HOW TO USE YOUR BODY WEIGHT TO GYM AT HOME TO STAY FIT

Gyms also carry risks such as equipment-related injuries, overexertion, slips and falls, hygiene issues, and poor ventilation.

- DR P.S. VENKATESH RAO

The ancient Greek word “gymnos,” meaning a "place to train naked," is the origin of the word Gymnasium or gym, a modern indoor venue equipped for physical exercise and strength training. Gym membership is expensive, and needs time and effort to reach the Gym through traffic, at the allotted time slot, a problem for those like this author who work 24x7, without a fixed schedule. Gyms also carry risks such as equipment-related injuries, overexertion, slips and falls, hygiene issues, and poor ventilation.

These hazards affect both gym-goers and staff, making safety protocols essential. Workouts are feasible with outdoor activities like running, hiking, rock climbing, and playing sports, but these are not feasible for most people. Swimming, the best exercise that strengthens breathing and all muscle groups, without straining joints of the obese, is a privilege not available to all. Walking on the street side in the absence of a proper footpath is perilous, due to traffic, smoke, dust, bad weather, stagnant, dirty water pools, and stray dogs. The best option for most people is to exercise at home, at a time of their choice, even in bad weather, and encouraged by the participation of their family. Strength training, Stretching, and Cardio exercise can be effectively done without machines using bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, yoga, martial arts, dance, and with additional weights for the upper body, like dumbbells, kettlebells, and Indian clubs.