell you why.</b><br /><br />No this is not going to be a brutal dissemination of your terrible eating habits. Just some plain fact about calories and how we gain them and lose them.<br /><br /><b>How much calorie to lose/gain 1 kg </b><br /><br />It takes approximately 7700 calories to lose 1 kg of fat.<br /><br />Suppose one goes about one's normal work eating normal everyday food. A 65-68 kgs person would need approximately 1800 calories in a day. The regular food we consume will total upto more or less that. By regular food I mean a bowl of cereal for breakfast with juice, some carbohydrates, protein and vegetables for lunch, some snacks and a regular supper. Nothing high carbohydrate or junk included.<br /><br /><b>How we consume extra food without knowing</b><br /><br />Suppose one consumes a pastry or a bag of chips extra - that would easily make 250 cal extra daily. Having an extra something and most often more than an extra something like one rich meal (atleast 500 cal extra), a couple of extra beer (again +500) calories - one would easily rack up a total of 7500 in a matter of 30 days.<br /><br /><br />People gradually put on weight forgetting about the little somethings they eat. They think "Ok, I will exercise it off" - and never get around to it. And what about the exercise?<br /><br />Does a little exercise help? Lets do some calculations.<br /><br />Lets say I have had a 4-5 beers in the week, had biriyani twice, consumed some crunchies with my drinks - and havent counted my calories. Lets count the extra calories.<br />4-5 beers - 1000 cal at least<br />Biriyani (or something equally rich) - 1000 cal at least - and more if Mutton Biriyani<br />Cunchies - 300 cal - lets say<br /><br />I have not included any sweets here and already I am overcaloried by 2300!<br /><br />Does the above calculations of overindulging sound plausible? I would say so. If its not the drink - then its the pastries or sweetened juice or fried wantons or something.<br /><br /><b>How periodic, unplanned exercise is not enough </b><br /><br />So I plan to work it off on the weekend.<br /><br />I walk /jog 5 kms twice a week. At approximately 60 calories per km (unless one is walking uphill) - I manage to lose around 600 calories. With more exertion I manage to shed 1000 calories. Believe me, if one is not a fitness freak and goes overboard - that is what one is likely to shed with diligent exercise twice or thrice a week.<br /><br />Lets go back to the calculations again.<br /><br />I have taken 2300 calories and lost 1000 calories in a week. I have an extra of 1300 calories. No heavy obvious bingeing, no drinking spree, no living off junk food - and I have gained 1300 calories extra in a week. In 6 weeks I will likely put on 1 kg, in one year 8 kgs or more. (52 wks X 1300 cal/7700cal = 8.8 kgs).<br /><br />And it goes on for years.<b> One puts on weight kg by kg, pound by pound, relentlessly, and before one knows it one is overweight!</b><br /><b><br /></b>I still dont know how I am gaining weight. I feel I am an occasional drinker. I dont party or overeat all the time, I do regular exercise in my opinion. But I am still gaining weight!<br /><br />So do you see how its so much <b>easier to gain weight than to lose weight!</b><br /><br /><b>What does one do about it?</b><br /><br />You have diagnosed the problem. In my opinion - knowing why one is gaining weight is the biggest step in the direction of weightloss and an eventual healthy life.<br /><br />How to shed that weight? Now that will be another article. Or a long process!<br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-91503572295787160272013-10-20T01:27:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.552-07:00Workout - 19/10/2013My Workout Regime for the day<br /><br />Feeling positively awash with goodwill today. Had another great workout yesterday.<br /><br />Here's how it went<br /><br />Stretching<br /><br /><h4>Round 1 </h4><ul><li><h4> 5 mins on the elliptical (read - 65 cal)</h4></li><li>A set of legs and arms workout on the home gym (Leg press, Leg Extension, Shoulder press), 100 twists on the spinner</li></ul><h4>Round 2 </h4><ul><li><h4>11 mins on the treadmill (read - 100 cal) </h4></li><li>2nd set of muscles workout</li></ul><h4></h4><h4>Round 3 </h4><ul><li><h4> 54 Mins on the treadmill (Read - 612 cal)</h4></li></ul>Maximum intensity - Incline 12, Speed - 6.7 km/hr<br /><br /><b>Check out the stats here</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg88UXqLOpekdjkdmLEGYyjglIe49cN5XkReutMGosNU2f0rOAi6DZlPKCfidIAZEr1b_4HiLa1OTkJAqvVIE5MEnYcB_ddFJ3VuKS5dBkJXXmTEND7EAddeJRAL0ai58PRc8L22rc_GG/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg88UXqLOpekdjkdmLEGYyjglIe49cN5XkReutMGosNU2f0rOAi6DZlPKCfidIAZEr1b_4HiLa1OTkJAqvVIE5MEnYcB_ddFJ3VuKS5dBkJXXmTEND7EAddeJRAL0ai58PRc8L22rc_GG/s320/IMG_2480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally did some post exercise lounging around, watching TV, listening to songs loud and cooling down :)<br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-73280949706738783442013-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.561-07:00Workout - 17/10/2013<h3><b><u>Today's Workout Log</u></b></h3><br />7 Rounds around the campus<br /><br />Time - 50 mins: Distance - 4 kms approx. I have to set my pedometer properly. It gets disconnected with too much movement of my arms!<br /><br />Intensity - Not too high. Considerably hampered by gossiping<br /><br />Feeling - Great<br /><br />Gym - 3 rounds of leg press, leg extension, twister, arms crunch followed by a 5 mins on the vibration plate<br /><br /><h3><u><b>Today's Food Log</b></u></h3><br />Breakfast - 4 pooris and alu sabzi from Ganguram :-)<br />Lunch - Normal with saag, karela, mixed veg, daal and a little rice<br />Bsicuits - 4 Maries<br />Sweets - 1 Nalen gurer sandesh<br />1 bowl Papaya<br />Dinner - 1 plate homemade mattar chat (with farsan/chips on top)<br /><br />Now how do I sum up these calories????SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-55288376872443764702013-10-16T13:39:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.571-07:00Yesterday's Workout!Finally got around to doing some real kicka.. workout yesterday. In fact two days in a row.<br /><br />14th October - 6 rounds around the campus (I estimate a distance of 650 or so mts per round) after my last workout on 5th October. It was a relief to get out of the house with a friend and move around after awating a major Hurricane (Phailin), antcipating, preparing and then tiding over it - over the weekend. Not much damage around the campus except a few broken limbs (from trees, silly) and lots of leaves and twigs. <br /><br />15th Oct - 8 rounds including some slow jogging (again with above friend) which felt truly satisfying. Continued onto the gym. Did 3 rounds of weights for legs and arms and then the blessed relief of the vibration plates.<br /><br />I know these variety of exercise will help better eventually - but there is nothing more adrenaline busting than watching the calorie count going up up on a treadmill!<br /><br />Here's to more exercise!<br /><br />Did I spoil it all with a beer tonight? Cannot be helped - sigh. i do so wish I can avoid those mixtures and ...SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-45602291848844900682013-10-14T04:29:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.581-07:0010 Benefits of a Bowl of Papaya for Breakfast<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbqepR3Pi8UKHa6KU0wsftiEee1kF8vwtrN9j1V0bl6XKO95UgElm3QBcsxz8xGUUZLNKzIGQ79X2OG2vIb7waC72SyeEehJdn822JCmD5rdW9nPOD01QBO7jengilC4ZZSDfDWNookF6/s1600/IMG_1330%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbqepR3Pi8UKHa6KU0wsftiEee1kF8vwtrN9j1V0bl6XKO95UgElm3QBcsxz8xGUUZLNKzIGQ79X2OG2vIb7waC72SyeEehJdn822JCmD5rdW9nPOD01QBO7jengilC4ZZSDfDWNookF6/s200/IMG_1330%5B1%5D.JPG" width="150" /></a>It is a well known fact that papaya has a huge cache of benefits asociated with it. Together with green tea - papaya is the most revered of food that nutritionists and dieticians recommend. And with good reason.<br /><br /><b>The 10 Benefits of Papaya</b><br /><br /><b> Reason # 1 to eat papaya</b><br /><br />Unlike many other healthy food - a rich ripe papaya <b>tastes like heaven</b>. Its sweet and slightly sour taste provides just the required kickstart to a glorious feeling throughout the day. For a sustained diet of any food - it has to taste good - papaya has that going for it in loads!<br /><br /># 2 - The fruit is available throughout the year. So it can form a part of any <b>dietary plan in any season</b>.<br /><br /><a href="http://28347cc6fey1402bn-s8ek7s4s.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=NEGATIVE%20CALORIE" target="_top">Click Here for the Perfect Weight Loss Ebook!</a><br /><br /> # 3 - Its health benefits are myriad. It contains an enzyme Papain that helps in<b> natural digestion</b>.<br /><br /># 4 - A bowl of Papaya can provide about 10% of our daily requirement of<b> natural dietary fibre</b> and helps in clear bowel movement.<br /><br /># 5 - It is a rich natural source of Vitamins A, C, E and flavonoids like Beta carotine and thus a rich source of anti-oxidant nutrients. These vitamins strengthen the<b> body immune system</b> and what better way to get them then from a natural and easily available source? Papaya similarly has <b>anti-inflammatory properties</b> because of the presence of its unique enzymes.<br /><br />Check out the Papaya Nutrition content here<br /><br /><b><a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-papayas-i9226" target="_blank">Papaya Nutriton Content</a></b><br /><br /># 6 - <b>Lower Sugar (than Mango) </b>- A small bowl of papaya (100 g) contains about 43 calories and 8 g of sugar. Compare it with Mangoes. A 100g intake of ripe mango will have about 14 g of sugar and 60 calories. (all nutrition facts from google search results ) Thankfully mangoes are a seasonal fruit! It is advisable not to take more than 20-22 g sugar in a day. Am not sure if natural sugar is ncluded in that, though.<br /> <br /><br /># 7 - <b> Beauty Benefits</b> - Papaya is a good source of natural food for a healthy skin. While a dab of mashed papaya can make a good skin pack and skin lightener, the vitamin A in papaya ensures a clear skin tone and good eye sight.<br /><br /># 8 - <b>Low Sodium, Potassium Rich</b> - The low sodium content of Papaya is a major boon as it prevents water retention. Potassium in the fruit helps control hypertension.<br /><br /># 9 - Unripe papaya is frequently used as a <b>meat tenderize</b>r while cooking meat dishes - like mutton and lamb. The enzyme papain breaks down the tough meat fibres and makes cooking easier. However the unripe papaya should be eat cooked as direct intake of the enzyme could have adverse effects.<br /><br /><a href="http://28347cc6fey1402bn-s8ek7s4s.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=NEGATIVE%20CALORIE" target="_top">Click Here for the Perfect Weight Loss Ebook!</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4307324979884910550" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4307324979884910550" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4307324979884910550" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4307324979884910550" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a># 10 - Eating the bowl of papaya has other <b>periphery benefits</b> like healthy hair, good eye sight, clear skin; papain is extracted from papaya for dietary supplements, raw papaya is used everywhere from a face to a hair mask, to a wound soother.<br /><br />I am really however not sure how many of those periphery benefits are supported by science and facts. <b>Papaya</b> has been touted as a great <b>weight loss </b>enabler. The only way I can see papaya helping to lose weight is because it makes a filling zero cholesterol meal. Be sure to continue counting your sugar when you eat a load of ripe papaya based diet.<br /><br />I have been having papaya for breakfast for the last so many years and i like to believe it has helped me be a healthy person. It makes a wonerful and healthier filler when you want to nibble on chocolates or chips.<br /><br /><a href="http://28347cc6fey1402bn-s8ek7s4s.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=NEGATIVE%20CALORIE" target="_top">Click Here for the Perfect Weight Loss Ebook!</a><br /> <br />Papaya definitely needs it be added to one's diet.<br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-46918552761097260722013-10-10T04:38:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.595-07:00How to do Suryanamaskar (With Illustration) - Health, Fitness, Meditation and PrayerHow 12 Rounds of Surya Namaskar is all your Body Needs<br /><br />Surya Namaskar or the salutation to the Sun God has long been accepted by Indian culture to provide a deep aligning of the mind, body and spirit. these asanas passed down from ascetics and refined by yoga Gurus has been practised for centuries early in the morning as a form of salutation to the Sun God Surya.<br /><br />The modern day or current popularity of Surya Namaskar can be directly attributed to Sr sri Ravi Shankar and his Art of Living good living cell - as the popularity and following of Pranayama by millions can be attributed directly to Baba Ramdev.<br /><br /><b>How to Do Surya Namaskar</b><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASuryanamaskar.gif" title="By Camino (269703) (Educasitio http://caminocosmico.com.ar/) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Suryanamaskar" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Suryanamaskar.gif" width="256" /></a><br /><br />The Surya Namaskar yoga consists of 12 asanas in an inviolable sequence<br /><br /># 1. Stand with your palms together (<b>Namaskar pose</b>) and your feet together in Pranamasan<br /><br /># 2 <b>Ardha Chandrasan- </b>Lift the arms up and back in a slow fluid movement so as to stretch the entire body. Keep the arms close to the head and push the pelvis slightly forward to stretch better.<br /><br /># 3 Bend forward from your waist to touch the mat<br /><br /># 4 With both palms on the mat, move your right leg backward with knee on the floor. Left foot should be between the palms and head tilted looking up<br /><br /># 5 Take the left leg back, keep the arms straight, feet on the ground in an inclined plank<br /><br /><b># 6 Parvatasana</b> - Raise the hips up while looking down. Palms and feet are on the ground. The position as the name suggests is like a mountain or an inverted "V" <br /><br /># 7 Lower the knees, chest, chin to the floor. Raise the hips slightly.<br /><br /><br /># 8 <b>Bhujangasana</b> - Raise your chest and look up like a cobra. Back should be in an arc.<br /><br /># 9 Repeat <b>Parvatasana</b> - Raise the hips up while looking down. Palms and feet are on the ground. <br /><br /># 10 Go to position # 4 with the alternate set of feet - right foot at the front and the left leg stretched back.<br /><br /># 11 Position # 3, ie bending forward from the waist while touching the ground<br /><br /># 12 Same as position # 2 - <b>Ardha Chandrasan</b> - arms raised up and the body stretched outward.<br /><br />End with the <b>Namaskar </b>which is the start of the second leg of one cycle in which you move the right leg forward first in Step # 4<br /><br />Check out the illustration of Surya Namaskar .<br /><br /><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliate/displayWidget?affrid=WRID-138140041987725416" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-62799921569816401742013-10-05T03:40:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.605-07:00600 Calories on Treadmill - Tum dee dumI worked out 600 calories on treadmill today. This is by far my BEST EVER effort on a treadmill. I had done 600 calories one roughly 10 months back when I was preparing for the marathon. However then since my concentration was on jogging - I couldnt log much calories even though I worked out longer.<br /><br />Today's workout log<br /><br />Calories Burnt - 600 cal<br />Workout - walking on incline on treadmill<br />Distance covered - 5 kms<br />Time - 50 mins<br /><br />Maximum incline - 13<br />Maximum intensity - jogging for 1 min at 7 km per hour speed on 13 incline.<br /><br />Followed this workout with some crunches, leg press and 6 minutes on the Vibration Plate<br /><br />Feeling - good!<br /><br />This workout came about after losing around 1.5 kgs this week because of an upset stomach which compelled me to a minimal diet. I feel positively lightweight and timble toed ;-)SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-13319641343960489652013-10-05T03:19:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.613-07:00Sandra Bullock - Gravity and Age Defying Fitness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h317/al7n6awi/Sandra%20Bullock/SandraBullock12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h317/al7n6awi/Sandra%20Bullock/SandraBullock12.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>I just read the review of <b>Gravity</b> in which <b>Sandra Bullock</b> plays a lost in space astronaut. At 50, Bullock is getting rave reviews for her yummy appearance. <br /><br />Bullock was always one my favorite people on screen. With this performance (which I will be sure to watch) my admiration for her has gone up a notch or two. Just one generation back - 50 was considered to be irretrievably old. Male actors have transcended the 50 years barrier with meaty roles for sometime. Women havent been so lucky. Good roles yes - but "gravity" defining roles at 50 - cant remember any!<br /><br />Bullock's role which must have demanded a load of stamina is a tribute to her fitness. Sandra trained specifically for her "weightlessness" in the movie. She admits she pushed her body to the extreme during training.<br /><br />Read about how Sandra trained for Gravity<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/10/02/how-sandra-bullock-studied-with-real-astronaut-for-gravity-over-nice-merlot/" target="_blank"> here.</a><br /><br />Bullock's fitness regime is apparently a combination of dance routines for cardio, yoga and pilates. She revealed on Today Show to Jay Leno recently that she does kick boxing and rides a bike whenever she can and runs when she is in Austin.<br /><br /><b>Sandra Bullock Workout Regime </b><br /><br /><b>Sandra's workout</b> by as prescribed by her trainer Eden Paul includes<br />Squats<br />Reverse Lunges<br />Push ups<br />Dumbbell Workouts<br />Scissor Kicks for those killer abs<br />Side Lunges<br /><br />Sandra reportedly has been working recently with Simone De La Rue at the <b>Body by Simone</b> Dance Studio on<br />Yoga, Pilates and Dance Cardio. She apparently puts in one hour every day six days a week with Simone to get her killer looks.<br /><br /><i><u><span style="color: #0b5394;">The number 1 in DVD workouts at Amazon </span></u></i><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=hubp05c7-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B002QZ1RS6&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&node=578324&site-redirect=&tag=hubp05c7-20" target="_blank">Best of Fitness DVDs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hubp05c7-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><b>Sandra Bullock Diet</b><br /><br />What diet does Sandra follow? Sandra apparently maintain her looks and fitness by a healthy eating habit. She has revealed at times that she doesnt have a specific diet plan as such but avoids junk food. She apparently cheats a day a week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00127RAJY/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=hubp05c7-20" target="_blank">Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hubp05c7-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />Such an example of health and fitness coupled with true beauty and acting skill - deserves a shout.<br /><br />Keep it up Sandra!<br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-54679295882999056912013-10-02T09:07:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.623-07:00A Healthy Run - That Was Not Healthy!A 5 km run is just going to be a stroll in the park, right?<br /><br />Wrong. If it has been organised by Apollo Hospital, if the runners are made to wait for an hour after the schedule of the run for the numerous guests, chief guests to stroll in, if there is no line marking the starting area - that the DJ co-ordinating the run has to shout herself hoarse, threaten, cajole, plead to get the runners into a supposed starting line which had already been changed twice, if there is absolutely no water along the way, if... the list goes on.<br /><br />I am talking about the Run for a Healthy heart Run organised by Apollo Hospital Bhubaneswar on 29th September to mark a Healthy Heart day. If "organised" is a word that can be used for the event. <br /><br />The saddest part was there were many young children and older people who had come with such enthusiasm. It was touted as an everyman run. But apparently they forgot to provide water. I completed the near 5 km distance in 35 minutes, my son in 30 minutes - and if as claimed by the organisers the water was finished on the way - was it only provided for the professional athletes? For God's sake - we are not talking about fancy stuff that runners need - just water.<br /><br />It was okay for me - but what about the 1000 odd casual people who had strolled in for such a run seeing the delightful ads? How can dehydration help a heart? Or did Apollo spend all the money for the event on the ads?<br /><br />I guess it is a mistake being lured into such events by the general noise.<br /><br />The only heartening thing about the run was the participation and general discipline and enthusiasm of the runners - despite everything.<br /><br />And of course it didnt rain!<br /><br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-85053357842827724292013-09-11T03:43:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.632-07:00Weight Loss - Working Tricks and Tips - FREELet me be clear. Running one marathon doesnt ensure weight loss (other than temporarily). Weight Loss is a function of just one thing...well two actually.<br /><br /><ul><li><b>Proper diet</b></li><li><b>Consistent exercise</b></li></ul>Nothing earthbreaking about it - is it?<br /><b><br /></b><b>Proper diet</b> could be a 1600 cal diet per day. If one is above 70 kgs and leads a moderately active life, the body expends near about 1800 - 2000 calories. So following a 1600 calories diet per day <b>regularly</b> should ensure that one loses weight.<br /><br />Another factor that I have discovered that ensures weight loss is <b>consistent exercise</b>. I have discovered (yes it is a discovery because otherwise there wont be so many health fads) that people who regularly walk in the park while chatting are healthy and lose weight eventually. I include chatting because that gives the right impetus to walk. And consistent walking for one hour daily ensures weight loss.<br /><br />The above is versus people who go on sporadic diets, take on gym membership and go may once a week for some hardcore training and change and follow various fitness fads. Result - for every kg of weight loss they put on weight.<br /><br />Another thing going for the<b> walk in the park</b> is that it is an activity that can be done daily right onto old age or the eighties. It will be very difficult to walk on the incline or run backwards on a treadmill during the sixties unless one is abysmally fit.<br /><br /><b>A Simple Diet Plan </b><br /><br />WHAT is a proper diet? A proper diet means eating a good breakfast, a regular everyday lunch with colours, less oil with loads of vegetable and a gluten free dinner before 8 in the evening. Simple, right?<br /><br />A 1600 calorie diet could be divided up into four 400 cals diets in a day. Or it could be measured (1600 * 7) in a week. If you decide to fast on a single day or just take maybe 400-500 one day of the week - you can have a bit of fun other days!<br /><br />So if you have like me tried all weight loss tricks and your weight goes up and down like a yoyo, you are well into your forties -<b> STOP EXPERIMENTING</b> and just take a stroll in the park.SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-79730368915869562922013-09-11T02:56:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.641-07:00Weight and BMI UpdateWeight - 74 kgs<br />BMI - 28.9<br /><br />Verdict - Overweight bordering on ObeseSM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-26903924095672066702013-01-31T00:44:00.000-08:002022-06-30T05:33:38.306-07:00Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013 - I Completed the Full Marathon!<br />Mumbai Marathon - Date 20.1.2013<br />Status - Completed<br />Distance - 42.2 Kms<br />Time - 7 hrs approx<br /><br />The goal at the top of this blog says - I need to complete a marathon. Happily thats done. My revised goal is to do a marathon in under 5 hrs 30 mins nw! Unfortunately due to an extremely busy home life I wasnt able to document much my marathon preparation in this so called "fitness blog" of mine. Thats mostly because my fitness efforts have been sporadic rather than systematic! But I still ran the marathon. And finished it. And am still in one piece. Here is an article detailing my marathon story. <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Going to Mumbai for a marathon??? Why??? This was the standard enquiry of incredulity from friends and family alike. I really wanted to go for the half marathon. I shifted to India end of June 2012 from Malaysia. By the time I found out about the marathons in India and discovered the SCMM website, the registration for the half marathon was over. So I enrolled for the Full Marathon instead. Dont ask me why, I was not remotely prepared for it. Enquiring with the organisers made me realise that the confirmation for the run would only come mid Dec.<br /><br />I go to the gym fairly regularly. I run a couple or more miles and do some weights for my leg muscles. My entire long distance running amounted to one formal 10 km run and a couple of informal group runs of the same distance. By the time I registered it was the second week of November (I think a couple of days before registration closed) and I meant to start training in earnest. Really. It never happened. With two school going kids and almost no domestic help, shifting woes, training never took off. All I could manage was going to the gym 3-4 tmes a week max. 7 kms was the longest I could cover in training. There was never time for more. Finally in desperation I started walking stairs in January to build endurance. I built it up to 60 floors of climbing and descending at a stretch before stopping the week before the run. So on the day of the run, I had no idea how much I could cover. 42 kms seemed an impossibility. I was confident of doing the half marathon distance at least. I decided to enjoy the experience to the fullest, however.<br /><br />And enjoy, I did.<br /><br />It was exhilarating just to be at Azad Maidan early in the morning. I couldnt believe I was finally at the starting point about to run a full marathon, with my kids and husband in Bhubaneswar 1500 kms away!<br /><br />I started the run a bit behind the 5.30 Bus (the pacers that took you to the finish in 5 hr 30 mins) but realized I couldn’t afford to follow their pace if I meant to complete. So I deliberately fell behind and soaked in the atmosphere while clipping along. The noise, music at Marine Drive, the sea at Chowpatti with the fishing boats, the early half marathoners crossing me, Haji Ali, very filimisque in the distance, the suburbs skyline…ahhh. I am not a Mumbaiite and these typical Mumbai sights seen early in the cold morning while actually running – let me tell you nothing can beat the experience. I am sorry to say, doesn’t sound professional, I even stopped and took pics. I am so glad I did. Because I plan to compete against time the next time round and there might be no time for pics!<br /><br />Then came the most tedious stretch of my journey – the Worli Sealink. The sealink looks a dream from the distance and I had been really keen to run on it. Just imagine – running on the Worli Sealink before getting to drive on it – when the road has been cleared for you! But the stretch did get monotonous. The only relief was the lead pack of Kenyans crossing between 15-16. They came after a pilot vehicle and helicopter and ran by at a flash generally leaving me agape. I was so stunned at their speed and grace I couldn’t even get the mobile up for the pic. Kipketer crossed by me and I got to read her nameJ Savoring hose moments of wonder got me across the sealink – but not before a cramp happened at 18. Never having run a really long distance – I was not familiar with the crippling feeling of a runner’s cramp. I settled down at the side of a hoarding and did a few stretches, applied the small tube of Volini so fortuitously provided in the running kit and felt good enough to continue.<br /><br />At 22 I messaged my hubby that I was half way through. I realise the message has been sent at 9.10. I was not really keeping track of the time during the run. 3hrs 20 min for 22 kms while taking pics, cramping, seems pretty fine to me! At home I don’t even start a run without the ipod – here I had covered 22 kms without using it! I plugged it on to my ears and continued still feeling okay. By 29 I was feeling bad – real bad. My legs were totally cramped by then. That got relieved only after the 30 k mark when I got some Religare sprayed on the muscles. It worked like a miracle and I made it till 35 walking, jogging alternately. 30 k was done at 10.40 when I again messaged hubby informing him of the status.<br /><br />35 km till the end was a nightmare – relieved only because I was running with a co-runner. After 38 we realized BMC had taken down the markers, even though the markers at the other side were still there! It seemed a long long distance before finally the turning to Churchgate came our way. Kingfisher water stalls were still on the road – but not much else. Churchgate to Flora Fountain was a bad – especially when one had to ask directions. But the longest stretch was from the Fountain to the Azad Maidan gates. A paltry distance of hardly 1 km seemed to go on and on. We had to ask the way all along in our dazed state, the roads were really crowded, the sun was blazing down and I was dragging and limping along alternately. The last 7 kms took more than 2 hours and I could only cover it with the thought that stopping was not a choice after coming so far.<br /><br />After reaching the Maidan I realized that Finishers medals were still to be had. I was really thinking all would be shut down and the organizers would have packed up! But the finishers just ahead of me egged me and said “go and get the medals”. That literally infused new life into my oh so tired limbs! I ran to the stalls, picked up the medal and for some moments I was feeling as fresh as a 1 year old – as if I could go for miles and miles more.<br /><br />Sitting in the car for the trip to my brother’s house brought a reality check. I hadn’t done the post run stretches while I was still standing, so couldn’t move, I had huge blisters on 8 toes and well I just wanted to go to sleep for ages.<br /><br />But what the heck – I had <b><i>completed</i></b> a marathon and plan to do it all over again! For someone who was obese and a couch potato till 1.5 years back, a Mom of 2 starting to run after 40 years, I have come a long way…<br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-42131399294024187202012-12-18T21:46:00.000-08:002016-05-12T20:20:24.659-07:00Day 1 Marathon prep 18th December - I jogged 5 kms on the treadmill in 40 mins. then did a walk jog routine on the incline for 20 more minutes. My aim was to jog for 40 mins non stop. Achieved.<br />Total calories - 400. Time - 60 min. Distance - 7 kms.<br /><br />Finished with some stretches.<br /><br />19th Dec (morn) - some light stretches and leg muscles workout.<br /><br />Tip of the day - Never stretch cold muscles - you might pull some. Do a light warm up before any routine.<br />Plan to jog 5 kms today evening. Lets see.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-79558811737854788022012-12-18T21:39:00.001-08:002016-05-12T20:20:24.674-07:00SCMM Mumbai Marathon 2013 - Here I come!Mumbai Marathon - Here I come!<br /><br />My registration for the Mumbai Marathon has been accepted. i am to run 42 kms - wow wow...boo hooo.<br /><br />Scared shit. three things can happen.<br /><br />i can complete the course in a time of 6 hours plus (most preferable)...but better than Katie Holmes timing ;-)<br />i can quit after the halfway mark...i feel i can complete half the course<br />i can fail to show up...most deplorable. But i do tend to get sick with nervousness before any major event. even though the event is for fun. even though the event is just a self test of mental and physical fitness. even though the result is meaningless. wimp :-)<br /><br /><br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-57722793414607521252012-12-18T21:39:00.000-08:002017-05-22T21:31:05.455-07:00Gym And So OnAfterahecticSM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-74585764277043516212012-09-09T21:12:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.682-07:00www.procamrunning.in/scmm/ - Register For Mumbai Marathon 2013You can register for Mumbai Marathon at the the website<br /><a href="http://www.procamrunning.in/scmm/">http://www.procamrunning.in/scmm/</a><br /><br />The registration for the Half Marathon is closed. However the Marathon is still open for registration. Enjoy the run!<br /><br />The marathon page has a number of tips for runners. So even if you are not joining the marathon - you can prepare according to the schedule for fitness and training for a future run. Its always difficult to start from zero to run a marathon. The training schedule is for people who have had some running / walking experience as the first run/jog/ walk is 4 kms. <br /><br />If you are starting from zero and wish to participate in a long distance run - my advise is just start with small steps - run 800 mts the first time - without giving up. Just let not the distance of 42 kms daunt you. Keep increasing till you are at the 3-4 kms level. This may take 15 days to 2 months depending upon your fitness level and commitment. But the fun and a feeling of achievement is guaranteed! And maybe you can run a marathon in 6-8 months. <br /><br />SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-43324385362078820632012-09-09T06:26:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.691-07:00Mumbai Marathon RegistrationOops - the registration to the Standard Chartered Half Marathon at Mumbai is already closed. I dont understand the Mumbai Marathon page. There seems to be a Quota system for ladies - but how does one register for it? Is it still open for the Half marathon? Apparently information is not easily available unless one registers and pays up. I mean its just the webpage for a Marathon - for us dumb runners - not an application form / webpage to the MIT for the geeky types! All Info should be clear. The navigation through the Mumbai Standard Chartered Marathon page is a bummer - period.<br /><br />Do I dare try for the Mumbai Full Marathon? <br /><br />I have been putting in some effort at the gym the last 3 days. Though not in any way good enough for a marathon.<br /><br />Thursday - 530 calories in 1 hour, followed by muscle training and a steam bath.<br />Friday - 450 calories from a 6 km trip on the treadmill in 50 minutes. More running than walking and climbing.<br />Sunday - 3 kms in 30 minutes and just about 200 cal. Followed it up with some weight training.<br /><br />All the marathon training schedules say that I need to put in at least 20 miles a week. I seem to be at the 10 miles a week level still. I do think i can complete a half marathon. Not at all sure about a Full Marathon though.SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-90216197718847182872012-08-22T11:44:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.699-07:00A Game of BadmintonIt was time for a game of badminton. Got to play 3 games with a friend. Good bit of running and sweating and full body cardio. The best thing about playing baddy is that you have to do it with a friend - so not boring! Followed it up a 1 km run. Ended up with a headache the next day. Wonder what that was for? Scared me - waking up with a migraine middle of the night!<br /><br /><b>How much Calorie Does Badminton Burn</b> - 30 minutes of badminton would burn about 200 cal. <br /><br />Here are some interesting facts on the health benefits of playing badminton. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.badminton-information.com/health_benefits_of_playing_badminton.html">http://www.badminton-information.com/health_benefits_of_playing_badminton.html</a>SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-88415677574201818912012-08-19T22:30:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.707-07:00Way to DietReading about all these diet plans has made me terribly hungry!<br /><br />I have zeroed down on two options after some initial research. Taking a weight loss supplement like amway / herbalife, etc or going on a lemonade diet.<br /><br />Diet supplements are apparently high protein low carb products which supplement your meal plan. Let me check out more on the exact content fibre content and price of the products.<br /><br /><b>A lemonade diet</b> seems to be a much <b>cheaper option</b> - only needs harder work. Drink fresh lemonade every day with cayenne pepper and maple syrup. However I have to see whether <b>maple syrup and cayenne pepper</b> are available on the shelf in my town! While internet may have wiped out the distances between continents and you get as much information in New York as in Nuaghat - there's still a long way to go in getting physical products conveniently...sigh. What could be the Indian and locally available substitutes for maple syrup and cayenne pepper?SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-21835805235825051562012-08-19T21:58:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.716-07:00A 10 Day DietI am seriously considering going on a ten day diet. My weight loss efforts have been frustrating so far - with this month showing no dip in the scales whatsoever. But why blame anyone/anything? My keeness on biriyani, golgappa (gupchup), singada, aloodum dahibara and all the variety of junk food out there has to show some effect somewhere - and unfortunately - they are settling down in nice neat tyres on my waist.<br /><br />There seem to be a whole lot of <b>FREE DIETS</b> out there. With so much of free advise from experts out there - whats the need to go to a professional;-). Livestrong has come up with some options on first search. Let me see if shedding 3-4 kgs by the end of the month is possible. After all I have done the hard work of gymming the entire month so far. Let me find something...will jot it down and the results (if i get around to dieting!)SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-73131044885917764372012-08-18T03:06:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.724-07:00A good day at the Gym500 Calories, 51 minutes and 5 kms. A good day at the gym. SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084714984611229309.post-22181600544274710552012-08-15T21:03:00.000-07:002016-05-12T20:20:24.732-07:00Using Gym Vibration PlatesOur gym has two brand new <b>vibration plates</b>. The <b>gym trainers</b> are advocating the use of those plates a lot. In fact one trainer suggested using the plates for 10 minutes would be equivalent of <b>100 push-ups</b>. How true is that? I have no idea - but I doubt it. Yesterday I tried to do some upper body workout on the plates, kneeling down with the elbows on the plates. The body seemed to get a proper jingle - but I felt my brain pop out too! I think I will stick to standing on the plates and let my hips wiggle :-)<br /><br />PS - Have been doing some more research on <b>Gym Vibration Plates</b>. While some dismiss the current vibration machine fad as a scam - there are many others fitness experts who are swearing by its efficacy. The Russians apparently used it in their Space program and managed to stay for the longest period in a closed vehicle. It helped them lose less muscle mass and keep fit.<br /><br />While the above is proven fact - I guess its the quality of machines, proper use that make the difference. Apparently the machines also assist to reverse osteoporosis!! So ladies it appears to be a much needed fitness equipment!<br /><br />The price ranges from USD 200 to 2000. Check out some Vibration plates at Amazon here.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hubp05c7-20&o=1&p=12&l=st1&mode=hpc&search=vibration plates&fc1=000000<1=_blank&lc1=3366FF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" width="300" height="250" border="0" frameborder="0" style="border:none;" scrolling="no"></iframe>SM Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08556937640019552141noreply@blogger.com0