actually led to the weight
gain. While I did increase
the distance and pace of
my walks but it did not
have much effect on the
weight gain. I gained
about 5-6 kgs due to the
sweet tooth that I had
developed with the drug.
In 2010, I suffered from a
skin allergy which caused
severe rashes and itching
all over my body. The
treatment for the rash
continues till date and I
have tried out almost all
forms of medicines and
doctors to treat the rash/
allergy. The exact reason
of the allergic rash is still
not clear and most
medicines prescribed to
me are for symptomatic
relief. However, in case of
a severe flare up of the
rash/ allergy I am
prescribed oral steroids for
10-15 days to get it under
control. I feel this skin
allergy is the most
difficult issue to deal with,
till date, as it tests me
both physically and
mentally.
My Workout
I started cycling and running around
2011 to keep fit, control the weight gain
and divert my mind from the allergy to
maintain a positive attitude. In 2012, I
started to going to the gym to run on a
treadmill as I realised that my skin allergy
used to get aggravated with exposure to
dust and bright sun, while continuing with
treadmill running at an INDIAN AIR
FORCE GYM, I was motivated and
introduced to weight training by IAF
bodybuilders who were trainers at the Air
Force gym. Since then I have been weight
training and have increased both my
strength and stamina. Initially I did have
inhibitions about bulking up, looking
overly muscular and masculine, but I soon
rubbished these misconceptions after I
read and saw videos about the benefits of
weight training by renowned weight
trainers, lifters and bodybuilders on the
internet and YouTube.
I am now convinced that weight training
has multitude of benefits and does give
you a fit body, a healthy mind a positive
attitude and more importantly it helps in
confidence building. By 2014, I alsostarted running longer distances (8-
10km) both indoor and outdoor as I
had decided to compete in a half
marathon in the same year. I could not
participate in the Delhi Half
Marathon as my younger son, then 11,
fractured his right hand in Oct 14.
However, I continued with my running
practice and completed my first half
marathon in 2:17:42 at the B-Safal
Ahmedabad Half Marathon, in Jan- I completed my 2nd Half
Marathon last year in 2:33:16 at the
Run Bhopal Run 2018. I look forward
to participate in trials for national
powerlifting competition this year in
my age category and am preparing for
the same.
I work out for 5 days in a week for
1.5-2 hours every evening. My weight
training schedule comprises 6-8
exercises each for chest, arms,
shoulders, back, legs and abs. In
addition I also do aerobics every
morning for an hour.