I have come a long way from being a prime contestant for the ‘Laziest Person On The Planet’ Contest during my teens. Well, the only real exercise I had managed to get in was cycling to my School and back which meant a round trip of around seven kms. That’s it.
It must have been my early twenties that I began brisk walking as a dedicated activity. My formal induction into some sort of an exercise regimen was thrust upon me when I was past thirty. Being affected with acute Asthma, my Doc drilled it into me. That if I wanted to survive, medicines alone wouldn’t cut it. I would necessarily have to lead a disciplined and active lifestyle. (My severe Asthma attacks had ensured that I had already been in Intensive care twice by then- each time it was a close brush with death).
I, therefore, had little choice but to fall in line. Reluctantly at first, I tried to implement the regimen recommended to me. Breathing exercises (loads of them!) to increase lung elasticity, Yoga, a daily 45 minute brisk walk and a winding down bedtime routine to induce a calmer state of mind and deeper sleep. With my crazy work schedule at that time coupled with my poor health this was quite an ask. However, once I began to experience the benefits, the resultant surge in energy levels and win over my old foe, Asthma, I became a fitness devotee for life.
Within a few years I had tamed my decades old disabling Asthma, which seemed improbable earlier. On having practically recovered from it, I persisted with most of my fitness routines.
This stood me in good stead when Bipolar dealt a lethal blow.
I had learnt just a few asanas of Yoga earlier. In order to boost my energy and mood, I learnt quite a few more. Last year, my wife and I hired a Yoga trainer to teach us Yoga. We therefore boosted our fitness regimen by swapping certain exercises with the newly taught ones.
Regular exercise contributes to overall wellbeing too. Statistics show persons with severe mental disorders have a higher risk of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. Exercise wards off obesity and hypertension too.
As for me, Yoga, Exercise and Mindfulness practice have now become an inseparable part of my being. If I skip this all important routine for one day, I miss it. Bipolar medications tend to cause lethargy and daytime drowsiness in some people, as it did in me. My fitness regimen has increased my alertness and boosted energy levels.
Another myth is that fitness is all about exercise. Fitness is about the mind as well as body. Recently, I had the privilege of being invited to a talk by the iconic Shri Talwalkar, a pioneer of organised gyms and fitness centres throughout India. A body builder and fitness fanatic, one would find it hard to believe he is 80!
My takeaways from his memorable sharing. “Fitness is only 10% about exercise, a proper diet is 90% of it. Real fitness is not about aesthetics- a truly fit person should have all the energy needed at all times to pursue her/his passion. Fitness of the body refers to strength, stamina and flexibility”
So what is my diet like? No I am not fanatical about every calorie that goes in. To me it is about eating sensibly, a diet that energises me and maintains my weight. As an Asthmatic I always had enough restrictions on my food and beverage intake right from childhood- nothing cold, too sour, no deep fried food and so on. Having won my battle against asthma, I never gave up my old diet. Excessive of carbs and sugar intake is detrimental for bipolars- I have modified my diet as per a customised plan prepared by a nutritionist and adhere to it.
All in all, my fitness journey has been a rewarding one!
