Even as people embark on their daily exercise programme, experts say that they should focus on their health goals first.
"It is important that one chooses physical activities according to the his/her fitness level," said Dr Anoop Misra, director and head, department of diabetes and
metabolic diseases, Fortis hospitals, New Delhi.
Dr Misra, who released a set of guidelines for physical activities for Indians in the Capital on Saturday, said: "It is also essential that one uses appropriate gear and sports equipment and follow rules before starting a regime." He added that people should also keep their health goals in mind to achieve appropriate results.
For people suffering from non-communicable diseases —diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obesity — and even those who are pregnant or lactating, experts strongly suggest that one should start exercising after consulting a doctor.
Expressing worry over the sedentary lifestyle led by most Indians living in urban areas, leading to a sharp rise in cases of lifestyle related non-communicable diseases, he said that Indians should adopt preventable measures like daily exercise before it is too late.
"Physical activity is one the most easily adaptable behaviour changes for decreasing the risk of non-communicable diseases," said Dr Ratna Devi, chief executive, Chronic Care Foundation, New Delhi, expressing hope that the guidelines will go a long way and help reduce the growing burden of non-communicable disease.