Get Off Your Arse: A ran-dumb blog to get you moving, by a bit of a nudge and a bit of a push.
Beyond the Numbers: Finding Peace on the Run
We hear it all the time: running is a numbers game. Distance, time, speed, pace, heart rate, VO2 max, BMI, weight, temperature, humidity, AQI—the list goes on. For years, I too was caught in this quantifiable quest. But what if I told you that for me, a runner for over four decades, running is about anything but the numbers?
The Unseen Strength: Why Your Muscles Are Your Greatest Asset, Not Just for Show
In our youth, fitness often means chasing sculpted physiques, driven by aesthetics. But as years pass, a different reality hits: climbing stairs becomes a struggle, and a long walk leaves us aching. We turn to walking for health, yet find ourselves in a painful "catch-22" – unable to move comfortably because our backs and knees protest.
This isn't just about aging; it's about a fundamental misunderstanding of our bodies. We talk about bones, but often overlook the musculoskeletal system – where muscles are the dynamic architects of every movement, not just for show. The connection runs even deeper: your mind's state profoundly influences your body's ability to move.
Your long walk, your dream vacation, your daily comfort – they all hinge on the strength you build. Fat is a liability; muscle is your greatest asset. It's time to stop focusing solely on weight loss and start investing in the functional strength that truly empowers your life. Discover why connecting these dots is the key to lasting mobility and well-being.
A Teen's Strength Journey: The Crucial Lessons of Form, Recovery, and Balance
At just 15, he was already nearly 6 feet tall, with a physique that spoke of dedication to strength training. His father brought him to me, not for an injury, but for a check-up – a proactive step to ensure his enthusiastic young man wasn't making any mistakes. My heart always swells when I see young people embrace fitness with such zeal. Yet, a simple squat in my clinic revealed a painful truth: his lower back was screaming.
This young man's journey, initially inspiring, quickly became a cautionary tale about the unseen risks of strength training without proper guidance. It's not about if teens should lift, but how. Discover why prioritizing recovery, balanced muscle development, and impeccable technique is the only way to build lasting strength and avoid injury.
National Police Academy: Shaping Leaders, Impacting Society
Think top-tier leadership development only happens in business schools? Think again. For the past three years, I've been a Visiting Faculty at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), the training ground for India's future police leaders. What I've witnessed is a masterclass in holistic development that goes far beyond traditional training.
Running Beyond Distance and Speed: Lessons from a Very Unplanned Full Marathon
Ever found yourself accidentally running a full marathon? 😅 This past Sunday, that's precisely what happened to me. What followed was a deep dive into the nuances of endurance running, particularly the gap I often see between Indian amateur runners' 10k/half marathon prowess and their full marathon performance.
Is it just about more speed work? My unplanned 42.2km journey offered some surprising lessons about pacing, mental fortitude, and the unexpected allies you meet along the way (thank you, Mother Dairy!).
Men and women die differently. Is heart the reason?
Heart disease is the biggest causes of death in both men and women, yet they play out very differently. There is a Yentl Syndrome to be blamed for it. Recent research brings good news, where women can take proactive role in getting better.
‘Now’ - an English or a Hindi word?
Discover the profound meaning of "now" through philosophy and personal experience. Explore the present moment, time, and life's journey.
Racing Optimally
I am suggesting a strategy, customised for you, to help you perform better at races based on whatever work you’ve put in so far.
Can running or exercising kill you?
Yesterday at Delhi Half Marathon a participant collapsed at 18km mark and later died. Same happened two weeks back at London Marathon, and a month before at another Indian race. That makes it seem like a common occurrence while exercising or running? But it’s rarer than people dying while watching television. Are these deaths a cause for worry? I look at it critically.
Is resistance training bad for kids?
Most parents, teachers, coaches, trainers and even health professionals think that resistance training during childhood and adolescence is unsafe, ineffective and unnecessary. This false narrative must change.