Time to exercise
A sweaty gym might not be the most exciting place even for fitness freaks in summer. “Instead, they walk, swim, cycle, go to hill stations to trek and play games,” smiles instructor Sandeep Chakravarthy.
Start early
“Come summer the exercising focus shifts from strength training to cardio activities and we find people are game for different activities,” says Sandeep and adds that the exercise timings also change. “Walkers at KBR Park drop in before 5 in the morning and finish their walk before 6. And, evening walkers visit the park only around 6.30 p.m.,” he observes.
Sandeep says summer is a fine time to exercise but one should take care to not expose oneself to heat. “One has to change the training pattern every three months so that body does not experience stagnation. Summer is the best time to move out of gyms and go outdoors, provided you choose your time. It is also a myth that body building does not happen during summer,”
On a healthy course
At nutritionist Dr. Latha Sashi’s house, fried rice and oily dishes have given way to freshly-cooked vegetable rice, rasam and chilled butter milk. This healthy eating continues all through the summer months and the nutritionist observes with simple diet changes one can endure the heat. “High fibre diet requires more fluids and when adequate fluids are not taken, it creates heat in the body. Oily, spicy and fried food is also avoided as it creates discomfort,” states Latha Sashi. Tropical salads, vegetable juices made of beetroot or bottlegourd or in combination with tomato and seasonal fruits helps one to stay on a healthy course, she adds.
Some summer myths
Many avoid wheat and its related products because it produces heat in the body. Latha Sashi says, “I don’t agree to it as I believe if one is allergic to wheat, it doesn’t suit and not otherwise. The same is the case with ragi which is considered the ‘cooling one’. It has more to do with a person’s metabolism.
Exotic fruits and vegetables vs seasonal fruits: “Many spend a bomb to eat exotic vegetables and fruits. Instead one can eat the fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables available in the local market,” says Latha Sashi. “The cut fruits and frozen products are also a big ‘No’ because of microbial contaminations,” she points out and adds, “Never quench your thirst with a juice. And, mothers can give more of butter milk to their children than milk.”
Airy and natural
Casual smart as an idea has been the style staple during summer as designers look for inspirations to create a trendy look with comfy fabrics. Collections in linens, crisp cottons, mulmuls and khadi in combination with cotton and jute are among the must-haves. “One should go for fabrics which are natural, light weight and airy,” points out young designer Anushree Reddy. Her recent stint at the Lakme Fashion Week saw a summer theme but was based on weddings. Now, she is packing her bags for a summer show in Dubai with a collection which has a tinge of embroidery either on sleeve or collar. “One can look fashionable by just wearing a khadi or cotton shirt and pairing it with crisp white leggings. A high ponytail, nice bag and comfy flats will complete the look,” she adds.
Anushree says one cannot always wear short dresses. “Short summery dresses are cool but when one is working, one can’t really wear them. Sticking to comfortable cotton kurtis which are airy is a simple solution. Practical clothing is the best answer to beat the heat,” she observes.
