‘There is no age limit for fitness training’

Talking to Dhrubajyoti Malakar, Jharkhand’s Indrajeet Singh (72), a multi-time winner of several international powerlifting championships, shares tips for fitness freaks from his five decades of experience.Q. What is the right age to start fitness training?A: Fitness training can be started after 13-14 years of age. Before that, it is not advisable to start rigorous training. Light exercises like running, walking and free hand exercises can be practised from childhood. However, there is no upper age limit for continuing with fitness training. As long as a person feels comfortable with it, they can.Q. With fitness centres mushrooming across the state, what will be your advice to fitness enthusiasts?A: Two kinds of people go to the gym, some to keep themselves fit and some to take it as a profession.

The first kind should restrict themselves to simple training, such as running on treadmills or lifting weights to the extent their body permits. Also, many people watch YouTube videos to start with training, and that must be avoided, as those videos are for advanced trainers, not for newbies. Enthusiasts must ensure training under the supervision of a qualified trainer.

Nowadays, the ones keen on pursuing a career in bodybuilding, power or weight lifting are taking steroids and energy drinks to get quick results.

Consumption of those stuffs is increasing the risk of contracting ailments later in life.Q. How to identify a qualified trainer?A: That’s tough work. As the centres are mushrooming, a lot of unqualified trainers are running them, who have little experience of fitness training. A good trainer will always try to make a person physically strong through free-hand exercises like squats, pulling and pushing, push-ups, to habituate the person with the routine.

Then only he will move to heavy exercises.Q. What is the significance of a healthy routine and diet for fitness trainers?A: A disciplined routine is a must for all, not only for fitness trainers. They should have a good sleep cycle, avoid eating junk food and consume the right amount of fruits and vegetables. They can also consult their trainers for a customised diet plan.Q. In recent times, many incidents of people dying while working out have been reported. What is the reason behind it, and how can it be curbed?A: Those accidents are a result of consuming medicines and steroids for muscle gain. When their bodies could not absorb those medicines, it resulted in increased blood pressure, leading to deaths while working out. Working out beyond strength can also lead to death.