Patna Health Experts Sound Alarm on Unregulated Fitness Centers
In Patna, the adage "a fit body with a fit mind is the best gift one could ask from God" resonates deeply, yet health professionals are raising serious concerns about the current fitness landscape. While physical exercise remains universally recommended by medical experts, the rapid proliferation of gyms and fitness centers across the city, often operating without qualified trainers, has emerged as a significant public health challenge.
The Call for Regulation and Accountability
Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, former state president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), has been vocal about the urgent need for regulatory oversight. "There should be regulation of such gyms or fitness centers and accountability should also be fixed," he emphasized. Dr. Prasad pointed to common incidents that highlight systemic issues: "We do get cases of sprains or injury in the gym, which is because of improper equipment. Should that not be taken into account? I mean, it should be made a rule for the gym operators to get their equipment checked at certain intervals."
Medical Monitoring: A Non-Negotiable Requirement
The risks extend beyond equipment failures. Dr. Prasad highlighted how certain conditions can be exacerbated by inappropriate exercise routines. "In the case of people who suffer from arthritis, if they take up running or other exercises, their condition further deteriorates. Hence, medical monitoring is a must," he stressed, underscoring the importance of personalized fitness guidance.
Cardiac Concerns and Hidden Dangers
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, head of the cardiothoracic surgery department at AIIMS-Patna, provided crucial insights into cardiovascular risks associated with improper exercise. "How much exercise and what kind of exercise one should do depends on a person's body surface and body mass index," he explained, advocating for individualized fitness plans.
Dr. Kumar warned against overexertion: "People should not exaggerate or indulge in too much strenuous exercise, as it affects the heart's muscle, leading to hypertrophy, in which the muscle of the heart increases and also weakens." This condition, he cautioned, "could lead to sudden death," making proper guidance essential.
Pre-Exercise Health Assessments: A Lifesaving Measure
Before embarking on any workout regimen, Dr. Kumar recommends comprehensive health evaluations. "A basic health check-up such as an Echo could give details about the heart muscle and valves," he suggested, particularly important in the Indian context where "many cases of rheumatic heart disease have no visible symptoms and can make the condition difficult to detect."
Both experts strongly advise consulting healthcare professionals before starting any exercise program. Dr. Kumar specifically recommends seeking "advice from a sports medicine expert or physician before taking up the task," ensuring that fitness pursuits enhance rather than endanger health.
The consensus among Patna's medical community is clear: while fitness remains invaluable, the current unregulated expansion of gyms demands immediate attention through proper oversight, qualified training, and mandatory medical consultations to prevent avoidable injuries and serious health complications.
