Chandigarh, September 12
Though used to rigorous training and grilling during their stints at various military colleges, the Army officers today got simple tips on physical fitness from a man who has not only been a sportsman himself but has been a selector and member of the medical squad for the Indian cricket team.
Dr Ravinder Chaddha, Chief Medical Officer with the Haryana Vidyut Board, delivered a lecture at the Command Hospital, Chandimandir, today on physical fitness and management of injury, combining the rare combination of a medical expert and a sportsman. Terming the claims of fitness clubs of losing 20 kg in 20 days as mere gimmicks, he warned that effects of over training and exercise could be equally harmful.
Recommending a simple one hour regimen, consisting of five minute warm-up, stretching and aerobic exercises , he said this could be the key to good health and complete fitness.” For people like you who have to be absolutely fit to be able to guard the border and fight the enemy, it is essential not only to have speed, stamina and strength but be more supple and flexible , in order to be
prevent injuries,” suggested Dr Chaddha.
With advancing age it becomes important to increase the glycogen storage and intake of oxygen , so that fitness and endurance can be enhanced as cardiac output decreases by 20 per cent and blood pressure increases by 10 per cent, he elaborated. He added that apart from the age factor, leading a more sedentary life also contributed to fitness related problems.
He said after 40 years of age the muscle fibre and bone density starts decreasing, necessitating the need for more physical activity. He revealed that even the heart rate decreases , which is 220 at the time of the birth of the child.
He clarified that the common belief that strength training caused stiffness, retarded growth in children and muscular look in females was a complete misconception. He also gave tips on handling simple injuries through following the
Rice therapy, which outlines rest, application of ice, compression and elevation of the injured part for minimising the damage due to the injury. “ What needs to be completely avoided is heat, consumption of alcohol, running and massage as these will only worsen the condition after an injury.
Dr Chaddha, not only has a medical degree to his credit but he has scored 5,000 runs and taken 150 wickets in first class cricket ,apart from being a member of the North Zone team. He has been part of the cricket selection committee and a member of the medical squad for the Indian cricket team.
The Chief of Staff of the Western Command, Lt-Gen H.S. Kanwar, was the chief guest at the talk, where army officers were present in full strength.
