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How much cardio should you do?

 

cardio exercise

 

CARDIO- The only form of exercise which has grabbed everybody’s attention and why not, almost all the common activities are a form of cardiovascular exercise.

Whenever I ask someone about what exercise you do throughout the day- their reply is mostly WALKING. Hours of walking sometimes.

So, what does cardio include?

  • Walking (As already mentioned above)
  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Aqua-aerobics
  • Aerobics
  • Zumba
  • Rowing
  • Boxing

I have seen people concentrating only on cardio exercises for years without any change in their routine. Some people consider themselves to be fit with simply walking.

Fitness is measured by different things and not just your overall structure.

As a part of your fitness routine, these 3 components are very important which is as follows: –

  • Cardiovascular exercises
  • Strength training exercises
  • Flexibility exercises

None of the components can be skipped.

All these 3 components are very important for a proper fitness regime.

The question which I always get is (which also became an idea to write this article) how much cardio should I do?

And my answer is (Always), you should actually ask how much of these 3 components I should do?

Well, I will be covering all these 3 components in 3 separate articles so for now, I will be concentrating on cardio.

So, going back to the question which I always get, I wish I had an answer to that which could be as simple as

Do 60 minutes a day or maybe 150 minutes a week!

But being a healthcare professional, I cannot give a generic answer.

In fact, that question has no specific answer.

The amount of cardio which should be done completely depends upon these 4 factors: – (Ps: – Please read all the factors before you come to a conclusion for yourself)

cardio ex1

(1) It depends on what you are aiming at.

Well, not everybody needs weight loss! Some people might be looking for muscle gain while someone else might need to run a marathon.

So, does that mean all of them will be doing 150 minutes of cardio per week?

Definitely not!

Along with the aim, you also need to know about your metabolism.

Metabolism is the rate at which your body needs calories while resting.

So, for a person who wants to lose weight will probably be needing a lot of cardio but for someone who wants to build muscle- the amount of cardio which you require completely depends on your metabolism. If you have a fast metabolism then you don’t need any cardio but if your metabolism is slow then you need to do some amount of cardio.

Someone who is into different sports like shot put or powerlifting or sprinting might require very little cardio.

Why am I targeting these 2 categories first?

It is because losing weight and gaining muscles are totally different things to talk about. For your body as well, it becomes a very confusing state because the body cannot do 2 things simultaneously. However, with proper training, it does become possible sometimes.

Then, what about fat loss? How much cardio should one do?

If losing weight is your only goal then it is okay to put your focus more on cardio and neglect the muscle gain part.

You just work on not losing muscles while you are losing your fat.

This can be achieved by 2 times a week strength training and adequate proteins in your diet.

What If someone is a marathoner? How much cardio should one do?

It also includes a good amount of cardio and minimum strength training but flexibility here is very important. It can all be divided throughout the week with a focus more on cardio and other endurance sports.

Although I don’t like putting anything in a restricted way I guess I can do with sharing some guidelines about the first factor which I have discussed in brief above so that it becomes easier for everyone to understand.

  • Building muscle + Fast metabolism = No cardio
  • Building muscle + Slow metabolism = 2-4 days per week with about 20-30 minutes every day.
  • Losing fat = 5-6 times per week with about 45-60 minutes every day
  • Marathoner= 4-6 times per week with about 30-60 minutes every day

*This is very generic; the requirement might differ in each person but this can be used as a guideline to work upon.

(2) State of your hormones

Well, the most common problem which most of us are facing is WEIGHT GAIN or UNABLE TO LOSE THE EXISTING WEIGHT which ultimately makes you hit the gym and your trainer will suggest you do cardio. He or she will decide the plan and everyone blindly follows that plan. But, do you think everybody needs exactly the same amount of cardio?

When your weight becomes a problem the hormone which comes into the picture is CORTISOL.

Cortisol is a hormone which is released all the time in the body but most commonly it reaches its peak under extreme stress. When the stress is often short-term like some assignment to complete or some exams to give then the graph of cortisol keeps fluctuating but when the stress becomes long term which goes on for months and years then the gland which produces cortisol is adrenal glands that starts burning out which means there won’t be enough cortisol which is produced. Well, none of this is good. Neither LOW nor HIGH. Everything goes well in balance.

So now that was about the theory, let’s understand how to practically apply it.

Symptoms of cortisol imbalance: –

  • Rapid weight gain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Insomnia
  • Fluctuating sugar levels

 

How to know about your cortisol imbalance?

  • It is important to do a stress test first and then go for the lab reports and get your 8 am cortisol checked.
  • Visit an endocrinologist with your reports.

 How much cardio should you do if your cortisol levels are not up to the mark?

  • Under 60% of your maximal heart rate.

How to calculate your maximal heart rate?

  • 220 – your age= maximal heart rate

For example: –

Person who is 40 years of age,

220-40= 180 (Maximal heart rate)

60% of 180 = 108 beats per minute.

  • You should not cross 108 beats per minute while doing cardio in any case.
  • You must strictly monitor it and get yourself a personal trainer/coach who can help you understand this.

Why are we discussing cortisol imbalance and what is the reason behind reducing your cardio activities in such cases?

treadmill-2581437_640

  • All the exercise puts the body into some stress. This stress can affect stimulation of different hormones.
  • When you do steady cardio like a treadmill or cycling your body increases cortisol and reduces other hormones like growth hormone.
  • When you do interval training your body increases cortisol and growth hormone
  • When you do strength training with moderate repetition and sets your body increases growth hormone and cortisol by a small margin.
  • When you do strength training with heavy repetition and sets your body increases testosterone (Which is mostly seen in bodybuilders)

I have given you an in-depth reason here so that you can understand that doing cardio under any stress will increase the complication even more and will do no good to your body.

So before getting into intense workouts, check your cortisol levels.

If everything is okay then you can do the cardio as discussed above.

(3) Depends on your intensity

Whenever I try getting the history about exercises, I get to hear this very often: –

” I do cardio for about 1 and half hours in the gym but I am not getting any results “

” I walk for about 2 hours a day, one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening but I don’t think it is helping”

Well, the basic point to this is,

YOUR DURATION DOESN’T MATTER.

WHAT MATTERS IS- YOUR INTENSITY.

You can work out for just like 15 minutes and still get the same effect as you might get it from longer duration.

Since a couple of months, I often see people talking about high-intensity workouts, low-intensity workouts. I was actually very curious to know their definition of these workouts. I was actually very surprised to know that out of 10 people not even 2 of them knew what exactly it is. They were talking about it because they read it on the internet or their trainer told or something else. You don’t need to be a doctor or personal trainer or a certified health expert. You as a common man to have the rights to know, after all, you are the one who is actually, going to follow that advice. Well, writing this article in this depth is just for everyone to understand the basics behind all the theories which are coming up.

So, coming back to the theory behind intensity.

What is a low-intensity workout?

  • Under 60% of your maximal heart rate (How to calculate it is mentioned above) is a low-intensity workout.
  • These intensity workouts will not increase the endurance but do have relaxation benefits.

What is moderate intensity workout?

  • In between 60-85% of your maximal heart rate is moderate intensity workout.
  • This is a basic workout if your goal is to lose fats.
  • Start with 3-4 times per week and for 30-45 minutes
  • This is just about cardio however in this routine strength training is also required which will be covered in the upcoming article.

What is a high-intensity workout?

  • Anything above 85% of your maximal heart rate is high-intensity workout
  • This can be maintained only for about 1-4 minutes before your speed drops and then gradually goes ahead.
  • Start with 2-3 times per week for about 20 minutes.
  • This course will include proper strength training also which will be covered in upcoming article

Note: – High-intensity workout is not suggested for anybody who has not done any cardio exercises for past 4 months, for someone who has serious cardiac issues. Please consult your doctor before getting into these kinds of workout. Inform your coach and coaches too can take this as a basic part of history taking.

(4) Depends upon how well your response to cardio exercises.

  • As I mentioned in the beginning of the article, every individual is different and there is no same answer to HOW MUCH CARDIO YOU SHOULD DO?
  • It all depends on your responses which can vary from person to person
  • I can simply guess that maybe you require this much workout but I am never sure about it unless I check the response for minimum 15 days.

My players always ask me that why do I give the workouts for 15 days and then think so much for the next set of workouts. Sometimes it so happens that I refuse to change the workout and make then repeat it for 15 days. I know it’s annoying, like very annoying but it is better than any serious injury. Unless I am sure about the responses and progress I do not go ahead in case of workouts.

This article only gives you insights about CARDIO but your workout routine is incomplete with strength training and flexibility.

My next blog is HOW MUCH STRENGTH TRAINING YOU NEED TO DO?.

We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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Ways To Balance Your Hormones Naturally

balance your hormones naturally

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little hormone in the bloodstream and because of their essential role in the body, even small hormonal imbalances can cause side effects throughout the body. While some hormone levels fluctuate throughout your lifetime and may just be a result of natural aging, other changes occur when your endocrine glands get impacted either by external or internal factors.

Importance of Rebalancing Hormones

It is extremely important to balance your hormones as soon as you become aware of the changes that happen to your body. Every other day, I come across a player who has a hormonal issue and it makes me want to pen down the importance of balancing your hormones. Here are some of those points: 

  1. The more balanced your hormone levels, the higher you function – physically, mentally and emotionally
  2. A healthy hormone balance boosts your brain health
  3. Balancing your hormones helps you control your appetite, weight and mood
  4. It helps fight harmful bacteria, viruses and promotes an overall clean function

What Changes Will You Observe? 

  • More energy, productivity and a positive outlook towards life
  • Less cravings for sweets, junk and fatty foods
  • Clear Skin (no acne and scars)
  • No hair fall
  • Increased libido
  • No muscle cramps or loss of energy
  • Regular periods
  • Well balanced metabolism
  • More easy weight loss
  • Improved sleep
  • Lower mood cravings

Ways to Balance Your Hormones Naturally

  • A portion of protein and Fiber in every meal: Consuming adequate amounts of protein is extremely important for hormones that control appetite and food intake. Protein and fibers will also boost your metabolism, which is important for weight loss – weight being a common issue of hormonal imbalance.
  • Regular Exercise: Simple walking or indulging in any sort of physical activity can turn out to be magical for you. You can choose any workout regimen like strength training, cardio, zumba, dance or body weight exercises –  whichever suits your health goal and schedule.
  • Healthy Fats: By including healthy fats in your daily diet you can rebalance your hormones naturally. Choose unsaturated fats over saturated and avoid consuming trans-fat. Some healthy fats include vegetable oil, oil from nuts and seeds, avocados and unrefined cold/wood pressed extra virgin olive oil. 
  • Eating foods rich in Omega 3: Fatty acids may help increase insulin sensitivity which can be helpful in weight loss as well as in rebalancing your hormones. Sources of Omega-3 fatty acid foods include fish and other seafood (especially salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines), walnuts, flax and chia seeds, seaweed, kidney beans, cod liver oil, and brussels sprouts. 
  • Manage Stress: It has been found that nearly 55% of the population in India is either dealing with chronic stress or depression which causes serious health issues including hormonal imbalance. So it is important to manage your stress. This can be done by talking to a person you are comfortable with, reading a book, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, walking, practicing gratitude, etc. 
  • Sleep Tight: The regulation and metabolism of several hormones are influenced by interactions between the effects of sleep and the hormones like the growth hormone, cortisol, melatonin, leptin and ghrelin which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy levels of hormones that control appetite and blood glucose levels. So in order to get the results by implementing the above suggestion, it is important to get adequate sleep as poor sleep has been associated with imbalance of many hormones. Aim at getting 7-8 hours of good quality sleep to balance your hormones naturally.

Your hormones can be your best friend and worst enemy if not taken care of. So for that, eat healthy, stay active, sleep well and engage in healthy behaviors. We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on hormone health, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Can You Reverse NAFLD With Dietary Changes

NAFLD

Liver is the largest gland in the human body and is also known as the Chemical Factory of the body. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver, ranging from fighting infection, breakdown of fats, filtering blood of toxins, storing vitamins, iron, to manufacturing proteins and hormones, and helping clot your blood. Like any other organ in the body, this busy organ can also have issues, which is a condition called Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Normally, the liver stores some fat. However, in some cases when the liver stores more than healthy fat, that extra fat causes inflammation, which is known as NAFLD. 

Usually, there are no symptoms of NAFLD in the early stages. When it does, they may include, enlarged liver, fatigue or pain in the upper right abdomen. In most cases, fatty liver disease is diagnosed after blood tests show elevated levels of liver enzymes released from damaged liver cells, namely Alanine aminotransferase test (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase test (AST).

Luckily, lifestyle changes such as dietary intervention and increased physical activity are the first-line treatment and support not only for NAFLD but also associated diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and dyslipidemia. And, gradual weight loss can take the pressure off the liver, allowing it to regenerate itself.

Dietary Changes To Reverse NAFLD

1. Complex Carbs
Complex Carbohydrates are packed with dietary fibre and micronutrients which help in appetite regulation as it takes longer to digest plus DF prevents absorption of fats in the intestine, thereby helping you lose weight, and also lowering the amount of fat in your liver.

  • Include Whole Grains in the form of chapati, upma, dosa, idli, porridge, khichdi, etc.
  • Include sprouted or boiled whole pulses.
  • Seasonal vegetables and Fruits.
  • Reduce sugar intake as it stimulates de novo lipogenesis and finally development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) & nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). So, replace packaged drinks with fresh coconut water/lime water; biscuits with nuts/roasted chana; reduce tea quantity to half cup every time you drink and no sauce/jam /salad dressing .
  • Soluble fiber Supplementation 

2. Fats
Increased fat intake has been linked to insulin resistance, impaired postprandial lipid metabolism and the development or progression of NAFLD. So, reduce intake  of ‘Visible fat’, & try to limit oil/fat intake to less than 500 ml/person/month. Choose Extra Virgin/Filtered /kachhi ghani oils (mustard, sesame, groundnut, Olive oil, Canola oil etc.) in place of refined oils to have anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitizing effects.

  • Complete No for Trans fatty acids and saturated fats . So, no fried or gravy foods/eating out /packaged food.
  • Choose healthy Invisible Fats rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as nuts, avacado, flaxseeds, chia seeds, sabja seeds, etc.

3. Protein Source
A fair increase in protein intake combined with a low-GI diet, is associated with improved weight-loss maintenance due to its satiating effect and increased thermogenic effect of protein metabolism. So, include options like nuts, low-fat dairy, beans, whole pulses, fish, and poultry, sprouts/roasted chana/nuts/ Sattu drink, nuts smoothie (without sugar), etc. Cut meat intake to once a week. Prefer white/lean meats such as fish/poultry. And completely avoid Red meats as they are high in cholesterol & saturated fats because many studies have associated it with increased risk of liver related diseases and cancer, whereas white meat has been associated with reduced risk.

4. Herbs and supplements
Certain herbs and supplements have shown to play a key role in glucose and fat metabolism, insulin signalling, and energy balance, thereby helping in reversing the fatty liver condition. This may include Apple Cider Vinegar, Fenugreek Seeds, Flaxseed, Nigella Seeds, Milk Thistle, Coffee, Quercetin, Resveratrol etc. 

Having discussed the dietary changes, this journey is incomplete without the inclusion of at least 30 mins of physical Activity, 4-5 days a week, management of  Sleep and Stress issues. Do consult your dietitian/nutritionist to help fine-tune your diet so you are not aggravating your condition.

We hope this article helps you reverse NAFLD. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more information to help you reverse NAFLD, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. 

#BeTheForce 

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Prioritize Prostate Health: Recognizing Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer for a Healthier You

We just celebrated International Men’s Day on November 19th, a day to honour the amazing contributions men make to our lives and society. But amid these celebrations, there’s one thing we often forget—men’s health, especially prostate health.

While we appreciate and applaud men on this special day, it’s vital to talk about the health challenges they face, with prostate health often ignored in our health conversations. Let’s start a dialogue about men’s health issues, with a focus on prostate health. It’s time we give this important aspect the attention and care it deserves, making our health conversations more holistic and inclusive.

Many men tend to ignore the strange symptoms they experience. They don’t want to complain or draw attention, so they keep quiet and hope it goes away. But sometimes, things get worse and they end up in the hospital with problems like trouble urinating and feeling tired all the time. That’s when their loved ones get worried. And that’s when the doctor tells them they have prostate cancer. That’s the wake-up call, showing them how they neglected their health. This example shows the importance of knowing the warning signs of prostate cancer for better prostate health.

Prostate cancer is a serious health threat that affects millions of men worldwide. It’s crucial to educate men about its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, as early detection can make a big difference in outcomes. International Men’s Day is an opportunity to urge men to prioritize their health, get regular check-ups, and talk to their doctors about any concerns.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with tens of thousands of new cases diagnosed every year. According to the Global Disease Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study of 2019, there were 94 million men aged 40 and above with prostate hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) globally in 2019, a 70.5% increase from 51.1 million in 2000. Source: [Global Disease Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study of 2019]

It’s vital to raise awareness about prostate cancer, so men understand the risk factors, symptoms, and screening options. Early detection can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Yet, many men skip regular check-ups and screenings, leading to late diagnoses and limited treatment choices. Moreover, social stigmas around men’s reproductive health often prevent open discussions and awareness about prostate cancer. It’s essential to learn about the potential red flags and preventive measures for optimal prostate health.

Warning signs of prostate cancer often show up as changes in urination, such as difficulty starting or stopping, weak flow, frequent night-time urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. It’s important not to ignore these symptoms and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Other signs like blood in urine or semen, and pain in the pelvis, lower back, or hips could also indicate underlying problems that need medical attention, even though they might also be caused by non-cancerous conditions.

Moreover, general symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite should not be overlooked. Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer should be especially careful about monitoring their prostate health due to increased risk.

Regular doctor visits for check-ups and screenings, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams, are crucial. These tests are not perfect, but they can help flag potential issues, leading to further diagnostic steps.

In summary, better prostate health means knowing the warning signs of prostate cancer and taking proactive steps. By being aware of symptoms, following regular check-ups and screenings, and discussing any concerns with your doctor, you can improve your prostate health and well-being. So, the next time you celebrate International Men’s Day, don’t forget to take care of your prostate health. It might just save your life!

#BeTheForce

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]