The desire to get 'fit' usually starts with the desire to improve the body. But sometimes this turns into extreme training and strict diets, which can do more harm than good to the body.

'Fitness' is not just about losing weight, it is about having a balanced body, mind and lifestyle. But these days, many people overexert their bodies, don't eat enough food, and feel guilty if they don't even go to the gym for a single day. 

Such thinking gradually makes the body unhealthy. In the name of improving health, we are harming ourselves .

The craze of 'fitness' is growing in Nepal now. Gym centers have been opened in every village. In such cases, we must ask ourselves, 'Are we really improving our health or chasing an unrealistic dream?'

There is some difference between an interest in fitness and an addiction. Most of the people forget the real meaning of 'being healthy'. In the desire to get quick results, many start extreme diets and hard exercises . Many people think that the harder they work, the faster they will progress. 

But lack of time balance along with exercise and diet can affect fatigue, frustration and physical and mental health . The pressure to meet unrealistic standards created by social media makes it even harder to distinguish between true commitment and unhealthy addiction.

According to Rajan Munikar, the founder and fitness coach of 'iFit Nepal', there is a difference between interest and addiction. Munikar says, "Many people start fitness with the thought of improving their health, but after some time they focus only on building a certain type of body or competing with others." Similarly, many find it difficult to distinguish between healthy interests and unhealthy addictions. In the process of improving health, we may be harming ourselves . He says that competition in itself is not wrong, but it is important to understand what we are devoting ourselves to.

Strict diets and workouts can backfire, leaving people depressed and warning that they may fall away from their goals . "We need a balance, a balance that is progressive, simple and based on patience, not punishment," says Munikar.

Experts say that there has been a slow but significant change in the understanding of fitness in Nepal. While many people are still motivated by the idea of ​​creating an 'ideal' body, gradually the number of people who understand fitness by connecting it with health is also increasing. But not only in Nepal but also in the whole world, a large number of people are focused on the body shape . The desire to build a special body has become the main motivation for fitness. 

Although Munikar says that the idea of ​​fitness that focuses on beauty is deeply rooted in people, but it is gradually transforming towards a balanced lifestyle . He says, "It's not about rejecting your ambitions, it's about defining them in a new way." Our goal is to shift the focus away from superficial desires to a balanced and long-term lifestyle. There is also a need to change the overall attitude towards fitness.'

Today many people compare themselves with others. Many people start their fitness journey with the idea of ​​improving their health or looking good, but gradually move towards competitive goals . They strive to overcome their previous form, i.e. to become bigger, thinner, stronger or faster. This kind of thinking can be seen as positive,' says Munikar, 'pushing the body by neglecting physical and mental health capabilities can become negative in the long run.' 

Whether people try to achieve their goals naturally or seek external help, the health risks remain the same . According to Coach Munikar, just like in a bodybuilding competition, many may adopt a strict diet, create a difficult routine, dehydrate the body, and prefer isolation . All of these are not healthy lifestyles. 

Health means not only the visible body, but also the mental, social and spiritual aspects. Munikar suggests, "We should stop considering the ideal body as seen on social media". Competitive thinking often stems from addiction and should instead focus on balance . Aim to improve overall health and happiness by setting realistic, long-term goals.'