BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

HEALTH AND FITNESS - EXERCISE PART FOUR

Mountain climber: A mountain climber is a person who engages in the sport or activity of climbing mountains, usually for recreational or professional purposes. They use various techniques and equipment to ascend and descend mountains.

Pant (noun): A pant refers to a garment worn on the lower body, typically covering each leg separately. It is commonly used as a term for trousers or pants in American English.

Pant (verb): To pant is to breathe quickly and heavily, often as a result of physical exertion, excitement or heat. It involves rapid and shallow breaths.

PE (abbreviation): PE stands for Physical Education. It is a school curriculum that involves exercises, games and activities designed to promote physical fitness, coordination and overall health.

Personal trainer: A personal trainer is a fitness professional who works with individuals to help them achieve their fitness goals. They provide personalized exercise plans, guidance and motivation to their clients.

Physical education: Physical education refers to an educational course or program that focuses on physical fitness, sports and activities. It aims to promote physical development, coordination and a healthy lifestyle among students.

Plank: A plank is an exercise in which a person holds a push-up position with their forearms resting on the ground forming a straight line from the head to the feet. It is used to strengthen the core muscles, improve stability and develop overall physical strength.

Power walking: Power walking is a form of exercise that involves brisk walking at a faster pace than regular walking. It is performed with an emphasis on swinging the arms and maintaining an elevated heart rate making it an effective cardiovascular workout.

Press-up: A press-up also known as a push-up, is a common bodyweight exercise that involves lowering and raising the body by using the arms. It primarily targets the muscles of the chest, shoulders and arms.

Puffed: Puffed refers to a state of breathing heavily and rapidly, often as a result of physical exertion. It is commonly used to describe a person who is out of breath or panting.

Pump iron: Pump iron is a colloquial term used to describe the act of weightlifting or strength training using dumbbells, barbells or weight machines. It implies engaging in exercises to build muscle strength and size.

Punchbag or Punching bag: A punchbag also known as a punching bag or heavy bag is a sturdy bag filled with various materials such as sand or cloth used for practicing boxing or martial arts. It is struck with punches and kicks to improve technique, strength and conditioning.

ABOUT THE POEM:

This poem LOVER OF THE LITTORAL LAND is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature that expresses a sense of solitude and melancholy of a girl. It describes the birds finding their roost, the flowers closing and the desolate woods by the shore. The sky is portrayed as dizzy, mirroring the girl’s own state of mind. As the day fades and darkness takes over, the speaker longs for a friend to convey their message to someone living in a coastal land wherein beautiful flowers blossom. They believe that hope of getting reunited would give them hope and a reason for their survival.

LOVER OF THE LITTORAL LAND

The feathered choir finds haven in the trees,

While blossoms, in gentle slumber, repose.

Beside the shore, desolation now breathes,

As woods stand barren, bereft of repose.

The heavens, like me, swirl in a dizzy state,

As twilight descends, embracing the night.

The day recedes, surrendering to fate,

And fading light relinquishes its might.

Oh, dear friend, if only you could convey,

To him, who dwells by the shore's sandy bay,

Where cool gnazal flowers blossom unabashed,

My hope shall endure, forever unperturbed.

(the girl’s ardent desire to get reunited with her lover is talked about in this elegant poem )

NOTE: gnazal (ஞாழல் - Tamil ) Cassia Sophera / Senna sophera is known as tiger claw tree. Its flowers look like Yellow Mustard seeds.

HEALTH AND FITNESS - EXERCISE PART THREE

Health spa: A health spa is a facility that offers various treatments, therapies and activities aimed at improving and promoting physical health and well-being. It often includes amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, massages and fitness classes.

Interval: An interval refers to a specific period of time or a space between two events or points. In the context of exercise or training, it often refers to the duration of intense activity followed by a period of rest or low-intensity activity.

Interval training: Interval training is a type of exercise or training regimen that involves alternating between high-intensity periods of physical activity and rest or low-intensity activity. It is designed to challenge the body's cardiovascular system, improve endurance and enhance overall fitness.

Jog: To jog means to run or move at a gentle, steady pace, usually a form of exercise. Jogging is usually done at a speed slower than running and is often used for warm-ups, cardiovascular conditioning or low-impact workouts.

Jogger: A jogger is a person who engages in jogging as a regular form of exercise or recreational activity. It refers to someone who runs at a slow and steady pace for fitness or leisure purposes.

Jogging: Jogging is the act of running at a slow and steady pace, usually for the purpose of physical exercise or leisure. It is a low-impact activity that can help improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Jumping jack: A jumping jack is a calisthenic exercise (systematic rhythmic exercises performed usually without sports gear) that involves jumping with the legs spread wide apart and the arms extended overhead. It is performed by starting from a standing position with the feet together then jumping while simultaneously spreading the legs and raising the arms and then returning to the starting position with another jump.

Keep-fit: Keep-fit refers to a broad range of activities, exercises and practices that have the goal of preserving or enhancing physical fitness and overall health. It encompasses diverse forms of exercise and adopting healthy lifestyle habits to promote general well-being.

Kettlebell: A kettlebell is a weight training tool that features a handle and is shaped like a ball made of cast iron or steel. It serves as equipment for a wide range of exercises, including swings, presses, squats and lunges which are designed to enhance strength, endurance and overall fitness. Kettlebell workouts typically incorporate dynamic movements and activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem conveys the idea that the words and virtues of the speaker's beloved are incredibly delightful, like sweet nectar. However, the speaker recognizes that love, despite its allure, can also bring about frustration on separation. Therefore, the speaker advises those who possess some wisdom to avoid getting entangled in the complexities of love. The essence of the poem lies in the juxtaposition of the beloved's enticing qualities and the cautionary tone regarding the potential pitfalls of love. The love can thus be termed a bittersweet symphony according to the poet.

A BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY

In lilting tones, my love does speak, 

Her words like nectar, tender and meek. 

Her virtues shine, a radiant light, 

But in their alteration agony takes flight.

Those wise in heart, with sense so keen, 

Should guard their souls from love's sweet sheen. 

For though it tempts with joys untold, 

Its thorny path can hurt hearts abound.

Oh, love's allure, a treacherous game, 

Whose ecstasy and pain intertwine, the same. 

Yet still, my dear one holds my heart, 

A bittersweet symphony,a delicate art.

(what the lover told his friend about how love is a bittersweet symphony and cautions that one should keep away from falling in love)

HEALTH AND FITNESS - EXERCISE PART TWO

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem titled MYSTERIES OF LOVE is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature. This poem reflects upon a change in perception and love between two individuals. In the past, the speaker's friend offered her loved one bitter neem fruit but the lover saw it as a sweet lump of sugar, symbolizing their positive interpretation of even unpleasant gestures. However, in the present, the friend provides the loved one with sweet water from the cool springs of Pari's Parambu hill which should be refreshing during the month of Thai. Surprisingly, the loved one now describes it as hot and salty , indicating a shift in his perception and perhaps his feelings of love. The poem questions whether this change in perception reflects a change in the husband’s  love for the speaker’s friend.

MYSTERIES OF LOVE 

In bygone days, a friend's feast 

neem's bitter fruit, a curious banquet,

Yet you, dear love, with joy embraced,

called it sugar, sweetly graced.

But now the friend, with caring zeal,

Offers water from Pari's Hill,

Where springs flow icy, crystal clear,

refreshing drops of Thai this time of year.

Yet, alas, you spurn this gift divine,

Labeling it hot, with taste malign.

Oh, pray tell, has love gone astray?

To your sweetheart’s dismay.

(the poem elaborates on the change in the attitude of the husband of the speaker’s friend in unequivocal terms )

Note:

Pari was a ruler of a great lineage who ruled Parambu nadu and surrounding regions in ancient Tamilnadu towards the end of the Sangam era.

Thai: It is the tenth month of the Tamil calendar and typically falls between mid-January and mid-February. Thai is considered an auspicious month and is associated with new beginnings, prosperity and joyous celebrations. It marks the start of the harvest season

HEALTH AND FITNESS - EXERCISE - PART ONE

a breath of (fresh) air: This phrase is often used figuratively to describe something or someone that brings a refreshing change or new perspective. It refers to encountering something invigorating or different, much like taking a deep breath of fresh air.

activity tracker: An activity tracker is a device or application that monitors and records various physical activities and related data. It is typically worn on the body or integrated into a smartphone or smartwatch and it can track metrics such as steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate and sleep patterns.

aerobic: Aerobic refers to activities or exercises that require and enhance the use of oxygen by the body. It involves sustained, rhythmic movements that increase heart rate and breathing rate such as running, cycling or swimming. Aerobic exercises are known for their cardiovascular benefits and are often recommended for improving overall fitness.

aerobics: Aerobics is a form of exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic movements with music and often includes choreographed routines. It is typically performed in a group setting and focuses on cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and stamina. Common aerobics activities include dance aerobics, step aerobics and water aerobics.

anaerobic: Anaerobic refers to activities or exercises that do not rely primarily on oxygen for energy production. Anaerobic exercises are intense, short-duration activities that involve quick bursts of energy, such as weightlifting, sprinting or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). 

high-intensity interval training (HIIT): These exercises primarily rely on stored energy sources in the body, like glycogen and do not require as much oxygen.

athlete: An athlete is a person who participates in sports or physical activities, usually at a competitive level. Athletes often undergo specialized training and have a high level of physical fitness and skill in their chosen sport or discipline. They may compete individually or as part of a team in events ranging from local competitions to international tournaments.

athletic: Athletic refers to qualities or characteristics associated with athletes or sports. It can describe individuals who possess physical prowess, agility, strength, and overall fitness. Additionally, the term can also be used to describe activities, clothing or equipment related to sports or physical performance.

burn: In the context of exercise, burn refers to the sensation or feeling of muscular fatigue or exertion during physical activity. It is often experienced when muscles are worked intensely, and metabolic byproducts, such as lactic acid, accumulate. The term "burn" can also refer to the calories or energy expended during exercise.

burpee: A burpee is a full-body exercise that combines multiple movements into one fluid sequence. It typically involves starting from a standing position, dropping to a squat, kicking the legs back into a push-up position, performing a push-up, returning to the squat position and then jumping explosively into the air with hands raised. Burpees are commonly used in various fitness routines and are known for their cardiovascular and strength-building benefits.

cardio: Short for cardiovascular, cardio refers to activities or exercises that primarily target the cardiovascular system, improving heart and lung health. These exercises increase heart rate and breathing rate over a sustained period such as running, cycling, swimming or aerobic workouts. Cardio exercises help strengthen the heart, improve endurance and burn calories.

circuit: In the context of exercise, a circuit refers to a series of exercises performed in a specific sequence with minimal rest in between. Each exercise targets different muscle groups, and circuits often include a combination of aerobic and strength exercises. Circuit training is a popular method to improve overall fitness, strength, and endurance

ABOUT THE POEM: 

The poem titled FIERY YEARNING is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature. The poem describes how the girl's friend explains to her sweetheart on her insistence that her friend has become pale and lost her beauty due to the actions of her lover. She complains that her arms have grown thin and frail causing her bangles to slip off. The girl's friend informs her lover, who is in the mountains, about the deteriorated condition of her body. The imagery of the kanthal stalks with faded red blooms, battered by rain, symbolizes the girl's friend's weakened state, comparing it to a cobra with a shrunken hood lying lifeless. The girl's friend wants their lover to understand the physical toll his actions have taken and hopes for their reunion.

FIERY YEARNING

In pale hues, her brow doth fade,

Once radiant spots in gloom cascade.

Her plump arms, round and fair,

Now frail, causing bangles to slip and flounder.

Oh, my friend, do kindly impart

To my lover from the mountain's heart,

Where kanthal blossoms in crimson array,

Drenched by rain, solemnly lay,

Like a cobra, hood shrunken, so frail,

Lying limp upon a weary shale.

Bring to him the state of my frame,

A testament of weariness and wane.

(what the girl complained to her friend)

HOBBIES - ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS - PART SIX

stamp collecting - a hobby of collecting and studying postage stamps, covers and other related materials.

sudoku - a puzzle game that involves filling a grid of squares with numbers in a way that each row, column and region contains all of the numbers from 1 to 9.

track - a prepared course or path for running, racing, or other athletic activities.

trail - a path or track, often through a wilderness or forested area used for walking, hiking  or cycling.

wade - to walk through water or other liquid that is not too deep.

walking - the act of moving on foot for exercise, transportation or leisure.

wander - to move about aimlessly or without a specific destination.

word search - a puzzle game that involves finding words hidden in a grid of letters.

writing - the act of creating written pieces of work such as essays, stories, or poems using a pen, pencil or computer.

yoga - a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India and involves a series of postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

zoo - a facility where live animals are kept and exhibited for public enjoyment and education.

Zumba- a popular fitness program that combines dance and aerobic exercise movements set to lively music.

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem titled WILL HE MAKE ME HAPPY?  is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature that describes with great lucidity the anguish of a woman with tearful eyes that resemble dark blue water lilies after her lover left her. The speaker hopes that he will return to wipe away her tears. The lover had gone through a difficult journey through a sun-beaten, arid wilderness where even the mountain cliffs were parched. The imagery describes a lonely and weary landscape where a stag wanders, calling out for its mate with a feeble cry that sounds human to passers-by. The poem evokes a sense of loneliness and longing for companionship in a harsh and unforgiving world.

WILL HE MAKE ME HAPPY?

Oh, my eyes so large and fair,

With tears that brim and overflow in despair,

Resemble dark blue water lilies,

Soaked by the rain that falls in a flurry.

Oh, if only my love would return,

And wipe away the tears that churn,

From my cheeks and eyelids soaked  wet,

And heal my heart that's filled with regret.

He left me alone and in pain,

Passed through a wilderness of sun and rain,

Where the tracks were narrow and barren,

And the shade was scarce and beaten.

There, a stag with forked antlers roamed,

Like a barren tree, his fate bemoaned,

chasing after mirage so evasive,

And calling for his mate in a voice so decisive.

His feeble cry sounded so human,

To the passers-by who heard his traumatic tune,

In vast stretches of millet fields,

And mountainside where nature yields.

Where gnemai trees with shapely trunks abound,

And swaying bamboo stalks create a deafening sound,

Even the mountain cliffs seemed parched and dry,

As my tears kept falling from my eye.

Oh, how I long for my love to come back,

And make my heart perfect free from setback,

Of his love and tender thought,

To console my soul and enthuse my heart.

(what the girl told her friend expressing her anguish due to her separation from her lover and her  longing to reunite with him)

(Note: The 'gnemai' is an unidentified Sangam tree that was growing on the high peaks of the Himalayas )