I have stopped walking to work these days. It's just so hot and, on top of that, Kathmandu roads are so dusty that if I choose to walk to work, I'll need to carry a set of toiletries and towels to wash myself in the bathroom sink as soon as I reach office. While this means I reach office feeling dewy fresh despite the heat, it also means in the past few weeks I have piled on a few kilos. I can definitely feel more flesh when I pinch my own cheeks.
I have gone through quite a lot to lose weight and feel good in my body that I don't want to let my efforts go down the drain. Walking was the best way to keep in shape but since the heat has made it impossible to pursue this simple form of cardio, I started looking around for other exercises I could take up instead. Here's the good news: If you find walking tedious and monotonous there are a lot of fun activities out there.
First up on my list was swimming. But there was a small glitch. I didn't know how to swim. However, I decided to not let that deter me. I decided to take swim classes. At my age, you might think it's a bit embarrassing but you'll be surprised to find out that there are quite a lot of people in their late 20s and early 30s who don't even know how to float. At least, I had that part mastered in just a
few days.
If you are still hesitant, find a friend and make her tag along. If she's a swimmer, you're in luck and if not, then the two of you can have a lot of fun waddling around the pool together. I have been learning to swim and in the last two weeks, it's safe to say that my water skills have improved considerably. Also since swimming is a great form of cardio, you won't have to worry about lack of exercise.
If you aren't very keen about swimming, try dancing. I'm serious. It's perhaps the best form of exercise, given the fact that you won't feel like you are exercising. It's just way too much fun. Even if you have two left feet, you'll have a lot of fun learning how to dance. There are many classes – from Salsa to Kathak – that are being conducted around town. You'll not only be exercising but learning a life skill too. If not, just play some music and jump around a bit in the comforts of your own room or YouTube a Zumba workout and learn the steps.
And if both of these don't appeal to you then there's another option: Take up tennis or badminton. Find a partner (you can even do without, because the club will provide you an instructor to play with or you can play with other members there) and then sweat it out. I took it up because a friend insisted I accompany her to her lessons and I'm forever thankful because a) I have a new hobby and b) The sport makes you sweat quite a fair bit and you feel energetic and fit.
I would personally recommend you to try all three or a combination of two. If you want to stick to one, that's fine too. As for me, I'm learning to swim. I have classes thrice a week, and twice a week I take tennis lessons along with a friend. I've recently inquired about Kathak classes near office and I'm contemplating taking it up too. I will be able to do this twice a week on the days I don't have swim lessons. Tennis just takes an hour and half in the morning.
Though I miss walking, I'm happy I've figured out fun ways to stay fit this summer. I realize I might not be able to give continuity to all three in the long run but I can constantly be doing one thing of the three and that way stay fit. The best part is that it doesn't feel like I'm working out but I am and since all these three things are quite rigorous I can also, once in a while, eat anything I want. And there's nothing quite like an ice cold bottle of Fanta on a hot summer day, and an ice cream cone as you head back home after a long day at work.
Disclaimer: I am no fitness expert. I'm just someone who has worked hard to lose weight. I have consulted a dietician friend to find out what works for me, and suggest you do the same. I'm only sharing my weight loss experience through The Week and trying to motivate you all to adopt a healthy lifestyle. It's always best to get an experts advice before beginning a diet and workout plan. Stop exercising if you experience pain during the workout. Also never reduce your calorie intake to less than 1000.
If you have any queries regarding my weight loss journey, write to me at sharmaditi374@gmail.com.