Fitness Channels can make a difference

All it takes is a little planning and some inspiration to squeeze in the exercise all day long.

A McKinsey analysis reveals that the fitness sector industry, combined with preventive health and sports, has a whopping gross turnover of Rs.2000 crore and is still zooming up! If we review the present scenario in India today, we see everyone around us increasingly becoming health and fitness conscious. There is a definite change as compared to decade back. But is that sufficient? Are we really on the right track?

Today we have at least half a dozen very popular music channels (all inspiring us to have that well sculpted body) plus more. We also have approximately same number of news channels, movie channels and even sports channels and fashion channel. But do we have a single channel solely dedicated to health and fitness?

Agreed, we have few channels, which dedicate some segment to fitness. We have health magazines, fitness columns being written in almost every magazine and newspaper. But all this is not sufficient.

In the present scenario, when not everyone can afford a health club or a personal trainer, don't we really need a full-fledged Fitness Channel? Especially now when we are about to have a pay channels. Abroad this concept has been popular for ages now.

Let's take the example of Urban Fitness TV, a channel abroad, which travels the world to cover subjects from "celebrity gyms" to "geek chic golf wear" to "hard hitting women boxers" that push the limits. From hard-core fitness addicts to everyday wannabes, Urban Fitness TV makes looking and staying fit accessible to everyone.

A channel named Physical TV shows 'Arnold's classis men's competition.'

A Fitness Mom', a program as seen on NBC Channel 10, covers General topics -fitness, nutrition, wellness. It has Information for all age groups -prenatal/infant to seniors. It discusses Subject matters like exercise/fitness "how to's"; professional athlete's training tips; sports and coaching issues; active recreation and adventure travel; expert guests (physicians, nutritionists, exercise physiologists and personal trainers); recent research findings; special events; notable individuals; safety guidelines; innovative fitness and sports products. It also has segments like-purchasing and using a baby jogger; yard work research -how it builds bone density and burns calories; how to choose a sport for your child (with sport psychologist); athletic shoes for kids; super fit octogenarians; weight training for kids; healthy food choices when you fly and travel; top ten healthy snacks kids like; beach workout; family canoe trip basics; outfitting your kids for warmth during winter sports; go fly a kite -tips for success; ski-wee -ski lessons for little ones; camping basics; hosting a healthier party; teaching children to grocery shop for nutrition and taste; professional soccer training tips; dog walking -exercise for the owner; postpartum exercise routine. It is shot on locations throughout New England.

The goal of the 'Family Fitness television special', another program, is to better the health of Americans by having the family work together towards a healthier lifestyle. Experts agree, Childhood is the best time to introduce exercise. It is also the most effective time to set acceptable eating habits.

Lack of physical activity coupled with poor eating habits effect many aspects of a child's life. They have more illnesses, higher school absenteeism, less energy through out the day, an inability to attenuate in school, and poorer academic performance. There are also well known long-term effects -heart disease, stroke, diet-related cancers, and osteoporosis. All of these diseases have their origins in youth. Heart disease is characterized by years and years of incubation and by seconds in a terminal event, such as a heart attack. This doesn't just happen. It takes more than twenty years to develop.