Almost 30-60% of Indians in urban India have been found to be overweight or obese or have abdominal obesity. It has also been found that Indians are at a higher risk of developing obesity related problems like Diabetes, Hypertension and Heart disease at lower cut off values for BMI (Body Mass Index) and Waist Circumference. Indians suffer inherently from a lower muscle mass or sarcopenia. This leads to several of the health problems like central or abdominal obesity that the Indian is more prone to. Our fat percentage and waist circumference is higher for a comparative body weight to our caucasian counterparts.This is one of the major causes for the higher incidence of diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease in the Indian subcontinent.
According to the Consensus statement for physical activity for Asian Indians (Misra et al JAPI vol 57 Feb 2009) – Cut off values of BMI for the Indian population :
Normal BMI = 18.0-22.9 kg/m
Overweight = 23-24.9 kg/m
Obesity = more than 25 kg/m
Consensus statement for cut off values for Waist circumference:
Women = 31.1 inches (80cm) and above should be considered obese
Men = 35.5 (90 cm) and above to be considered obese requiring intervention.
Definitions of Physical Activity Intensity Levels
1. Low-intensity physical activity elicits a slight increase in breathing rate. (e.g., slow walking less than 3 km/h on level firm ground, house work like cleaning, cooking and dusting).
2. Moderate-intensity physical activity elicits a moderate, noticeable increase in depth and rate of breathing, while still allowing for conversation (e.g., walking 3–6 km/h on level firm ground, water aerobics, moderate intensity aerobics, cycling at a speed of <16 km/h and hiking).
3. Vigorous-intensity physical activity elicits a noticeable increase in depth and rate of breathing. The individual will not be able to speak more than a few words without pausing for a breath (e.g. walking a kilometer in less than 10 minutes, jogging/running, cycling, higher intensity aerobic dancing, and jumping rope).
Exercise guidelines for healthy adults: consensus statement –
If you participate in Moderate Intensity Exercise – Aerobic activity of moderate intensity : brisk walking, stair climbing, cycling, jogging – for 30 minutes 5 days a week
Muscle strengthening exercises : resistance training, own body weight exercises, exercises, exercises using dumbells or machines – 1-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions targeting major muscle groups. This is to be done 2-3 times a week.
If you participate in High Intensity Exercise – Aerobic activity of higher intensity like running, high intensity aerobics, football etc for 20 minutes 3 days a week is sufficient
Muscle strengthening exercises – more than 3 sets targeting major muscle groups 2-3 days a week.
Exercise guidelines for Children and youth aged 5–17 years consensus statement –
Children who are sedentary and obese should start with at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity everyday. This volume of exercise should increase gradually to obtain at least 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily. – Those children who are already quite active and not obese require at least 60 minutes of vigourous exercise, which could be in the form of sports everyday. – In addition they will require muscle strengthening exercises for a minimum of 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a week. Exercises like jumping, squats, push-ups, situps, lunges etc using own body weight may be performed.
Television and computer time involving sedentary activity should be restricted to less than 2 hours a week.
Exercise guidelines for pregnant women consensus statement –
All pregnant women should get a clearance from their Obstetrician before starting or continuing to exercise during their pregnancy. – There are certain contraindications to exercise in pregnancy such conditions as threatened pre-term labour or bleeding and this needs to be discussed with the Obstetrician. – Healthy pregnant women, with no other contraindications can continue to exercise as per the recommendations for the Healthy Adult – A minimum of 30-60 minutes of Aerobic activity per day.
– The aerobic activity should be low impact. Avoid high impact activities like running or high impact aerobics or contact sports.
– Resistance training should be performed to strengthen the specific muscles about 2-3 times a week. – One exercise per body part can be chosen – 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions of each exercise using light weights may be done.
– Stretching to be done for a few minutes everyday.
– Pelvic floor strengthening exercises may be continued throughout the pregnancy.
As the pregnancy advances the woman may be unable to exercise at the same intensity as during the first two trimesters. She may continue to do a low intensity aerobic workout, stretches and relaxation everyday.
There are some do’s and dont’s while exercising in pregnancy –
– Avoid very high intensity exercise. Avoid exercising in the heat. Drink enough water. Avoid high impact exercise or contact sports. Stop if you feel faint or dizzy. Avoid exercise if there is a history of pre-term labour, hypertension or bleeding. Avoid any exercise that requires you to lie on your back after the first four months of pregnancy. Exercise with perfect form to avoid injury.
After a normal delivery she may start exercising once she feels comfortable which may be in a week to ten days. After a caeserean she can start exercising after six weeks.
Exercise guidelines for the elderly consensus statement –
All adults over the age of 40 need a medical clearance from their physician before commencing an exercise routine for the first time. If one has been exercising throughout their life, they may continue to do so with some decrease in intensity levels if so required. The focus of exercise in the elderly is more on building strength and muscle mass than on weight loss. Increasing muscle mass and strength is beneficial in allowing the older individual to continue to live as normal a life as possible without being dependent on others.
– Recommended doses of aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercises for men and women over 65 years of age are similar to those for healthy adult population. That is aerobic activity for about 30-45 minutes a day at a moderate intensity.
– Resistance training to improve strength and muscle mass needs to be incorporated on at least 2-3 days/week which should involve all the major muscle groups, one exercise per body part, 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions is recommended. The benefits of resistance training include preservation of muscle mass and prevention of age-related sarcopenia.
– Greater muscle strength and power enable the maintenance of function and prevention of disability, including a lower risk of falling. Balance training, along with activities to strengthen the muscles of the legs, back and core muscles is the best strategy to reduce falls and complications from falls. This also increases the chances of the elderly person staying independent throught his/her life which is essential for morale. – Daily “activities” that involve moving around, climbing stairs, lifting, carrying, pushing, gardening, cleaning etc should be maintained as long as possible because they can also benefit muscle and bone health.
– In sedentary individuals, gradual escalation of physical activity is recommended, after pre-activity medical evaluation especially in those with chronic diseases, particularly CHD. All decisions regarding the initiation of exercise programs for the elderly should be taken in consultation with a physician.
– Sudden commencement of physical activity, especially wihtout medical clearance should be avoided in the elderly.
Exercises for persons with disabilities cannot be generalised. The exercise routine needs to be designed according to the disability encountered.
Dr Sheela Nambiar MD Obgyn, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant NAFC (USA)
This article was originally written for Sports Authority Of Tamil Nadu. http://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/index.php/fitness/daily-fitness-regime
Training For Life 