Fitness comes in all Shapes and Sizes

Fitness comes in all Shapes and Sizes

You make New Year Resolutions almost every Year and also on all other New years in the festival calendar to hit the gym. Your desperation certainly comes from the glamorous models, actors and celebrities you idolize on screen.  The drive gets pushy when you read all the rants of entertainment columns in newspapers on celebrity body, their diet and the extremes that these people go to achieve them. Adding more fuel to the ignited desperation are the health features in newspapers and on the internet, which showcase their own definition of fitness.

So what exactly is fitness? Is it a hot body? Sharukh Khan’s six pack abs or sorry eight pack abs (It may even get 12 packs by 2016), Deepika Padukone’s flat belly or the Bollywood's bhai Salman Khan’s bulgy muscles ? The generation today; young and old alike – are so hooked to the superficial parameters of fitness that the whole age old concept of fitness has become debatable.  Fitness according to your grandmother’s opinion was eating the Ghee loaded paranthas, tasty meals cooked to perfection and being immune to sickness. Fitness back then didn't conjure up to looking wafer thin or ripping off one’s body with chiseled abs. There was a certain pride in saying “Bhai, hum to khatey-peetey ghar ke hein.”  Nonetheless, the emphasis was on what the body can do and not on what the body looks like.

                                                      

Fast forwarding the time today, skinny bodies for girls and six pack abs for men with zero fats are projected as fitness. As a bottom line Fitness is no more being immune and having a good metabolism. It is not even about eating delicious meals or rather home cooked healthy meals but is now about 6 times a day meal, raw vegetable, boiled fish, grilled spice-less meats and green juices. Obnoxious as the fads sound too many, today it is all about ‘eating right’ and this habit of eating correctly is munching on like cave men did back in time. Precisely, even if the food part had to ignored, how can the body shape and size be sidelined?  Especially, as we are living in excruciatingly demanding age of photoshopped images that are airbrushed to perfection.

                                                     

When you think of fitness shapes, sizes; I am sure mathematically defying physical measurements toss up in the mind. The reason a physically huge girl gives up when she loses weight but fails to look wafer thin with all the exercising.  It has become so necessary to conform to the media generated norms of ‘Physical perfection’ that fitness has taken a backseat. Fitness has become easily associated with ‘physical perfection’ and this is dangerously become a matter of low self confidence and esteem among people.  A man with six-pack abs or a wafer thin girl fainting or suffering from fatigue is acceptable but a boy or a girl on a bulkier physical appearance but immune to sickness and who may be physically , mentally and socially strong are deemed as unfit.

It is time the focus has to be put where it belongs – fitness in its true sense.  To set the record straight fitness is being mentally, physically and emotionally strong. You need to accept that fitness as well as beauty in the world comes in all shapes and sizes. Stereotypes and hypes cannot define the real beauty, strength and creativity of a person. Be proud of the awesome person you really are. You may be tall, short , fat, skinny – it just doesn't matter unless you are ‘FIT’ – fit in a healthy way and not by physical perfections.

FORT KOCHI – PART OF KERALA YET DIFFERENT FROM THE REST

Kerala has always been known as a land of a lifetime. The distinctive culture, unspoiled tropical beauty, pristine backwaters of Allepy, relaxing Ayurvedic retreat centers and divine food have enchanted many visitors since ages. Located in the southern most part of India, the coastal state is rightly referred to as “God’s own country”. In particular, the whole of Kerala is commonly celebrated for its deep rooted cultural history, magnificent temple festivals, tranquility of backwaters, lush greenery of nature and world famous spices.

            

           

Kerala - God's Own Country

An expedition or holiday to Kerala always begins from the beautiful coastal city of Fort Kochi. Known as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ the captivating coastal city, its towns and mini islands have always welcomed the guests with a surprise. What is the hidden surprise Fort Kochi offers? Well, it comes across as somewhat a surprise for first time visitors, as in how this small little city maintains an electric blend of Indo-European-Arab-Portuguese way of life till date.

The vibrancy of Fort Kochi and absolute distinctiveness has always caught my curious eye. As it also happens to be my native, the rich diversity and unique character has been easier to identify with. Growing up, my idea of a perfect muse for a geographical and cultural stimulant to explore was my native Fort Kochi. During the vacations, I would run back to Fort Kochi as it packed a perfect punch for me to be acquainted with new stories of its rich legacy. Since then whenever in Kochi, I always take time to comb the neighborhoods of Kochi for the Chinese fishing nets among other techniques, Portuguese styled bungalows, Anglo-Indian and Jew households, churches and villas tucked in the quaint bylanes.

The picturesque Portuguese styled villas

It has certainly taken time for me to understand the reason behind Fort Kochi’s individuality, but finally I do have a basic idea. Fort Kochi has a slightly complex history of influence and developments with every historian having a different version. The origins of Fort Kochi can be traced back to 700-650 years ago. Kerala had been trading in spice with Chinese, Arabs and Portuguese since time in memorial. In 1341 when Tsunami hit the trade activities of Kodungallur, the spice traders shifted base to Fort Kochi as the new centre for all shipping activities. Fort Cochin was a tiny fishing village by then. The huge fishing nets known as Cheena-vala (Chinese nets) are said to be built by Chinese as early as 14^th century. Infact the name Cochin or Kochin too is derived from Chinese name Co-Chin which means like - China. 

 Chinese Fishing Nets - 'Cheena-vala'

Kerala and Fort Kochi were birthplace of Christianity in India; it has one of the early Christians of India and also the Arab Christians or Jewish Christians who had migrated to Kerala in early 5^th-6^th century. They brought with them their own set of Arab and Jewish traditions which later were incorporated into local Christian culture. The Jewish established a town called ‘Jew Town’ at Mattancherry. It was a town bustling with spice trade by prominent Jewish traders. The close-knit Jewish community established their very own niche in the heart of city. A walk in the streets of Mattancherry boasts about the vintage wood houses and Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry that was built in 1568, which is today one of the oldest synagogues in Asia.

Pardesi synagogue - Oldest synagogue in Asia

Vintage Jew Town

The Portuguese who eyed to establish a base in Kerala on back of the spice trade tried to influence and get the early Syrian Christians into their own cultural mould. The Portuguese, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral (in 1500) and Vasco da Gama (1502) set up colonial townships here. Fort Kochi therefore was under Portuguese rule for 160 years; they built huge mansions, churches and chapels to attract the local Christian population to support them. A walk through the nooks and corners of the sleepy little town would give you a slice of Portuguese influence. The old structures are still in use like the St. Franchis Church , Vasco Homestay – in which Vasco Da Gama is believed to have stayed and a few other adjoining Dutch bungalows and mansions either home to generations of these Portuguese traders or converted into hotels.  The layers of colonial influence that have been grafted onto the traditional tropical landscape can be seen in the architecture of Fort Kochi. Likewise, the Fort Kochi lifestyle got heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine, traditions and make merry attitude.They introduced annual fest like the Cochin Carnival and Christmas celebrations at Veli grounds, which continue till today.

A vintage Bungalow in British Colony

St.Francis Church - The first burial place of Vasco Da Gama

The Portuguese and Dutch were soon supplanted by the British who were scrambling for dominance over this prized territory. Compared to rest of India, the Britishers were a little more compassionate towards this coastal city. It became a hot spot for the British officers to settle down with their families as the region offered them favorable climate, religious freedom and cultural liberty. They married local Christian and non-Christian ladies to seek an alliance with the powerful Christian and hindu families and started a line. This led to a total mishmash of Indo-European identity to the region. Hence, many families in Fort Kochi have a mixed parentage. 

The British rechristened the streets of Fort Kochi with English names like Princess Street, Lilly Street, and Napier Street, Rose Street to the roads here. 

 Napier streer

Princess Street

The locals smile in traditional Portuguese costume at Cochin Carnival

  Cochin Carnival

 The biggest Christmas Tree of Fort Cochin - Veli Grounds

My grandmother and elders in the family would narrate to me stories from the memory lane on how Fort Kochi – home to Anglo Indian families and a European way of life were known for its lively atmosphere. The nights would be regaled with melodious sounds of piano, violins, English classics being played at the beguiling balls and house parties. Many families like mine too, that have migrated out of Fort Kochi still try to maintain their ‘Kochi’ way of life. 

The Fort Kochi scrumptious cuisine like Roasted Beef , Vindaloo, Fish Moilee, the Anglo Malayalam, Maanglish or Fort Kochi Malayalam language (a variation of traditional Malayalam) and culture although completely contrast with the rest of Kerala yet has a identity that of its own.

The amalgamation of all these colonial influences has made this mesmerizing coastal city a confluence point for the east and the west. The next time you plan a travel to Kerala, reckon the cultural uniqueness and prized legacy of this beautiful city of Fort Kochi to EXPLORE..ENJOY and to live a piece of history.

Beardography – ‘Manning it Up’

Art of Beardliness

A handlebar mustache, stubble or a fully grown beard; facial hair has always been the symbol of Indian manliness and ethnicity. Over the years sporting the facial fuzz may have lost its importance to a more clean-shaven chocolate boy/corporate look. But growing the fuzzy manly accessory has again caught the attention of Indian men.

Beardsman: Model Abbis Ratansi

While trend analysis say that after the six-pack craze in India the beard look has been the much followed trend. The reason for it being Ranveer Singh’s beard look in Ramleela which kickstarted the trend. Bollywood stars have raised the beardography meter with actors like Shahid Kapoor and Akshay Kumar growing the facial sprouts for their upcoming movies. The woman folk too aren’t complaining .

Growing a beard may seem fun but getting the right kind of desired style and shape is not an easy task. Boys who start growing a beard often give it up after few weeks as they find difficulty in maintaining it. All said and done growing a beard is like an important life decision you have to grow up with. It may sound philosophical but growing the beard is a choice you make. Hence patience , discipline and grooming is necessary.

Just allowing the forest on your face to grow continuously till it starts stinking like rotten food is not the way you grow a beard. Surely you do not want the girl cozying up to you fainting or slapping your face for all that poky brutality caused to her. You have to travel that extra mile to stop looking like a person loathing basic hygiene.

The thumb rule to growing any kind of facial fuzz is basic male grooming.

Well, simply not shaving for a few months is necessary but there are few tips that are essential.

Initially the basic hard and fast rule is “STOP SHAVING, START GROWING”. However the sprouts need some essentials to grow. Comb your little grown hair to give it a direction and follow skin care routine. Remember in the first two weeks do not play with the beard with clippers or razors just slight trimming with scissors should work. 

Patience is what you need and a proper vision for the look. Invest in a good hair oil and moisturizer to prepare your skin for those sexy manly sprouts. The skin may not get the required hair density in the first week but do not lose hope. Instead of giving up the idea, try planning out your look. Consult a barber or a hair professional for some serious advice. The Indian Mantra however is applying the good old ‘Coconut Oil’ for hair growth as well as a jet black shiny beard.

Your stubble may give you ‘Itchy’ experiences hence to minimize the itchiness make sure you keep the neck shaved clean just around your Adam’s apple and a little on the cheeks. The skin might feel irritated and the best you can do is try applying a gentle moisturizer with no alcohol ( alcohol might make your skin dry) .

 Nivea After Shave sensitive Balm works great too instead of any moisturizer . The Nivea product comes without alcohol and moisturises your skin to have a soft texture.

Once you have well grown stubble grooming it rightly comes into play. Apply a generous Beard Oil for that perfect gloss and shine . Blow dry them after shower for a fuzz free and smooth stubble.You never know, you might just get kissed for that glossy beard.

Try Botanical Bay Lime Beard oil – beard conditioner or Aromatherapy beard and mustache roll on.

      

Regularly maintaining, trimming your beard is the next step to keep you going.Decide upon a look and design your masterpiece accessory in the style you like. A Goatee,Chevron mustache or balbo styles are easy to maintain, Full grown beard styles like Chin strap , brett or a hollywoodian would require some expertise.

Beard Styles

 Internationally there are a range of products available specifically designed for men for shaving and skin care. But in India Philips and Gillette with their respective shaving ranges are easily available in market.If you are confident to maintain the look all by yourself than visiting a saloon; probably you should invest in a Shaving Kit.

  Beards are now officially cool and in trend. So commit your time to that beard,follow basic rules and enjoy that sexy beardy attention

Make a Pastel Statement

Pastel For Summer

Yes it was bright! Eye Popping! Shocking!  The electrifying Neons ruled the runway, streets and wardrobes for quite some time and this is certainly the right moment to bid the big hit incandescent –jarring fashion a farewell!

While you may think what can be the next appalling trendsetter after neon-bling affair, don’t you worry because the season calls for classy and warm fashion sensibilities having inherent versatility!

Fresh Pastel shades and lighter hues like chalky blue , soft pink , juicy yellow , pearl white , and light muted colours may sound boring but dressing down to a sober personality is the vogue  this spring summer !

Smattering bit of these exceptionally refreshing colours, displaying a focal point of reference to the nursery need not necessarily be childish. Instead letting go off the screaming neon to embrace the shining summer with clear options of the pastel colour scheme is the fashion forecast to be taken aplomb. While the colour scheme is quite synonymous with the girly brigade, using the sorbet shades wisely without much of detailing and in contrasts with deep hues will make you fashion forward. 

For the girls warming up to the summer with a breath of fresh shades not necessarily be dressing up head to toe in pastels and rather end up looking like a cup cake ! Instead play with tone and fabrics without major detailing. Contrasting your outfit with neutrals and sea colours like corals will do wonders.

 The men flock too need not be shy at trying out these macroon-candy shades tagging it as girly. You too can jump into action by embracing a dash of light weight fabrics in pastel shades. Opting for classic polo T-shirts in mint green, lavender , cream and teaming it up with the uniform blue-black denims not only look mannish but also trans-seasonal. If blacks, whites, blues are only the colours ruling your formal wardrobe roost, its time you experiment! For a more contemporary approach hone a yellow shirt with muted colour formal pants in chocolate brown, indigo and reflect the image of a modern man. If you are a metrosexual man, then probably experimenting doesn’t get difficult. Try parading in fresh blues , ballet pink , lavender , mint green T shirts , Polo T shirts , Cotton shirts clubbed with contrast deeper hues; thus showing off the pastel goodness.

 Well a well tailored white, mint green or sea blue suit will work wonders for your ease free personality and make you feel light and lovey this summer.

So what are you waiting for? “Easter”!!! Get set go trying out the ice cream colour and mute shades repertoire.