The ‘weigh’ to a healthy lifestyle

Personal trainer Jack Silvanus discusses why Pakistanis lack consistency in following a fitness regime.

LAHORE:

These days, social events in the city can’t do without at least one mention of a new diet regime or workout plan that people are trending towards. ‘I am on the General Motors (GM) Diet’, ‘I do not eat anything after 7:00pm’ and ‘I am doing a banana cleanse’ are some of the statements you will hear in almost every gathering you go to.

In an age when your personal trainer is your best friend, The Express Tribune sits with Jack Silvanus of Sukh Chan to discuss workout trends in the city and what has motivated people to jump on the fitness bandwagon.

Silvanus, who has been working as a trainer in the city for six years, feels that the level of awareness regarding personal health has increased a great deal. “There is a restaurant in every corner [in Lahore] and people in the city particularly enjoy eating rich food, but now they have realised the worth of investing in their bodies,” he says. His claim to fame is not only his personal training skills but also his classes titled ‘Hour of Power’ and ‘Fitness 4 by 4’, which take place at the Sukh Chan Wellness Club.



According to him, there are two main periods during which the number of clients increases tenfold. The first is right before summer holidays because people want to get into shape before leaving for a vacation and the second is the wedding season.

As the wedding season looms, many people hit the gym as part of their attempt to spruce up for the events. “The biggest problem I face with people [in Lahore] is that when a particular event is coming up, be it a wedding or holiday, people become dedicated to their workout regimes and diet plans, but as soon as the wedding or holiday is over, they stop,” says Jack. “This lack of consistency poses a huge problem because your body reacts differently and as your metabolism slows down you tend to gain weight faster.”



Silvanus suggests that one should have breakfast like a king and dinner like a pauper. “If you are an early riser, then have banana or green tea and start your day with a workout. Then, eat a hearty breakfast,” he recommends. “If you are trying to lose weight, opt for a sandwich with greens and avoid carbohydrates for dinner,” he adds.

For middle-aged people, Silvanus recommends cardio exercises to get the heart active. “Even if you are just going for a walk in the park or a light jog, add some yoga stretches in your routine to get the added cardiovascular movement.”



Silvanus shares that the fashion industry in Pakistan has played a major role in urging people to work out and get into shape. “80 per cent of my clients are women and fashion has played an integral role in getting them to exercise,” he says. “With designer wear readily available now, women want to look good in the clothes they wear and keep up with the trends of the fashion industry.”

These days, another fad that has surfaced is the emergence of concentrated workout regimes such as the ‘30 Day Challenge’ and ‘Lose 20 in 20’. The internet is brimming with these regimes and certain gyms have also, started offering these short-term commando courses to get people in shape. “Since these regimes are concentrated, people are more inclined towards enrolling in and following them, which leads to great results,” explains Jack.

Although he is a proponent of such health regimens, he highlights a downside to them: “After the specified time is over, people do not carry on. The workout does not become a part of their routine. Working out has to be a part of your life and not just a short course.”

For newbies, Silvanus suggests personal training for the sole purpose of understanding what your body requires from the workout and how to exercise wisely.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2014.

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