HYDERABAD: Are you healthy or fit? Yes, they do not imply the same meaning. You are healthy when you are not suffering from any illness, but it is a growing performance-based component that relates an individual to being fit. Busting a lot of other myths in fitness is Pranav Bahirwani, 21, from Sindhi Colony in the city who talks about his take on fitness as a certified sports nutritionist.
The academically excelling student was often found to be lethargic towards sports although he spent an insignificant amount of time playing football. It was when the laziness started affecting his lifestyle and thought process that Pranav’s father introduced fitness as an important pattern in life to him. The classic ectomorph who fell in the naturally thinner strata of people did not have a great start to his new-found obligation. Only after consistent fitness drills of various kinds did he find comfort in the practice.
The BBA graduate from ICFAI Business School realised that fitness was the only constant in life while applying for the Young Leader’s Programme at Indian School of Business. Pranav decided to equip himself with adequate knowledge on fitness from K11 Academy of Fitness Sciences that is partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation. “There are a lot of myths surrounding gyms and fitness. Certified trainers are required to clarify these myths and offer functional and scientific training to clients,” says an endurant Pranav.
In the era of achieving a desirable body through steroids and illegal drugs, the sports nutritionist-cum-personal trainer believes in constantly getting educated to keep up with the evolving science and have variations in workouts and nutrition habits. Pranav has been mentored by Kaizzad Capadia, Founder of K11 Academy of Fitness Sciences, associated with World Strongmen Federation (WSF) and the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), and has given him a certain perspective into the fitness industry.
Contrary to what the name suggests, a sports nutritionist does not provide a nutritional guide to a sportsman. “There is no greater sport than living the day-to-day life. Building a body is the most rewarding gift you can give yourself,” says the strength enthusiast who deals with well-being in various aspects. Fitness also plays an important role in the anti-ageing process as the five components of fitness- cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, musculoskeletal strength, ideal body composition and flexibility are working simultaneously on your body. “Fitness is for everyone. Age or gender does not matter. A woman’s body cannot have heavy muscles like men unless they are injected with steroids,” says Pranav who ideologises in having the highest goals of fitness for everyone.
A sports nutritionist requires a 45-minute conversation with the client to understand the client’s thought process, likes, dislikes while taking a note of the health history. A lipid-profile test, body composition test and a full body blood-check is taken before a nutritional diet with lower carbs and good of protein intake is provided that focuses on losing fat and not weight. “A combo of balanced macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients must be struck to give optimal results,” says Pranav who will soon launch his website consisting of blogs, tutorials and consultation services for sports nutrition and personal training.
Myth 1
If you go to the gym once, you will have to do that forever or you will put on all the weight.
Fact: Excess body fat is a result of lack of balanced diet and exercise. You can go to the gym and do really intense exercises.. But if your nutrition is not on point, You will remain the same,So even if you stop working out in the gym, if your nutrition is on point you will not get fat.
Myth 2
Gymming is for only those below 35 and when you get older, all those weights and strength training is a strain to your body.
Fact: Weight training is the best anti ageing treatment you can give yourself. After you hit 30s your body starts ageing at a faster rate. As you age, you start losing muscle and strength and eventually look and feel old. Start young and build yourself. Even when you enter your 40s or 50s you will have enough muscle and strength retained even after age starts acting upon you. It’s like a savings account, save now so that you are prepared for expenses later.
Myth 3
Yoga and walking are better than jogging and gyming.
Fact: If your goal is to improve your flexibility, a little bit of strength and have a healthy mind. Then yoga is an excellent option. If you want fat loss or gain muscle and strength then the most effective and efficient way is to start weight training. Cardiovascular exercises like jogging and walking are fundamentally done to improve cardiovascular endurance. You can’t expect to lose body fat simply by jogging and walking every day.