GOQii

Blog

Search Results for: yoga

By 1 Comment

Venkatrao Alaparthi Loses 20kg With Guidance From His GOQii Coach

Venkatrao Alaparthi Loses 20kg With Guidance From His GOQii Coach

While earning a good livelihood is important, is it taking more life out of living? Long working hours, being seated most of the time with no physical activity and bad eating habits can take a toll on your health over a period of time. If this sounds relatable, you might have a lot in common with our Player Venkatrao Alaparthi.

Successful But Sedentary

Venkatrao Alaparthi, 46, is a Food Science Specialist having studied Dairy Science, and is currently working with Amul in Gujarat. Due to the nature of his work, he remains seated before his desk for long hours. For most of his work life, he has been sedentary without any exercise regime or proper eating habits.

As he wasn’t doing any regular exercise, the bare minimum being when he walked from his home to the factory, it led to severe weight gain. “I was consistently inconsistent in pursuing a health regime. I had no medical condition or medical issues but, I was obese due to a sedentary lifestyle and irregular patterns of eating,” says Venkatrao. As he is from South India, 90% of his diet consisted of carbs.

His work also involved touring. On one of his tours with his colleagues, Venkatrao Alaparthi realised how unfit he was as he couldn’t walk much. “I was sad that I was obese,” he says. As he was tired all the time, he couldn’t enjoy the visit as much. His 8 year old daughter pointed out saying, “you have a huge stomach” and his wife also told him how inconsistent he was while trying to lose weight on his own. 

“My wife has been getting me to take care of my health for the last 10 years, and I have been inconsistent in being able to maintain a good lifestyle and my health,” says Venkatrao. 

Due to all these factors, he decided that he would have to do something about his health. While researching the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle, he came across a GOQii Ad on social media. “GOQii & Fit India were my motivation to lead a healthy life. I decided to get the band and try it out,” he said.

Making Healthier Choices To Lose Weight

Venkatrao Alaparthi joined GOQii on Jan 30, 2022. He set his goal to lose weight. At the time, he weighed 91kg. After their initial conversation, GOQii Coach Parul Massey realised that he didn’t have any severe medical conditions and was only obese. She deemed that they had to work on weight loss slowly, in a healthier manner. 

“I asked him to start with 30 minutes of normal morning walk, reduce portions of rice from his daily diet and replace it with a protein-rich diet, jeera and lemon water on an empty stomach. He started following these habits daily,” says Coach Parul Massey

During the first week, Venkatrao Alaparthi found it difficult to walk for 30 minutes even at normal pace. But, he did not lose hope and continued doing it by slowly increasing his time to 45 mins after 10 days. In a month’s time, he began noticing some difference.

His diet had changed to include lots of proteins and vegetables for fibre. He also began including eggs, sprouts, and flax seeds, etc to his breakfast. In the second month of coaching, Coach Parul added a few more habits such as having nuts and seeds. 

Did These Changes Pay Off? 

After 2 months of following these minor tweaks in habits and changing his lifestyle, he lost 5kg. After months of making changes and following the course set by his GOQii Coach Parul Massey, Venkatrao Alaparthi lost 20kg. He is quite fit and active now. He even had to change his wardrobe due to his successful weight loss journey.

Currently, he clocks in over 20k steps daily. “I could not walk 3km and today, I can easily do 10km,” says Venkatrao Alaparthi. Apart from walking, he also plays badminton 3 times a week. For yoga and strength training, he subscribes to GOQii PRO classes within the GOQii App. 

His wife and his daughter are quite happy with the change he has made to his lifestyle and the weight he has lost. His wife says, “I am happy that you are more consistent now”. Venkatrao Alaparthi has been an Elite GOQii Player for 272 days and is among the top 6% of active players. He is still going strong with an active subscription, consistent changes, and guidance from his coach, Parul Massey. 

Do you want to make a lifestyle change and reduce weight too? Speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more inspiring stories, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce 

By Leave a Comment

5 Precautions You Need To Take For a Healthy Winter

healthy winter

We can’t say it enough – though winter season is a pleasant time, it does come along with its own host of illnesses. Cold and flu are synonymous with winter. So what exactly can you do to avoid sickness and enjoy the pleasantness this season has to offer? Let’s look at a few precautionary measures you can practice for a healthy winter! 

5 Tips For a Healthy Winter 

  1. Try to follow a well-balanced diet: The diet should contain all the basic 5 food groups. According to ICMR, the basic 5 food groups are cereals and millets, pulses and legumes, fruits and vegetables, milk and meat products, fats and oils. Out of the aforementioned food groups, we should concentrate more on fruits and vegetables because they boost and strengthen immunity with the help of vitamins and minerals. 
  2. Keep exercising: It will keep you warm and improve immunity against seasonal ailments like fever and cold – ensuring a healthy winter! Physical activity also helps us become fit during the winter season. Focus more on indoor exercises like squats, spot jogging, push-ups and yoga as due to the cold climate, you might not be able to step out.
  3. Drink sufficient water: Make sure that you are drinking more than 2 liters of water every day. During winter, most of us do not drink adequate amounts of water. Another important thing to be considered is the use of lukewarm water instead of cold water for drinking. You can use Tulsi, jeera and basil leaf induced water as well. Water helps remove toxins from the body, helps balance body fluid – preventing dehydration and carries nutrients to body cells. Water is definitely an important part of a healthy winter. 
  4. Proper Skincare: This season is quite hard on the skin. The main problems associated with skin include dryness, itching, chapped lips and cracked heels. Try to use Vitamin E rich moisturizer, body lotion and sun protection cream every day. Drinking more water will also hydrate the skin. Stock up on good winter clothes and keep lip balm handy at all times. 
  5. Health Checkup: Precautions for a healthy winter includes a health checkup. Asthma, fever, sore throat and joint pains are the most common health problems during winter. There is also an increased risk of heart attacks as low temperature induces more pressure on the heart. Cardiac patients, persons with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels should definitely go for a  regular checkup. 

In addition to the above, make sure you have 7-8 hours of good sleep. Also, remember to maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands and bathing regularly to keep germs and viruses away.

We hope these precautionary measures help you have a wonderful and healthy winter. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below.

For more on winter, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

By Leave a Comment

How Alpesh Patel Lost 20kg in 9 months | GOQii Health Stories

Alpesh Patel

Habits often determine whether you will or won’t lead a healthy life. Our Player Alpesh Patel realised this when his sedentary lifestyle led to various health issues. He knew it was time to make a positive change. Here’s how he took the decision to write his own #HealthStory by making a positive change in his lifestyle, losing 20kg in 9 months and getting healthier with GOQii.

Leading A Sedentary Lifestyle & Facing Multiple Health Issues 

Based in Ahmedabad, Alpesh Patel is a 50 year old Automotive Engineer with a desk job. His desk job made him quite sedentary and being a foodie, he would eat anything he liked – which led to weight gain. It became a norm and before he knew it, he had gained 92kg with a waistline of 46”. 

While weight gain is one issue, it never happens in isolation. Along with weight gain, he began facing issues such as high BP and heart issues among other complications. His wife, friends and family would keep pointing out that he needed to do something about his weight. While he paid no heed, his condition had come to a point where he could barely walk, would get breathless and his legs would swell. That’s when he decided to visit his doctor.

In November 2021, a check up with the doctor revealed that he needed an angioplasty. Alpesh consulted two other doctors and then he was referred to Dr. Bhupesh Shah, one of the leading cardiologists in Ahmedabad. A check revealed that  he had a blood clot that had spread to his lungs and had to be immediately removed.  

After this procedure, Alpesh was recommended to enroll into the Care Plus Programme of GOQii for managing his issues better and also for a lifestyle change. He was also put on medication.  

Coming onboard the GOQii Care Plus Programme

Alpesh Patel enrolled into GOQii’s Care Plus Programme in Dec 2021. As part of the programme, he was given a coach to guide him and help him manage his issues. He was also given a GOQii Vital ECG tracker.  “Joining GOQii has been the turning point in my life,” says Alpesh Patel. 

On interacting with his GOQii Coach Sweta Jaiswal, Alpesh realised how his habits affected his lifestyle. After the doctor visit he thought he could never get back to being normal. But, Coach Sweta helped him understand how a daily routine centred around a good, balanced diet, portion control, exercise and sleep can help him get back on track and healthy.

“My lifestyle was sedentary. Despite everyone telling me that I was putting on weight, I should exercise and do something about it, I never did anything. I never was interested in doing anything. I would sit in one place for hours together. It is only when I got the tracker I realised that I was walking barely 200-300 steps a day,” says Alpesh.

He says he is a big fan of the GOQii App which is a one stop shop. You have videos for exercise and yoga, you can track your steps, you have a GOQii Health Store where you can buy healthy products, you can chat with your coach and interact with other like minded people as well on GOQii Arena.

What Were The Results Of Alpesh Patel’s Efforts? 

GHS - Weight Loss - Before and After AlpeshWhen Alpesh joined, he was obese, had unhealthy eating habits, hyperlipidemia, and even complained of kidney stones. “His determination and willpower was at a standstill but he was willing to make the required modifications in his day to day life to see the desired changes. Initially the steps and new routine took a toll over him as used to breathe heavily but by making slow and steady changes, with a ‘Never Give Up’ attitude, he lost the inches and fat for good,” says Coach Sweta Jaiswal.

From walking 200-300 steps before, Alpesh now walks close to 20k steps daily. He has also cut down on junk food and eats on time. The result of following a good diet, exercise and sleeping well on time has resulted in him losing 20kg in 9 months. His blood thinner medication has been reduced from 20mg to 10mg. His water intake has also increased and he sleeps for an average of 7hrs daily. 

“His cholesterol & BP are also in range and kidney stone issue is diluted. Despite his one leg slightly affected by Polio, he has been doing regular exercise and his determination and will power to work towards improving his health has proved to be fruitful,” says coach Sweta Jaiswal.

Alpesh exercises daily for 30 minutes, has salads, a good wholesome lunch and a light dinner. He says, “People around me are also seeing the change and are quite startled at how I have been able to lose so much weight”. He has been an inspiration and an influence to people around him.

Does this story inspire you to make a lifestyle change? Subscribe for Personalised Health Coaching and speak to an expert now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more inspiring Health Stories, check out Healthy Reads. 

#BeTheForce 

By 17 Comments

Pranayama: 6 Variations & Their Benefits

Pranayama and Its BenefitsPranayama is one of the most common Yoga Asanas that people perform because it is easy and provides numerous benefits.

What Is Pranayama?

Pranayama is defined as stretching, lengthening or modifying the breath. Despite being an involuntary process, breathing can be voluntarily controlled and manipulated. Controlled breathing helps you have a better grip on your mind and your body.

To perform Pranayama, you can choose any meditative pose. If a meditative pose is difficult, you can opt for Sukhasana where the head, neck and spine are in a straight line. Focus on your breathing, try to feel each breath that you inhale and exhale from your nostrils. After you have done this, relax and spend some time to observe your entire body. Awareness should be present throughout the session.

Pranayam and its benefits to stay fit
Terminologies You Should Know:

  • Purak –Breathing in
  • Rechak –Breathing Out
  • Kumbhak – Holding the breath.

There are various kinds of Pranayama. Here are a few of them.

1. Bhastrika Pranayama

‘Bhastra’ is the Bellows Pump used to pump fire. ‘Bhastrika’ originates from this term. People with high blood pressure must not perform Bhastrika. They can, however, perform a modified version. In Bhastrika Paranayama, one must breath in and breath out rapidly and forcefully. At the same time, they must flap the stomach in and out. When you breathe in, your stomach will expand and when you breathe out, your stomach will contract.

Benefits : Gases exchange at a very fast pace. Oxygen intake increases as the body throws out more Carbon Dioxide. There’s an increase in the Metabolic Rate as well.

2. Anulom – Vilom

Also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, follows a slow and deep rhythmic breathing pattern. To perform this variation, close the left nostril and breathe in through the right nostril. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds. Close the right nostril and breathe in through the left nostril. Hold it for 3-5 seconds to increase the absorption of oxygen.

Benefits: Useful for people suffering from Sinusitis. This Pranayama relaxes the mind and the entire nervous system. It improves lung capacity, strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation.

3. Sheetali Pranayama

This Pranayama is also called Cooling Breathing. Before performing Sheetali Pranayama,  one must ensure that the atmosphere is clean. Roll the tongue and take a slow and deep breathe through the mouth. You will experience a cooling sensation on the surface of your tongue. Close the mouth and breathe out through the nostrils.

Benefits: It is very beneficial for people suffering from digestive disorders and acidity. This Pranayama also relaxes the mind.

4. Bhramari

It can be done towards the end of the session. Bhramari relaxes the mind and helps in blood circulation and circulation of Cerebrospinal fluid. Bhramari is also called Humming Bee Breath. Sitting in a meditation pose, breathe in through the nostrils (deep breath) and breathe out slowly, thereby, producing the humming sound like a Humming Bee. Inhalation and exhalation time will be the same.

5. Suryabhedan

Surya is referred to the right nostril and Bhedan is piercing. Breathing in through the right nostril and breathing out through the left nostril is called Suryabhedan. This energizing Pranayama stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, cleanses the skull and in the Hathapradipika, it is mentioned that the heat generated by this Pranayama will destroy the worms in the stomach.

6. Shitkari Pranayama

Also called the Hissing Breath, this Pranayama is performed by touching the teeth of the upper and lower jaw together and breathing in. You will experience a cooling sensation on the sides of the mouth and tongue. This is also a tranquilizing Pranayama. Regular practice of this will improve digestion and reduce acidity. It is a good practice for people suffering from insomnia. It is especially useful during Summer as it reduces the body’s temperature. While practicing this Pranayama, one must make sure that the atmosphere is clean.

Disclaimer: Please consult your GOQii Doctor before you start Pranayama. For further guidance, you can reach out to an expert by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

For more on Yoga and meditation, check out Healthy Reads.

We hope this article helps you! Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

#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 […]