Category: Stay Fit

Nike unveils Air Max Dn shoes aimed at athletes

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Global sportswear giant Nike has whipped the covers off the Nike Air Max Dn, its latest shoe in lineup. In a press release, Nike said the shoe offers “an unparalleled walking-on-air experience”.

The Nike Air Max Dn marks the debut of Dynamic Air, a dual-chamber, four-tubed ‘Nike Air’ unit designed to deliver comfort, smooth strides, and maximum bounce. As per the press release, the dual-pressure air unit features two pressurised chambers, each equipped with two tubes. The back two tubes maintain higher pressure, while the front two tubes maintain lower pressure. Nike said as the wearer moves, air flows between the tubes, providing a responsive and cushioning experience.

Reggie Hunter, Product Director for Nike Lifestyle Footwear, explains, “We call it ‘dynamic motion.’ The independent setup of the chambers allows the air unit to respond to the load of your body with each step, creating a seamless heel-to-toe movement that is not just comfortable but interactive.”

Collaborating across design, engineering, and research teams, Nike said it aimed to create a shoe with a distinctive look and feel. The result is the development of Dynamic Air, the brand added.

The Nike Air Max Dn includes a TPU shank arch clip for midfoot structure, a TPU heel counter for Achilles support, injected Phylon foam surrounding the air unit, and a street-ready rubber outsole for traction and durability.

The upper incorporates a modern textile with a haptic, textured overlay and a silicone finish, the press release further said.

The Nike Air Max Dn will be available in the All Night colourway and additional options on March 26 via nike.com and Nike retail, as part of Air Max Week 2024. The Nike Air Max Dn All Day colourway will launch through SNKRS and select retailers, the press release added.

Also read | Nike Alphafly 3 beginner’s review: Running on clouds comes easy

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Adidas to launch ADIZERO Adios Evo Pro 1 running shoes at Mumbai’s Linking Road store tomorrow

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Adidas is set to introduce its latest ultralight racing shoe, the ADIZERO Adios Evo Pro 1, to the Indian market on January 13. The limited-edition shoe will be exclusively available at the Adidas Performance Store on Linking Road, Mumbai, just in time for the Tata Mumbai Marathon.

Weighing in at 138 grams, the Adizero Adios Evo Pro 1 is 40% lighter than any previous racing supershoe created by Adidas, the company said in a press release. Priced at ₹49,999, Adidas said this cutting-edge footwear boasts the latest in outsole technology.

The shoe, featuring LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam and state-of-the-art outsole technology, has already demonstrated its prowess on the international stage, achieving record-breaking victories in various marathons across the globe.

Adidas athlete Tigist Assefa recently solidified the Adios Pro Evo 1’s reputation by becoming the greatest female marathoner at the Berlin Marathon 2023, shattering the women’s world record with a timing of 2:11:53..

Assefa stated, “This is the lightest racing shoe I have ever worn, and the feeling of running in them is an incredible experience – like nothing I’ve felt before. They enable me to put my full focus on the race, which is exactly what you want as an athlete.”

Also read: Adidas Supernova Rise Review: Striking the perfect balance for runners

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Nike Alphafly 3 Review: How does this super-elite running shoe work for an amateur?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Whether you are an elite runner chasing world records, or an amateur chasing your personal best, every runner wants to be faster than their last marathon. Apart from training hard and being consistent with your workouts as a run-up to your big race day, there is always a desire to own a pair of fast running shoes that will help you get to your race day goals.

Over the past few years, carbon-plated ‘super shoes’ have dominated the running shoe market and every day newer players are getting into the ‘super shoe race.’ They all hold the promise of faster times and bouncier rides. But one player that you can easily call an ‘OG’ in this race is Nike.

And now this ‘OG’ has dropped a new shoe that promises future records in months to come on marathon courses around the world. They are calling it ‘Nike Alphafly 3.’ In fact, during development, itself the Nike Alphafly 3 helped Nike athlete Kelvin Kiptum claim a new marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35 at the recently-held Chicago Marathon in October 2023.

Now I’m no Kiptum, just an amateur runner. I have finished 27 full marathons so far and after years of training I manage full marathons in a decent time of sub-four hours. I have been trying these world record-breaking shoes for the past couple of week. I have taken then out on several runs including one interval, one short tempo and a long one too.

Nike Alphafly: What is it made of?

First, a backgrounder. in September 2019, the sport of marathon racing changed forever when Nike’s athlete Eliud Kipchoge broke the previously elusive two-hour marathon barrier with a revolutionary footwear innovation. The footwear he used to crossed the sub-two hour mark was the prototype of the very first Nike Alphafly NEXT%.

The engine of the new Alphafly remains the same as the original one. It has an Air Zoom unit, a carbon flyplate and ZoomX foam — but there are some improvements to the overall benefit to the athlete. Key updates include one continuous bottom for smoother heel-to-toe transition, a wider full-length carbon fibre flyplate for a propulsive run, new Fast Shot outsole for good grip and a new Atomknit 3.0 upper for improved breathability and midfoot support.

Look and design

The Alphafly 3 is white in colour, accented by subtle orange, black, and grey tones on the upper. The sole is in cream. This is the ‘prototype’ colorway of Nike Alphafly 3. The ‘prototype’ colorway of the Nike Alphafly 3 is available beginning January 4, 2024, at nike.com, on the Nike app and at select running specialty stores. More colorways will follow.

The sole looks very chunky in appearance. When you lift the shoe, it feels light and the upper is almost see-through.

On the feet

The shoes feel comfortable as soon as you wear them, which was not the case with Alphafly 2. That one got time to get used to.

But having said, Nike Alphafly 3 features the same high-stack ZoomX foam midsole. From the outside, it feels tall, once you wear them. The ZoomX foam does make the shoe lightweight in terms of cushioning and you start enjoying the run mile after mile.

Further, for the first time, the Alphafly 3 connects the heel and forefoot with one continuous bottom, offering varying foot-strike patterns and a smoother heel-to-toe transition regardless of the runner’s pace. Compared to previous iterations of this shoe this is one of the first things that you will notice about the Alphafly 3 and love it instantly, especially when you are doing fast and slow runs!

Hence, the shoes are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to run in.

Lighter ride

Nike claims that the shoe is 15% lighter than the Alphafly 2 and the brand has mainly done this by tweaking the upper and the outsole of the shoe. The upper features a new Atomkit 3.0, which is more breathable and lightweight. It looks similar to what’s used in the Vaporfly 3. The Atomkit upper is ideal for hot and humid runs. Further, a new lightweight Fast Shot outsole ensures optimal traction and grip. The brand has also redesigned the lacing system that helps create a softer fit on the top of the feet.

ALSO READ | Nike Vaporfly 3 EK running shoes review: The need for speed

Stable run

Let’s get it straight — stable runs are hard to find in high-stacked, carbon-plated shoes. But with this one, Nike has at least attempted to increase the stability of the Alphafly 3 by making the carbon fibre plate wider.

Alphafly 3 might have the high stack of ZoomX midsole foam and the Zoom Air pods under the ball of the foot to launch you into your next step — but the Zoom Air units have been adjusted slightly, both horizontally and vertically, to increase the energy return. The runs do feel nice and bouncy when you are running fast. But the minute I go slow — after a fast session — I crave for a little more stability for my tired feet. That’s the trade-off when you go for carbon-plated.

In conclusion

It is not a shoe for everyone — don’t waste them on Sunday long runs. They are special. The Alphafly 3 will definitely help you run faster when you want that extra push and will give you that desired bounce, whether you are an elite chasing a new record or an amateur shaving off a few minutes from your full marathon personal best.

Like the best of the carbon fibre running shoes, the Nike Alphafly 3 will not come cheap. Just keep that in mind before getting too excited. Of course, prices for India are yet to be released!

ALSO READ | ASICS NOVABLAST 4 Review: Unveiling the neutral and energetic everyday trainer

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

ASICS NOVABLAST 4 Review: Unveiling the neutral and energetic everyday trainer

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Coming off a successful training block for the Chicago Marathon and then the Singapore Marathon, I needed a steady, dependable daily trainer to carry me through the corresponding easy weeks before tackling the next big goal. For this, I have been running in the all-new ASICS Novablast 4.

In fact, the pair arrived just in time after my recent Singapore Marathon. A few kilometres in, and I am impressed. The shoes were ‘good to go’ instantly on Day 1 itself. There was no break-in period needed at all. My very first short run in the shoes felt light and easy.

Novablast first launched in 2020

To provide some background, Novablast is an everyday trainer that the Japanese brand launched only in 2020, and almost immediately, the ASICS Novablast quickly gained popularity as a neutral shoe with a good amount of bounce.

I personally have tried and tested the shoe from the first iteration itself and was left impressed. 

The first Novablast featured FF Blast that felt light, springy and energetic underfoot. It was in fact one of the very few shoes launched globally in the thick of the first wave of the pandemic and I absolutely enjoyed using them as soon as the lockdown was over.

Skip to 2023, the new Novablast 4 features Asics’ new FF Blast Plus Eco foam, providing runners with the same signature Novablast bounce and responsiveness that they have grown to adore, but now with at least 20% bio-based material from renewable sources, including leftover waste from sugar cane processing. 

Another major update is a new ‘trampoline-inspired’ outsole. This outsole enables a good bounce. It has also been given additional grip to make it capable of handling a wider variety of surfaces, although I have only run on hard surfaces like roads and pavements with the new one. 

As soon as you slip these on, they feel instantly comfortable and bouncy. 

The breathable woven upper wraps the foot and also gives it secure lockdown. The lightly padded tongue sits comfortably across the top of the foot. They fit true to size, too, with plenty of room in the toebox. I enjoyed every single run I did in this shoe. 

Also, the colors they rolled out for the shoe are pretty awesome. I went for the ‘white and sunrise red’ version, and right from the first run, they turned heads. The men’s neon variant looks even cooler.

Final thoughts..

The stack height has slightly more in the new Novablast 4 as compared to the older versions and the thick wad of FF Blast Plus Eco foam underfoot delivers a superbly bouncy – yet snappy ride. 

I thought the Novablast should work the best during Sunday long runs and easy recovery runs. But, they are comfortable and light enough to wear on steady paced faster runs as well. 

And on final note, they really are the sort of pair you would want to pack for your personal travels and worktrips as the most versatile footwear. Bring only one pair that can do everything. 

As for the price is concerned, runners will be relieved to hear that the Asics Novablast 4 retails at ₹13999. 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

ASICS GT-2000 12 Review: A stable everyday trainer with good cushioning

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The next few months will be exciting for marathoners like me, with a couple of races in the pipeline. But, there is no greater joy than breaking in a pair of new shoes in the peak marathon season. In a typical training week during the marathon season, the faster runs add to the adrenaline while building up to the goal marathon, but it is those easy running days that need the boost of excitement. Just as the everyday easy miles were starting to get boring, I was super stoked to try out the new ASICS GT-2000 12.

Over the years, I have seen how GT-2000 made a good pick for runners. Many years ago, a friend of mine had recommended the shoes to me and I instantly purchased a pair for my easy runs and long runs. Ever since then, the GT-2000 has been one of my most preferred shoes. The last three GTs I owned have been GT 2000-7, GT- 2000-8, GT-2000-9.  Needless to say, I have run in several iterations of the GT-2000, and I truly believe that it continues to improve.

Same with the ASICS GT-2000-12. The shoe now offers a full length FF BLAST Plus midsole. FF Blast has been a reliable midsole for other shoes from the ASICS stable. That combined with the PureGEL technology on GT-2000-12 offer good greater cushioning and push off.

As a practice, I test any new shoe on a short run first. I tried it on a humble 5-km run. For my first run itself, I felt the shoe offered a good amount of cushioning.  The ride felt springy as the foot left the ground. So I didn’t think twice about running 20 km straight in this pair for my second run.

I didn’t have to worry about my still-recovering left ankle, which I had sprained during a run about a month ago. The run was stable in spite of the uneven surfaces in Mumbai. Also, thanks to the OrthoLite X-30 sock liner, there is an extra layer of cushioning for supreme comfort.

ASICS has redesigned the geometry of the shoe, offering a wider basenet and increased heel for better heel-to-toe transition.

ALSO READ:  Review | ASICS ‘Nature Bathing’ GEL-Cumulus 25 TR running shoes — The ultimate comfort meets casual cool

Now, speaking about the upper, GT- 2000-12 has a jacquard mesh upper, which not only secures your foot but also offers a soft and snug fit. I only wish it could have been more breathable.

I also love the new colourway — white, minty green with pink accents.

Running in the city, on the road, on gravel (at several construction sites that you pass on the long run) or on pavement is smooth with the new ASICS GT-2000 12.

Verdict

ASICS GT 2000 12 stands out as a dependable trainer that offers good stability and cushioning. Runners seeking extra support during their daily runs will find this shoe to be their trusted companion. It could be a good option for the really long enduring ultra-distances too.

ALSO READ: Nike Vaporfly 3 EK running shoes review: The need for speed

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Third Eye | Work-life balance — here’s how Indigenous wellness traditions can help women

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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“You can’t pour from an empty cup” – Eleanor Brownn

In today’s fast-paced world, women face unique challenges when it comes to achieving a work-life balance. Balancing multiple responsibilities, including careers, household chores, childcare, and caregiving for elderly family members, often takes a toll on their well-being. Recent statistics from the Deloitte Women at work report- 2023 sheds light on the pressing need for improved work-life balance among Indian women and the potential benefits it can bring. 

Indian women are facing significant challenges that affect their overall well-being and mental health. Burnout has become a prevalent issue, with 48 percent of Indian women feeling burnt out, slightly higher than the global average. Disturbingly, younger women in the 18-25 age group experience even higher rates of burnout, reaching a staggering 63 percent.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated work-related stress, with 56 percent of Indian women reporting increased stress levels. Consequently, mental health issues have taken a toll, leading one-third of women to take time off work. Unfortunately, only 41 percent of women feel comfortable discussing these concerns openly in their workplace. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for work-life balance among Indian women to address these challenges effectively. 

In this article, we delve into the power of indigenous wellness traditions from around the world as a source of guidance and inspiration for Indian women seeking a better work-life balance. These traditions offer holistic approaches, incorporating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being practices. By incorporating these time-tested traditions from around the world into their lives, Indian women can find sustainable ways to manage their responsibilities, prioritise self-care, and achieve a harmonious integration of work and personal life.

Here we take you through the experience of FOUR extraordinary women from different cultural backgrounds, highlighting their unique perspectives and rituals. Through their stories, we will gain inspiration and practical strategies for achieving work-life balance.

1. Finding balance with slow wellness rituals and Yoga | Vasudha Rai, IndiaVasudha Rai’s journey towards holistic well-being was shaped by the beauty rituals passed down through her family. Witnessing her mother apply henna to her hair and her grandmother using rosewater for her eyes left a lasting impression. As a beauty editor, Vasudha explored a range of products and treatments, but her perspective shifted when she sought relief from grade IV endometriosis. This prompted her to delve into herbs, teas, supplements, and a more natural approach to beauty. Through trial and error, she discovered the power of combining traditional and modern practices to curate personalised beauty routines.

Emphasising the importance of both active-based skincare solutions and natural remedies, Vasudha rejects a rigid binary approach in favour of a fluidity that responds to her skin’s changing needs. From retinol to oils, balms, and dermatological treatments, she effortlessly navigates the beauty landscape with her expertise as a beauty writer.

In addition to her editorial career, Vasudha has authored two best-selling wellness books, “Glow” and “Ritual.” These books serve as valuable references, demystifying traditional practices and herbal remedies while making them accessible and relevant to the Indian audience.

While the beauty market often leans towards either natural or clinical approaches, Vasudha highlights the significance of slow wellness rituals alongside active-based skincare solutions. She believes in finding balance rather than extremism, combining the best of both worlds. For example, Vasudha pairs tretinoin with a face massage, recognizing the synergy between modern actives and traditional practices in her skincare routine.

Discussing work-life balance, Vasudha shares her personal insights and strategies. Though she acknowledges that finding balance is relatively easier for her without the responsibilities of children and the flexibility of working from home, she still prioritises her health. Vasudha plans her day around her yoga class, even adjusting her work schedule accordingly. Exercise and a healthy diet are enjoyable activities for her, allowing her to prioritise her well-being effortlessly.

Wellness rituals as recommended by Vasudha in her book Ritual for everyday balance and self care: 

Yoga Nidra — A relaxation technique for better sleep or a rejuvenating break during the day, accompanied by the soothing melodies of the ‘Tripura Mandala’ playlist.

Yoni Mudra — A hand gesture that promotes peace and well-being, particularly beneficial for women.

Trataka — Candle meditation, an ideal practice for enhancing focus and concentration.

Chilled Rosewater Eye Cleansing — A refreshing morning ritual that cleanses and revitalises the eyes.

Navel Oil Massage— An evening ritual of massaging the navel with oil, providing comfort and various benefits, such as stress relief and improved digestion.

DIY— masks and ubtans

2. Finding balance by understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health | Yeo Yung Guk, South Korea Discovering the transformative power of indigenous wellness traditions at the Yeo Yung Guk Korean Spa in Seoul, South Korea, was a revelation. This hidden gem beautifully merges ancient wisdom with modern life, offering a unique approach to achieving work-life balance through the Korean Hwasadoksul experience.

At this place they eschew modern cosmetic tools in favour of an ancient thin stick called a “hwasa.” This snake-shaped stick, available in three variations, is skillfully used to gently massage specific blood aperture points on the body and face. This traditional approach emphasises the importance of nurturing the skin’s foundation, going beyond mere skincare.

What sets this Korean Spa apart is their deep understanding of each individual’s unique physiology. They tailor their treatments based on the “Sasang constitution,” recognizing that everyone has a different constitution. By incorporating over a hundred natural fermentation plants into their treatments, they optimise results for their clients based on the diagnosis of their constitution. Their commitment to studying medicinal plants and traditional Korean medicine cosmetics further enhances the authenticity of their practices.

It takes a holistic approach, acknowledging that work-life balance encompasses more than just external beauty. They believe that true equilibrium is achieved by strengthening one’s wellness inside out based on their constitution, the health of the skin is intricately connected to overall well-being. Their dedication to this fundamental principle demonstrates a profound understanding of the mind-body connection.

Wellness rituals I discovered during my session at Yeo Yung Guk for everyday self care and balance:

Personalised approach— A good spa is personalised care

Holistic beauty and care—  It is a great approach to skincare that can begin with a good invigorating massage to treat the five senses.

3. Finding balance with acts of inner beauty, mindfulness and joy | Junko S Kakizaki, Japan 

Junko Sophie Kakizaki, a Japanese culture expert, has dedicated herself to reviving traditional Japanese beauty rituals through her range called Kyoto Beauty Secrets by GBS. Junko draws inspiration from Ishinhō, an ancient Japanese medical and beauty text, to preserve and share the rich heritage of Japanese beauty.

She believes that cultivating inner joy and happiness is the key to work-life balance, this can be cultivated through practices rooted in mindfulness. By celebrating inner beauty and appreciating aesthetic sensibilities, women can create a better world for themselves and others. Junko’s passion for traditional Japanese culture and beauty rituals offers valuable insights into achieving a harmonious work-life balance.

Wellness rituals as recommended by Junko in her book Tashinami for everyday balance and joy:

Ikebana — Honing Your Natural Intuition and cultivating a beautiful space around you with Ikebana or Japanese art of flower arrangement 

Chanoyu —Experiencing bliss in every moment with Chanoyu or Japanese Tea Ceremony

Kodo— Listening to a Scent with Japanese incense ceremony Kodo

Shinrin-Yoku— Indulging and healing with Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku 

Kamioki— Practising the serene ritual of Hair Combing or Kamioki 

Misogi— Experiencing bliss with Misogi or Healing Bathing Rituals

4. Finding balance by embracing harmony and cultivating community | Felicia Ruiz, USA

My journey to explore the profound influence of indigenous wellness traditions on work-life balance led me to Phoenix, Arizona, where I had the privilege of attending Felicia Ruiz’s Hummingbird Gathering. Felicia, a respected Curandera, invited members of her community to embrace self-care practices inspired by native and Latin American traditions. In this transformative experience, I witnessed firsthand how indigenous wisdom can inspire a harmonious integration of work and personal life.

Felicia explained that a Curandera is a traditional healer and medicine woman with deep knowledge of maintaining harmony with nature, spirit, and the Self. Through her practice, Felicia incorporates healing methods from diverse Indigenous traditions both north and south of the border, offering a holistic approach to wellness.

Felicia’s path to becoming a Curandera unfolded naturally within her community. Passed down through generations, her great-grandmother and mother shared their wisdom of plants and folk remedies during her upbringing. As she grew older, Felicia expanded her knowledge through massage therapy, culinary training, and learning from Native American grandmothers who imparted traditional plant remedies.

During her 23 years of training, Felicia discovered the transformative power of food as medicine. By advocating for conscious dietary choices, she witnessed remarkable improvements in vitality and overall well-being. By embracing traditional and whole foods while avoiding processed options, individuals experienced increased energy and vitality in a short period of time, solidifying her belief in the efficacy of her practice.

One of Felicia’s cherished traditions is the Hummingbird Gathering, inspired by the hummingbird’s symbolism as ancestral messengers. This gathering creates a space for women to celebrate past achievements while seeking guidance from ancestors in manifesting future visions, goals, and dreams. It serves as a reminder of the intergenerational connection and the wisdom we can draw from those who came before us.

When it comes to work-life balance, Felicia challenges the concept itself. Rather than striving for equal division, she advocates for harmony. Drawing from the teachings of her elders, Felicia emphasises the value of finding equilibrium and flow between various aspects of life. This approach recognizes that true balance lies in cultivating a harmonious integration of work, personal pursuits, and spiritual well-being.

Wellness rituals as recommended by Felicia in her book Earth Medicines for everyday harmony:

Work with aromatics 

In the morning— Spritz yourself with energising scents such as lime or rose essential oils

Before Bed— Burn an earthy incense to create a space of calm

Resins and herbs— Felicia shares many recipes to create your own incense with various resins and herbs.

In our fast-paced lives, it is all too easy to neglect our well-being, prioritising work and external obligations over our own needs. However, remember that true work-life balance lies in tuning into yourself and acknowledging your fundamental desire to not just survive, but to truly enjoy this life.

By honouring ourselves with the right wellness practices when we need them most, we pave the way for a more harmonious existence. These rituals, whether inspired by indigenous traditions or personal discoveries, hold the key to unlocking our inner vitality and achieving a state of equilibrium.

Through the power of healing rituals, we can replenish our energy, heal our body and mind, and find solace in the midst of life’s demands.

Disclaimer: Views expressed here are that of the author and do not state or reflect those of CNBC-TV18 and its management. This is a personal account and should be treated as such and not as a health recommendation. People need to Consult a dermatologist or any other medical professional.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

The importance of nutrition in a pro athlete’s life — decoded by a sports nutritionist and a player-turned-coach

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Vedashree Bhat is pursuing her master’s degree in sports nutrition. As a part of her master’s degree, she is also interning with Sports Authority of India (SAI) and is based out of Bengaluru.

Ranjit Subramaniyam is a former badminton player. At his peak, Subramaniyam attained a career high national rank of 16 and was one of the top 10 players from Tamil Nadu. After his playing days, he became a professional badminton coach and is now the head coach at Bengluru’s White Peacock Badminton Academy.

In Subramaniyam’s experience, his young pupils are not up to their full training schedules. He feels that the kids are tiring out fast and suffering from cramps. He also faces a lot of nutrition-related questions from the parents of the kids. But Subramaniyam believes that his is not the right person to answer those queries. A sports nutritionist is the right person for that, he rightly says.

Here’s where people like Vedashree Bhat come in. Bhat believes that it could be that these kids are not consuming enough carbohydrates, which is leading to exhaustion so fast.  Or maybe, they have a calcium deficiency or are dehydrated. Whether a kid goes on to become a professional athlete or not, managing nutrient intake is a must.

Bhat and Subramaniyam have joined forces as they look to spread awareness among young kids about the importance of nutrition. To let the young kids and their parents know about the value of nutrition, the two held a session in Bengaluru. The session aimed at introducing the concept of nutrition and pointed to a few dos and don’ts for the training sessions.

CNBCTV18.com caught up with both of them to know the importance of nutrition in an athlete’s career. The two spoke at length about why sports nutritionists are important, how good nutrition helps in maintaining good mental health and a lot more.

I see people using the terms ‘dietician’ and ‘nutritionist’ interchangeably. Is it correct or are there differences in the meaning of the two words?

Bhat: There is a key difference. A nutritionist is someone who has finished their bachelors and masters in nutrition and then they practice as a  nutritionist.

To be called a ‘dietician’ in India, you will have to go through an exam called RD (Registered Dietician, conducted by the Indian Dietetic Association. It is mostly clinical-based right now.

If you look at other countries, there is something called a sports dietician as well. They go through a certification programme and have to get registered as a sports dietician. A nutritionist is someone who has had the same rigorous background but they don’t undergo any specific exam.

In India’s current scenario, dieticians are mostly working purely in clinical backgrounds. But as a nutritionist, you are working with wellness, fitness, lifestyle, sports,  so it is a wide area. So the key difference is the clinical aspect.

Also Read: Karnataka’s star shuttler Raghu M is daring to dream big

What is the role of a sports nutritionist and how important is it for an athlete to be in regular touch with a sports nutritionist?

Bhat: We look at the way an athlete trains. An athlete has a macrocycle (a macrocycle refers to an athlete’s season as a whole), where they have multiple big competitions in it, they will also have some rest in it, and some per-training and conditioning. If you look at an athlete’s macrocycle, you can break it down into mesocycles (a mesocycle refers to an athlete’s particular training block within that season). In these mesocycles, the need of an athlete is very different. Again we can break it down to microcycles. So just like an athlete’s training is periodised, it is also important to periodise nutrition.

If we have to look at nutrition specifically, probably hydration and carbohydrates come into the picture when an athlete is on the field. But when they are off the field so much keeps happening within an athlete’s body. After each session they have to recover. That recovery happens because of the rest and the food. So athletes need a change from week to week. It can change drastically. Even in a particular week, there will be sessions on endurance training, strength and conditioning, techniques and skills.  So there are multiple aspects to it. The energy an athlete expends varies. So the nutrients that are required to recover post these sessions also vary. This is why an athlete needs to sit with a sports nutritionist.

Also, at times there are practical challenges too. An athlete might need proteins but you will find that someone is allergic to milk or does not like meat or is a vegetarian. So the work of a sports nutritionist is to ensure that an athlete’s health is preserved.

As a former player and now a coach, what values do you think a former player can add to the field of sports nutrition?

Subramaniyam: When I was playing and practising badminton, I was living with my family in Chennai. So proper home cooked meals helped me a lot. But when I got sponsors and I shifted to Bangalore, I was living alone. Unfortunately I don’t know how to cook.

Practising and coaching for more than eight hours every day affected me a lot. So I understood that especially when an athlete lives alone, the role of nutrition comes to the forefront.

At what stage of your career did you realise the importance of nutrition?

Subramaniyam: Mostly, I had to play my matches in different states. In that case I had to travel and move. Everything will be different in different states. In that case we really need to work on nutrition. So traveling for my competitions made me realise the importance of nutrition.

Did you have any sports nutritionist to consult or talk to during your playing days?

Subramaniyam: When I played the Nationals in 2014, we did not have this exposure. It was our coach who would be recommending — do this and eat this food. He used to recommend what to eat before going to a match. We did not have a separate nutrition expert.

These days it is evolving. A lot of athletes get to know about nutrition and  the players at the top level have these chances to explore.

Bhat: I would like to pitch in here. This is my general observation that athletes have the best relationship with their coaches. So even athletes consulting sports nutritionist are sent by their coaches… which makes a huge difference.

At what stage of their career should an athlete start taking advice from a sports nutritionist?

Bhat: I would say that children should try out different sports and then decide which one suits them the most. Then comes the time when the child realises that they are going to take up the sport professionally. Probably till that stage, the budding athlete can have balanced meals. But when they turn professional, a sports  nutritionist comes into the picture.

Subramaniyam: I train kids in a lot of apartments in Bangalore. So parents make their kids try out different sports. Since completion is tough we have events from under-8, under-10 age categories. But I have noticed that it is after the age of 10 that the kid decides on which sport they will focus on. So I personally feel that, this is the stage when they should have a sports nutritionist.

A lot of nutrition information is already available to young athletes these days via the internet. How do both of you see this trend?

Subramaniyam: When it comes to Instagram, a lot of people keep suggesting a lot of things but it doesn’t suit everyone. Each has different calibre and the information does not apply to everyone uniformly.

Bhat: It is a bigger problem. Instagram is unregulated. There everyone can call themselves a nutrition advisor. So when a problem crops up you cannot do anything about it. But social media does help in making young athletes aware about nutrition. As far as specifics are concerned they should consult to sports nutritionist.

How does proper nutrition help athletes to maintain good mental health as that is also a crucial part of an athlete’s career?

Bhat: If you look from a technical aspect, there is something called a gut microbiome. It helps to keep our gut healthy. The gut also has a role in our mental health. We can call it the second brain in our body. So how you feed your gut microbiome is important. And that has a role in regulating our moods. This is one aspect.

The second aspect is that the food is not just a fuel. It has a social aspect to it. We advise to eat with your family. You have different foods for different festivals because food is a key social element. If athletes go into a lot of restrictive diets they get very stressed.  It is seen that if a body lacks B vitamins and certain minerals, then it affects the mental health.

Subramaniyam: Rest is also important. I noticed that if I didn’t sleep well for at least eight hours the next day I used to get a lot of cramps. Maintaining proper mental health is very important and sleep comes into it for sure.

Finally, how do both of you see this trend of youngsters copying the diets of a Neeraj Chopra or a Virat Kohli? They want to copy these top athletes in everything they do. 

Subramaniyam: It is hard to convince the youngsters what is good for them and what is not. The youngsters who are serious about having a career in sports do not do this.

Bhat: Body dysmorphia is the issue. There is so much societal pressure. It is important for us as a society to realise that peak performance is something that not everyone can achieve. But fitness and health is something that everyone should pursue. Everyone should see realistically what works for them. To accept this it will take time. A lot of people will have to talk about it.

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Xplore Health launches respiratory muscle training device — price, details here

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Xplore Health Technologies, a medtech solutions provider has come up with a respiratory muscle training (RMT) device called Airofit PRO in collaboration with Airofit, Denmark. According to the company, this is the world’s first personal data-driven smart respiratory training system.

“Airofit PRO can train both inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The device works by subjecting the diaphragm and other breathing muscles to resistance training, an exercise involving resistance wheels providing adjustable but restricted airflow to the individual. Since the resistance causes fatigue in breathing muscles, it gets compensated by muscle tissue growth thereby making respiratory muscles more robust allowing longer and deeper breathing,” Xplore Health said in a statement. 

The device is said to not only factor in age, size, gender, and preference, but also take into account the baseline vital lung capacity and breathing muscle strength of an individual, all of which are critical inputs before starting any training. It also reportedly checks vital lung capacity every day and tracks various parameters of lung health improvements every day.

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“Offering 17 unique breathing sessions, the device has a real-time live guidance platform that guides a person through all exercises and sessions while tracking his progress derived from real-time data. Moreover, going beyond simple respiratory muscle training (RMT), the device also addresses other related aspects of breathing such as Respiratory strength, Vital capacity, Anaerobic threshold, and relaxation,” the statement added.

The device, as Xplore Health puts it, is designed to be used separately from other physical activity. It only takes 10 minutes of training commitment with Airofit every day, and any chances of running out of breath become near-negligible within a couple of months of regular training.

For a new buyer of the product, the company has also announced an offer of 90 days free trial of its premium features, including goal-specific training programmes. The device retails for Rs 34,990.

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Indians ready to pay lakhs for a bicycle: Goa Ironman 2022 backer Scott Sports India MD

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Goa will host 2022 Ironman 70.3 on November 13. Ironman comprises a series of long-distance triathlon races involving swimming, bicycle riding, and a marathon. 

This is the second time that the state is hosting an Ironman event. The 2022 Ironman 70.3 Goa will offer qualifying slots for the 2023 Ironman 70.3 world championship. While the world championship of Ironman 70.3 expects the participants to swim for 3.8 km and follow that up with 180 km of cycling and finally conclude the race with a 41 km marathon, the participants of the 2022 Ironman 70.3 Goa will have to complete half of those distances in each of the three categories. 

Ironman is believed to be the ultimate test of a person’s fitness and endurance.  As cycling is a major part of an Ironman race, it is essential for triathletes to use proper sports or fitness bikes.

One of the brands that has put its weight behind triathletes in India and is also backing the Ironman event in Goa is Scott Sports.

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Ahead of the 2022 Ironman 70.3 Goa, CNBCTV18.com met Jaymin Shah,  Managing Director of Scott Sports India. Shah spoke on a range of topics including why buying a proper fitness bike matters and the motivation to back Indian triathletes. 

Here are excerpts of the interview.

Could you tell us about the journey of Scott Sports in India?

Shah: Scott is an international brand and has 60 years of heritage behind it. Scott’s India journey started in 2012. This year we are celebrating a decade of being in India. It has been an extremely productive journey.

When we started back in 2012, and we told consumers about Rs 40,000 bicycles but not many bought the idea. Back then, people used to think that one could get a simple two-wheeler for Rs 45,000. So from surprising customers with an Rs 40,000 bicycle to today’s customers being ready to spend over Rs 4 lakh for their bicycle, the company has covered some ground.

Consumer education has changed. Their preferences have changed. Events like an Ironman or a triathlon in a way contribute to helping us be where we are.

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Indian consumers are now ready to invest in good quality products. They are ready to invest in fitness. The customers of Scott bikes look at cycling as a fitness activity rather than a commuting activity. Those are some key learnings that we have taken away in the last decade.

Over the last decade, we have also launched new brands that target certain subsets of the market. We launched Bergamont in 2016, then in 2022, we launched Avanti. So as a business we are today present in the market with three different brands, each targeted to a different subset within the market.

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Curious to know, what drew you to the business of cycles. Were you always interested in cycles or you learned about it on the job?

Shah: During my university days I was into sports. I was part of my college cricket team, till I realised that I was not good enough to make it into the Ranji team. Somewhere down the line, it is my passion for sports that drove me to what I wanted to do. And that is how I transitioned into this business.

When we started Scott it was more about thinking of it as a sport. But today it has translated into much more. That enthusiasm to be involved with sports even in my professional life was something that drove me.

Today I see cycling is just not a sport. It is a fitness activity. It is a challenge and a sense of adventure.

What are the challenges for the business of sports bicycles in India?

Shah: There is no official regulatory body at the top that can overlook the business of the sports cycles in India.

Are Indians open to the idea of buying sports cycles that are priced over a lakh rupees?

Shah: Absolutely! The reservations that the buyers had back in 2012 have completely disappeared. Over a period of time, the consumers who bought our bike realised a bike’s value. They also realised the quality of those bikes.

There is a huge community of cyclists in India who cycle for anything between 100-1,000km. That community is strong. It has grown over the years. The resistance as far as the price point is concerned, has disappeared.

It is now boiling down to which consumer wants to take up cycling.

If we also look at the example of the Ironman competition that will happen in Goa next week — there are around 1,200 participants. There are another 3,000 participants who couldn’t make it. These numbers also tell us about the demand for these cycles. As they invest in endurance and fitness through cycling, the number of such people is growing year-on-year at a phenomenal pace.

What benefits can a consumer have from using specially designed fitness cycles like Scott?

Shah: People tend to cycle for many years on normal cycles but their efficiency in terms of speed and distance covered hardly improves over time. In Scott cycles, we talk about sizing. Everyone has a different physique. The sizing of a cycle according to an individual’s physique matters a lot.

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People tend to cycle on bikes that are either small or big for them. That is not how cycling can be enjoyed. We give flexibility in sizes. We have six sizes of any Scott cycle available for the consumer to choose from. The size range is from extra-extra small to extra-extra large. By picking a bicycle that fits your body measurement, you can best enjoy your riding experience. Unfortunately, we are only told just to adjust the height of the saddle according to our heights. No one explains the nitty-gritty of cycling. As a society we Indians I guess ride the cycles the most, but the R&D that should go into designing cycles is negligible. One size fits all doesn’t work.

What is the demography of Scott bike purchasers?

Shah: On the price point, we look at the absolute top. But in the last 10 years, we have also seen middle-class and upper-middle-class consumers also buying our products. More often than not, we try and focus on key big metros but you would be surprised to know how the tier II and tier III cities are also driving the growth.

As I just told you, the Ironman and triathletes are some of our biggest buyers and a close friend of mine who is into data analytics told me that the Ironman athletes and triathletes in India are coming from small towns and cities. Why is that? Because those towns have plenty of space to cycle! These smaller cities are driving the growth of the cycle industry in our country.

Is Scott also promoting the idea of cycling to work?

Shah: Unfortunately I am going to take a very unpopular stand here. Over the last five years or so, we have heard about the idea of cycling to work. It is a solution to tackle traffic and pollution, yes. Cycling to work can be a solution to many problems that plague our metros. But unfortunately, we are not there yet for two reasons. First because of the quality of our roads. And also our workspaces are not built to accommodate cyclists. Our offices need to have shower spaces so that when we reach the offices we can freshen up.  We see cycling to work as a slow and long drawn-out process.

What was the motive for Scott Sports to associate with the Ironman event happening in Goa?

Shah: We are part of this community for a decade now. A lot of Scott cyclists participate in Ironman events.  For us the Ironman event is an opportunity to engage with the consumers who are riding our Scott cycles. Events like the Ironman give us the chance to connect with people on a one-to-one level.

How is Scott Sports supporting triathletes in India?

Shah: We sponsor a lot of Indian triathletes who represent the country on the world stage. We invest in their fitness and take care of other challenges that these athletes face. We go beyond just supplying these athletes with the right equipment.

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Electric bicycles — why?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The first time I heard of an electric bicycle (e-bike), I was confused. The first question that popped into my head was… “Why? Where is the need for an electric bicycle?”

People usually buy bicycles for health-related reasons, and an electric bicycle— a bike powered by battery power — kind of defeats the purpose. An argument could be made that this is a greener mobility solution, I suppose, but considering that e-bikes are competing with entry-level electric scooters, where is the appeal?

But the demand for an electric bicycle is stronger than I’d expected it to be. According to Fortune Global Insights, the global e-bike market currently stands at $40.16 billion and is expected to grow to $92.19 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6 percent.

There are two types of e-bikes — pedal-assist and throttle-assist. Pedal-assist means the motor will only engage while the user is pedalling, while throttle-assist means the motor can be switched on and the bike will move forward without pedalling. The pedal-assist electric bikes can reduce human effort by about 80 percent when compared to traditional bikes.

Again, this begs the question, does it not defeat the purpose of bicycling, especially if the aim is improving fitness?

Not quite, according to Scott Sports, a producer of bicycles and other sporting equipment. “An e-bicycle in its truest sense is one where you need to keep pedalling to get assistance on your pedalling effort,” says Jaymin Shah, MD of Scott Sports India.

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In other words, pedal-assisted bicycles augment an athlete, rather than be a crutch. Such e-bikes come in useful when one goes on long two-way treks. In such cases, getting a push, so to speak, can help without taking away any human effort from the act of bicycling.

In India, the e-bike market was valued at $1.06 billion dollars before the pandemic struck in 2020, according to a research report by Mordor Intelligence. The market grew at a CAGR of 12.69 percent — in line with global growth — and is projected to grow at a steady clip at least for the next four years.

“India’s e-bike market is still in the nascent and growing stage, with many local players offering a wide range of products,” Mordor Intelligence noted in its report.

Any accelerated growth would be nullified by the price of e-bikes, with the average price being the same as an entry-level scooter in India, the report further noted.

Shah attributed the high prices to the technology being expensive at the moment, as well as to the extensive engineering involved. “High-end bicycles are made from superior, expensive materials, such as high-grade carbon fibre and alloys which normally are not seen on a motorcycle, with the sole aim of decreasing weight while remaining strong, durable. Imagine that a 7kg bicycle can carry a 100kg cyclist over long distances and perform at its best. Can you imagine that for a car?”

Shah further said electric bicycles are the best way to declutter cities. “Opting for e-bicycles results in better traffic management — 100 cyclists can move much more efficiently in the urban environment/ traffic than, say, 50 electric cars,” he said.

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According to Mordor Intelligence, businesses based on last-mile service, such as food or grocery delivery apps, are increasingly turning to electric bicycles to save cost and also become more eco-friendly, with several looking to increase e-bikes in their fleets by 30-40 percent.

Research outlet Markets and Markets says e-bike makers have to strike a fine balance between providing the maximum power and latest features without increasing the weight. “Determining the right battery capacity in terms of operation and range, and providing functionality compatible with smartphones and tablets at a minimum amount of power, either through a dedicated onboard device or by providing connectivity to the smartphone or tablet, is key,” a report said.

“Customers’ preference toward other modes of transportation, lack of cycling lanes, and infrastructure in the country might hinder India’s market growth during the forecasted period,” Mordor Intelligence further noted.

A lack of cycle-friendly infrastructure on Indian roads is a crucial problem. And if there is infrastructure, it is usually encroached upon. “Fines for those using cycling lanes to drive or park vehicles or set up food stalls need to be implemented,” Shah said.

Through its FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India) scheme, the government is already encouraging the use of electric vehicles. Shah suggests that the scope of the scheme be expanded to include electric bicycles. “Elecric bicycles make the act of cycling more enjoyable — it makes for a great commute to the office or destination,” he said.

Currently, the major players in the Indian e-bike market are Hero Cycles Ltd, Scott Sports India, GoZero Mobility, Being Human, Trek Bikes and Eadicct. “We currently sell close to 300 electric bikes annually and believe that this number can be easily ramped up to 3,000 over the next 24-36 months,” Shah said.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow