The Unseen Strength: Why Your Muscles Are Your Greatest Asset, Not Just for Show
In India, and indeed across the globe, our relationship with fitness often follows a predictable, almost cyclical, path. In our vibrant youth, the gym becomes a stage. We chase the sculpted physiques of Bollywood and Hollywood reel stars, focusing primarily on aesthetics – the bulging biceps, the defined chest, the "beach muscles." Functionality? Mobility? Those are often afterthoughts, overshadowed by the pursuit of a perfect selfie.
Then, as the years accumulate, a different reality sets in. Simple activities, once effortless, become challenging. Climbing a flight of stairs leaves us winded, our knees creak with every step, and our backs ache after a long drive. It's at this point that many, suddenly interested in "health," turn to walking. "I need to lose weight," they declare, "so I'll walk."
But here's the crucial, often overlooked, truth:
“Muscle is an integral part of your entire system.”
Doctors frequently discuss bones when a patient complains of back or knee pain. Yet, what's often missed is that our body isn't just a skeletal system; it's a musculoskeletal system. Your muscles are the dynamic architects that make your bones and joints do what they do. They provide support, stability, and the power for every single movement. So, how is it that we collectively ignore muscles, especially when it comes to fundamental functionality and mobility?
The connection runs even deeper. Your muscles respond to signals sent by your brain, transmitted through a vast network of nerves. Hence, neuromusculoskeletal system. And suddenly, we're venturing into the profound interplay between mind and body. If your mind isn't in the right frame – perhaps clouded by stress, anxiety, or simply a lack of focus on your physical well-being – it absolutely impacts the quality of messages sent by your brain, affecting every nerve and muscle throughout your body.
Consider this common scenario: You've worked tirelessly, amassed wealth, own an expensive car and a beautiful home. But you struggle to enjoy a long drive because your back screams in protest. Your well-deserved European or American vacation becomes a painful ordeal because your knees creak and hurt after walking just a kilometer. This isn't just bad luck; it's a direct consequence of neglecting your body's fundamental support system.
You find yourself in a classic "catch-22": You want to lose weight by walking, but you can't walk comfortably because your knees and back hurt. And then, in steps the medical community, often quick to recommend extensive investigations and fancy surgeries, justified by your medical insurance. But remember, it's your body, and it’s your life. And while insurance might cover the cost, it won't restore lost functionality or the joy of pain-free movement.
This is why your perspective on fitness needs a radical shift.
“Losing weight shouldn’t be your primary objective; building and maintaining muscle should be. ”
Fat, while a necessary energy reserve, is largely a liability – you carry it. Your muscles, however, are your greatest asset. They are the engines of your mobility, the protectors of your joints, and the silent partners in your metabolic health. Your long, leisurely walk will be infinitely more comfortable and sustainable if you have first invested in strengthening your muscles.
And to the younger generation, captivated by the allure of "bodybuilding" and aesthetics: while a sculpted physique is appealing, focus far more on functionality and impeccable form. If you pick up injuries now due to poor technique, excessive weight, or unbalanced training, those pains and limitations could become your lifelong partners, far longer than any relationship you might envision.
It's time to connect the dots. Think about your life and body with the same strategic foresight you apply to your career or finances. Get those muscles moving, not just for show, but for a lifetime of vibrant, pain-free living.
Some would argue that the most popular religions on planet Earth originated because of just one single high altitude exposure of their ‘enlightened ones’. Now imagine what would have repeated exposure over 13 years done to Rajat!
Dr. Rajat Chauhan possesses over 21 years of specialized experience in strength training, particularly in its application to rehabilitation, performance enhancement, and injury prevention. This expertise is evident in his experience at:
Kieser Training: Dr. Chauhan worked as an in-house doctor at a London center of Kieser Training, a Swiss-German chain specializing in medical strength training. This experience provided him with valuable knowledge in utilizing strength training for addressing and managing musculoskeletal issues.
Back 2 Fitness Clinic: At his own clinic, Back 2 Fitness, Dr. Chauhan uses modified Kieser Training protocols. He applies strength training for performance enhancement, injury prevention, and medical purposes, specifically in managing back, neck, and knee pain, as well as chronic lifestyle diseases. He utilizes DBC Strength Training Rehabilitation Machines.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy: As Visiting Faculty, Dr. Chauhan designed a machine-based strength training protocol, inspired by Kieser Training principles, for Indian Police Service (IPS) probationer officers. This program aimed to improve their overall basic fitness and minimize training-related injuries.
