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Mint
09-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
Watch Reels and Shorts for fun, not health advice. Here's why
In these times of constant connectivity, smart phones and doom scrolls, almost everything for almost everyone begins with social media. From what to wear to what to eat, how to exercise, train for endurance sports or Hyrox fitness race, or get mental health information and medical advice, name it and there are thousands of influencers and self-proclaimed experts out there with slickly produced slides and short videos that promise you all the answers. Consequently, a major problem that has come to light in recent times is the amount of misinformation that popular influencers pass off to their unsuspecting followers. An investigation by The Guardian newspaper recently found that more than half of the top 100 mental health TikToks (which are usually reposted on Instagram as Reels and on YouTube as Shorts) contain misinformation and promote dubious advice, questionable supplements and quick-fix healing methods. A top influencer's advice for dealing with anxiety, for instance, was eating an orange in the shower as it reduces anxiety. 'We live in a world where social media, superstars and influencers rule. If you see your favourite star eat flax seed oil daily for better hair, the chances of you doing the same is very high,' says Madhura Paroolkar Behki, head nutritionist and dietician at Cult Transform. One reason why a lot of this misinformation is accepted at face value is because people are genuinely curious and want to know more about what is likely to benefit their health but do not have the time to go through multiple books or research papers that professionals read over multiple years to earn their certifications and degrees. So, when a smooth talking content creator with a big following presents bite-sized information accompanied with the words 'according to studies/scientific research/psychologists,' people tend to accept it as genuine information, forward it to their friends, and quote it in their day-to-day conversations. This is what worries experts. 'Personally speaking, when I hear something over social media, my instinct is to cross-verify the information with research papers and articles. I appreciate social media for having almost all kinds of information, however, vetting the information before following it is a high priority,' says Chandni Haldurai, head of nutrition at Cult Fit. At Mint, any reference to a study in an article includes details of the study such as the title, where it was published along with an overview of it. Since the majority of people are unlikely to verify the information they come across on social media, such dubious advice in the realm of medicine and mental health can have devastating consequences. For example, there are plenty of influencers who create content about living with diabetes and its management. 'Information regarding diabetes and its management, shared on social media by influencers usually comes from personal experiences or an effect seen in small groups of people. This information is not validated like they do in randomised controlled trials where researchers study the effects of dietary interventions in a systematic manner in a large number of people. Also, some diabetes management plans may not be suitable for a diabetic patient's kidney or liver or cardiac conditions. Hence, information available through social media cannot be applied to all,' warns Dr Archana Juneja, consultant endocrinologist at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. When it comes to medical and health advice, Juneja is clear that while information on social media can help increase awareness, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before making any changes to your own diet and medications. When it comes to exercise and fitness, one thing you need to bear in mind is if you see an influencer with a body that is too good to be true, it probably is. Online fitness influencer and businessman Brian Johnson, who goes by the moniker Liver Name, proved the adage right when he admitted using performance enhancing substances, including steroids, to achieve his Hulk-like physique. Every fitness instructor I have worked with has warned me against trying any of the supplements and diets that these influencers swear by. That said, social media can be a great source for finding new workouts, movements and events. That's how I came across Hyrox more than a year before it debuted in India. That, perhaps, is the only way to leverage social media — as a source of discovery and entertainment; not medical advice or scientific evidence. Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and the co-author of The Shivfit Way, a book on functional fitness.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
OYO Corporate Clients Growth: OYO adds 3500 corporate clients in FY25, records 20% YOY growth, ET HospitalityWorld
Hospitality technology company OYO announced that its business accelerator division has added over 3500 new corporate clients in FY25, marking a 20 percent year-on-year growth in its corporate portfolio. OYO now has a network of more than 6500 corporate clients with this addition. Mumbai emerged as the top-performing market, adding over 700 new corporate clients in the past year, followed by Hyderabad with 400 and Pune with 350. Other major metro cities including Chennai and Bangalore also played a key role in the surge in corporate accounts. Some of the key brands added in FY25 include SBI Life, Cult Fit, and Sun TV Direct, further strengthening OYO's presence among large enterprises and pan-India organisations, a company release stated. Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETHospitalityWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App The company's corporate travel business witnessed a significant boost following the launch of Oravel Travel Solutions in October last year. This dedicated business vertical caters exclusively to the travel and accommodation needs of corporate clients such as smooth check-ins at more than 1100 conveniently located company serviced hotels in 300+ cities, tailored meal options, conference facilities, and event management support as well as tailormade holiday packages. OYO has also recorded a surge in long stays and event-based stays with the corporate clients, it on the growth, Manish Kashyap , head, OYO Business Accelerator said, 'The growth has been driven not just by large corporations but also by a diverse mix of small and medium enterprises, traditional business houses, startups, travel management companies, and even film production houses. These clients are increasingly leveraging OYO's expansive network of properties, flexible booking solutions, and technology-enabled travel tools to meet their evolving business needs.'With a robust pipeline of potential partnerships and continued focus on innovation in corporate travel, OYO aims to accelerate its expansion with focus on premium brands such as SUNDAY, Palette and Clubhouse Townhouse, Townhouse O and Collection O, said the release.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Oyo adds over 3,500 corporate clients in FY25, records 20% growth
Global travel technology firm Oyo announced on Friday that it has added more than 3,500 new corporate clients in the last financial year (FY25), marking a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in its corporate portfolio. With this addition, the platform now has a network of over 6,500 corporate clients. In terms of top-performing markets, Mumbai led the charge, adding over 700 new corporate clients in the past year. Hyderabad followed with 400, while Pune secured the third spot with 350 new additions. Other major metropolitan hubs, including Chennai and Bangalore, also contributed to the overall growth in corporate accounts, the company said. Some top additions include brands such as SBI Life, Cult Fit, and Sun TV Direct. In addition, the company's corporate travel business witnessed a boost following the launch of Oravel Travel Solutions in October 2024. 'This dedicated business vertical caters exclusively to the travel and accommodation needs of corporate clients such as smooth check-ins at more than 1,100 conveniently located company-serviced hotels in over 300 cities, tailored meal options, conference facilities, and event management support as well as tailor-made holiday packages,' the company said, adding that it has recorded a surge in long stays and event-based stays with corporate clients. Commenting on the growth, Manish Kashyap, head of Oyo Business Accelerator, said, 'The growth has been driven not just by large corporations but also by a diverse mix of small and medium enterprises, traditional business houses, start-ups, travel management companies, and even film production houses. These clients are increasingly leveraging Oyo's expansive network of properties, flexible booking solutions, and technology-enabled travel tools to meet their evolving business needs.' With a pipeline of potential partnerships and continued focus on innovation in corporate travel, Oyo aims to accelerate its expansion with a focus on premium brands such as SUNDAY, Palette, Clubhouse Townhouse, Townhouse O, and Collection O. In a recent townhall, Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of the company, said that the firm posted a profit of ₹623 crore for FY25. The firm has also seen an increase of 54 per cent in gross booking value to ₹16,436 crore.
Mint
28-04-2025
- Health
- Mint
Double Workouts: All you need to know about the twice-a-day fitness routine
Ever wondered what separates a professional athlete from the rest of us? If you are thinking it's their skills and gifts, it's something much more basic: it is discipline and dedication to train twice a day. That's what makes them physically fit to perform at a high level over long periods of time without losing their edge. A majority of us don't even manage or try to carve out the time to exercise, train or play a sport even once a day. However, there is a growing tribe of regular people —especially runners and those who play some sport recreationally—making time for physical activities two times a day multiple times a week. This two-sessions-a-day structure, known as 'training periodisation', helps athletes separate high-skill, high-intensity, and high-volume sessions to avoid interference effects and optimise recovery, explains Preeti Shetty, senior sports scientist for strength and condition at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. 'Typically, morning sessions may focus on technical or aerobic conditioning, while evenings are reserved for strength or tactical work. According to research on elite endurance and team sport athletes, twice-a-day training can enhance overall training volume and adaptation without increasing injury risk provided [their] recovery is adequate," says Shetty. However, professional athletes' entire lifestyle is built around optimising performance, warns Gauthaman Ramesh, fitness expert at Cult Fit. He adds that they sleep 8 to 10 hours, nap between sessions, get regular massages and sessions with a physiotherapist, and follow tightly controlled nutrition plans. Their only job is to train, recover, and repeat. 'It's hard not to be inspired watching professional athletes go through their rigorous two-a-day training schedules. Whether they are long-distance runners, footballers, or elite athletes, the idea of training twice a day seems like the ultimate commitment to fitness," says Ramesh. Vaibhav Anand, Tanuja Gajria and Kavitha Reddy are among the inspired lot who make time to workout or play twice a day. Anand, 44, a consultant in Bengaluru, often plays badminton before and after work a few times a week. Gajria, 44, a marketing and brand specialist, in Bengaluru does yoga and strength training in the mornings and often follows it with a walk or a session of badminton, squash or padel later in the day. The Instagram feed of Reddy, 50, a Pune-based recreational runner, is packed with her training, which often includes different kinds of runs in the morning and strength, stretching and mobility sessions later in the day. The double workouts have done wonders for Reddy's endurance and speed. For Anand and Gajria, the double sessions have resulted in more energy, better weight management and better mood. A few years ago when I used to run full marathons, I had resorted to two training sessions a day in the hope of improving. I would do HIIT or strength training in the mornings and, after at least 4 hours of rest and a full meal, head out for a run in the evenings. I did this up to four times a week for four to five months only because the flexible nature of my lack of work allowed me to. The structured dual sessions helped me improve running efficiency, strength, endurance and speed. While double sessions might be tempting for those who find their progress plateauing, it is important to be aware of one's own fitness levels, recovery needs, daily routine, nutrition and sleep before jumping into it. 'Starting with low-intensity or skill-based secondary sessions is a safer and more effective strategy. Their training must be adapted to their recovery capacity, nutrition, work stress, and sleep quality," advises Shetty. When carefully implemented, training twice a day can significantly enhance neuromuscular adaptation, cardiovascular conditioning, and technical skill acquisition. From a performance standpoint, dividing sessions improves focus and allows more precise targeting of energy systems. Shetty feels that splitting sessions by type (e.g., aerobic in the morning, resistance or mobility in the evening) not only reduces systemic fatigue but also allows for targeted adaptation. 'For general fitness enthusiasts, this strategy allows variety, promotes adherence, and supports long-term progression with reduced injury risk," says Shetty. For endurance athletes, it's a strategy to increase weekly volume without compromising movement quality. In strength and hypertrophy-focused individuals, it can permit better intensity control and reduce the risk of central nervous system burnout. Additionally, spreading sessions across the day elevates non-exercise activity thermogenesis contributing to improved body composition and metabolic health. However, for the average person juggling work, commuting, social life, and other responsibilities, fitting two training sessions in a day can lead to more harm than good. 'It can cause fatigue, affect sleep, increase stress, and potentially lead to burnout. Contrary to popular belief, not all elite athletes train twice a day. It depends on the sport, the season, and the specific goals of their training phase," says Ramesh. Also, without the recovery support available to elite athletes, recreational athletes turning to double sessions are at an increased risk of overtraining, muscle breakdown, and diminished returns due to insufficient recovery. 'Research shows that training frequency beyond an individual's adaptive capacity can elevate cortisol levels, suppress immune function, and impair sleep quality especially when compounded by work or lifestyle stress," adds Shetty. To mitigate these risks, recreational athletes must prioritise recovery with precision. Recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts, Ramesh says, ought to remember that consistency, recovery, and progressive overload are far more effective than just adding more hours to their training, but that a sports science-based approach could work. The key is to plan the double sessions keeping in mind the sports science principles of training specificity and energy system management, wherein each session is complementary to the other. Another thing one needs to keep in mind is to never have two back-to-back hard training days. To truly benefit, anyone adopting double workouts must ensure they are getting optimal nutrition (adequate carbohydrate and protein intake), particularly around training windows, and at least 6–8 hours of quality sleep. It is also important to monitor for overreaching symptoms (e.g. chronic fatigue, decreased performance, mood disturbances). Incorporating modalities like mobility work, active recovery, and guided breath-work as part of the sessions can help maintain training frequency without systemic stress. Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and the co-author of The Shivfit Way, a book on functional fitness.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Train smarter and heal faster: Expert shares 4 tips for post-workout muscle recovery
During workout, the body goes through microscopic muscle tear. However, with the right care, muscle recovery is possible. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Venkatesh Movva, specialist in regenerative medicine, RegenOrthoSport, Hyderabad said, 'Recovering from a workout is just as important as training itself. Without proper recovery, muscles stay fatigued, increasing the risk of injury and limiting performance gains.' Also read | Back pain while working at your desk job? Know how to protect your spine during long work hours Highlighting the importance of muscle recovery, Dr Venkatesh Movva said, 'While this is a natural process that leads to muscle growth, it requires proper recovery to rebuild stronger. Without adequate rest and support, excessive inflammation can lead to stiffness, mobility issues, and even chronic injuries. Recovery plays a crucial role in preventing overuse injuries, maintaining joint health, and enhancing overall physical performance.' Effective strategies for faster muscle recovery: Post-workout nutrition is key to replenishing energy stores and repairing muscle tissue. Consuming lean proteins (chicken, fish, plant-based sources) alongside complex carbohydrates (quinoa, sweet potatoes, whole grains) accelerates recovery. Hydration is just as important—water and electrolytes prevent dehydration, which can slow down muscle repair and lead to cramps. Light movement helps improve circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles. Engaging in activities like swimming, yoga, or even a short walk reduces stiffness and flushes out metabolic waste. Stretching post-workout also enhances flexibility and reduces muscle tightness. Also read | Managing joint and muscular pain with Ayurveda: Experts share tips The most effective muscle repair happens during deep sleep. Growth hormone, essential for tissue regeneration, is released at night, making 7–9 hours of quality sleep crucial for recovery. Pushing through pain can lead to long-term damage. Persistent soreness, joint discomfort, or decreased performance are signs that your body needs more rest. Periodising workouts and incorporating rest days help maintain steady progress while preventing overtraining injuries. Also read | Pain in knees when you walk? Cult Fit founder shares 5 exercises to strengthen joints Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
