In Dhaka, managing time for gym visits amid busy schedules and the notorious traffic is a challenge. Many are turning to home exercise equipment to achieve their fitness and weight loss goals conveniently at home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best home fitness equipment available in the Bangladeshi market in 2024 – to help you maintain fitness without stepping outside. Fitness Equipment Available in the Bangladeshi Market in 2024 Motorized Treadmill Merrick U3s (LED screen) A treadmill is an excellent choice for home cardio workouts. The Merrick U3s Motorized Treadmill stands out with its robust 2.5HP DC motor, supporting speeds up to 15 km/h. The 1210mm by 460mm running surface offers ample space, while the LED screen enhances your workout experience. Its Bluetooth audio player adds a fun touch. Despite lacking an incline, it supports users up to 140 kg and folds compactly for storage. Usually, the sellers provide a 1-year motor and 2-year service warranty for this gadget. It costs around 45,000 Taka. Overall, it is a reliable and feature-rich treadmill for home fitness enthusiasts. Read more: 7 Types of Strength Training And Their Benefits 15 kg Flywheel Spinning Bike BEASTLYE Stationary bikes are ideal for low-impact cardio. The BEASTLYE JS001 Spinning Bike is an excellent addition to any home gym. Featuring a robust 15 kg flywheel, it delivers a smooth and challenging workout. The adjustable seat and handlebars ensure a comfortable fit for all users, while the sturdy frame provides stability during intense sessions. Perfect for improving cardiovascular health and burning calories, this high-quality exercise bike is ideal for beginners and seasoned pros. Invest in the BEASTLYE JS001 to elevate your fitness routine. This home exercise bike is available in Bangladeshi markets for around 17,000 Taka. Commercial Magnetic Elliptical Cross Trainer K8718HA Elliptical trainers offer a full-body workout, combining the movements of running and stair climbing. The KPOWER K8718HA Commercial Magnetic Elliptical Cross Trainer is a top-tier choice for fitness enthusiasts. Equipped with a 15 kg two-way flywheel and an 8-level tension controller, it offers a versatile workout experience. Read more: How Does Physical Activity and Exercise Affect Testosterone Levels? The monitor tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse, while the tablet and phone stand add convenience. With a maximum load capacity of 180 kg, it ensures stability and durability. This cross trainer is perfect for full-body workouts, improving cardiovascular health, and burning calories. It is priced at around 37,000 Taka. Iron steel plates Adjustable Dumbbell MND Dumbbells are versatile and essential for strength training. The MND Iron Steel Plates Adjustable Dumbbells are perfect for your home gym. Each dumbbell weighs 7.5 kg, totalling 15 kg, and features a wooden handle finish for a comfortable grip. The innovative quick-change mechanism allows you to adjust the weights in seconds, saving time and enhancing your workout efficiency. Complete with a storage case holder, these adjustable dumbbells make switching weights effortless, allowing you to focus on building muscle and achieving your fitness goals. Ideal for strength training and muscle building at home. This home fitness gear is available for around 15,000 Taka in Bangladesh. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight? Kettle Bell 10 kg Kettlebells are excellent for dynamic strength training exercises. The Life Fit 10 kg Kettle Bell is an excellent addition to any home gym. Its ergonomic, curved grip design ensures comfortable and secure handling, even during high-rep workouts. Made of high-quality metal with a slightly textured handle, it offers enhanced grip and durability. This versatile kettlebell is perfect for a variety of exercises, including swings, lifts, and squats, helping improve strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Its sturdy construction and practical design make it a valuable tool for any fitness enthusiast. In the Bangladeshi market, this gadget costs around 4,000 Taka. DAILY YOUTH FD5026 Foldable Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine A rowing machine provides a comprehensive workout that engages multiple muscle groups. The Daily Youth FD 5026 Foldable Magnetic Rower, priced at 58,000 BDT, is a comprehensive fitness machine for home workouts. It effectively targets the cardio-pulmonary system, thigh muscles, and overall body harmony. Read more: 10 Hazards at the Gym and How to Avoid Them

Xinji has a reputation for producing smart wearable products. Xinji’s latest smartwatch Cobee CA1 is now available in Bangladesh. The smartwatch has a unique look and features. It can be a great tool to monitor your health. Let's look at its key features, pros, cons, and price. Key Specs of Xinji Cobee CA1 Design Xinji Cobee CA1 presents a 3D curved surface to add a sense of uniqueness to the overall design. The built-in watch faces are designed to adjust with the 3D curved surface. Together they make the watch surface look elegant. The 47 mm 41 mm 11.6mm body is made with durable titanium aluminum alloy. However, the back is made of durable plastic. The entire phone weighs only 34.7g.  On the right side of the watch, there is a crown wheel button. It can work as a button but doesn’t have the functionality to work as a wheel. A speaker and a microphone are placed on both sides of the back of the watch. The smartwatch comes in two color variants- Black and Green. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 Review: A New Contender in Performance-oriented Smartphones Display The Xinji Cobee CA1 has a 1.96-inch Super Retina AMOLED display with a 410 by 502 resolution. It shows high-quality graphics. The touch response and refresh rate feel right. Users can scroll through and use the UI without getting any lags. The brightness level is sufficient to comprehend everything clearly on the watch, even in broad daylight. Features Sports modes: Xinji claims to install more than 100 sports modes to help you train and prepare yourself for the big win. Comfort Strap: The Cobee CA1’s liquid silicon strap is meant to provide users with the expected comfort. The design of the belt complements the structure of the frame.  Read more: Motorola Moto G34 Review: A Budget-friendly 5G Phone with Powerful Processor Health Monitoring: The Cobee CA1 watch has high-performance body recognition sensors. These sensors enable comprehensive health monitoring, empowering you to track your well-being and fitness progress effectively. IP68 Waterproof Rating: The Cobee CA1 smartwatch has an IP68 waterproof rating, ensuring protection during swimming or rain. It's suitable for various situations and weather conditions. However, it's not recommended for diving, hot water showers, or saunas.

The American Council of Exercise outlines seven diverse forms of strength training, each catering to distinct functional applications. While each type enhances physical fitness, athletic abilities, or overall well-being, their stark differences explain why a track runner and a bodybuilder, both labeled "strong" and "fit," frequently exhibit contrasting appearances and training routines. What is Strength Training? Strength training, also called weight or resistance training, involves doing exercises to get stronger and last longer. It's not just about lifting weights; you can use your body weight or try different exercises like isometrics and plyometrics. The goal is to make your muscles stronger over time.  Strength training is mainly a type of exercise that doesn't require a lot of air, but some forms like circuit training also get your heart pumping. It helps make your muscles, tendons, and bones stronger, boosts metabolism, and reduces the chance of getting hurt. Athletes and older people can benefit from it to improve their joints, hearts, and lower their injury risk. Many sports and activities include strength training in their practice to make people better at what they do. Read more: How Does Physical Activity and Exercise Affect Testosterone Levels? Benefits and Risks of Different Types of Strength Training  Agile Strength Training Agile Strength Training is a fitness approach that blends traditional strength exercises with practical movements for daily activities. It emphasizes adaptability and flexibility, incorporating dynamic workouts like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and flexibility drills. The primary goal is to enhance overall strength, flexibility, and agility, adapting to individual needs and progress. Benefits of Agile Strength Training This approach improves overall strength, flexibility, and the ability to move with precision in different directions. It's valuable for daily tasks, promoting quick and controlled responses to your surroundings, ultimately aiding injury prevention. Read more: Why You Should Try Walking Backwards

Testosterone, a crucial hormone for both men and women, plays a vital role in various bodily functions. One factor that significantly influences testosterone levels is exercise and mental well-being. So, it is natural to wonder how these two interact. Let's explore the intricate relationship between exercise and testosterone to understand how physical activity impacts hormonal balance.  What is Testosterone? Testosterone, a pivotal hormone, is present in both men and women, although commonly associated with male characteristics. Produced in the testicles in men, ovaries in women, and to a lesser extent, the adrenal glands, it plays a crucial role in diverse bodily functions.  This hormone is instrumental in the development of male reproductive tissues, including the testes and prostate. Often referred to as the "male sex hormone," testosterone acts as a conductor orchestrating various bodily functions, impacting muscle growth, bone density, mood, libido, and more.  Read more: 10 Hazards at the Gym and How to Avoid Them In women, testosterone is essential for maintaining reproductive health and influencing aspects of mood and energy.  The decrease of testosterone hormone with age is natural, but factors like stress and lifestyle can accelerate this process. Understanding how to optimise testosterone, perhaps through targeted physical exercises, can help promote overall health and well-being.  How Exercise Affects Testosterone Relationship between Exercise and Testosterone The correlation between exercise and testosterone levels in men has been well-established by different research initiatives. Long-term engagement in physical activity has shown a consistent increase in testosterone levels.  Interestingly, certain physical exercises can induce a temporary spike of testosterone hormone within fifteen minutes to an hour after completion of the workout. Such short term impacts are especially noticeable in younger men. This immediate boost is more pronounced when workouts are performed in the morning, aligning with the natural peak of testosterone levels during that time. Read more: Zumba: Dance Your Way into Fitness However, sustaining elevated testosterone levels over the long term requires regular exercise. While there is currently no conclusive evidence of increased testosterone levels in women due to exercise, the presence of testosterone during workouts aids in training and muscle recovery.  Research reveals nuanced findings show that men experience significant testosterone increases post-weightlifting, whereas women show minimal changes. Resistance training in women has a temporary testosterone boost impacting fat distribution. For older men, regular physical activity not only raises testosterone levels but also enhances growth hormone levels and positively affects brain function. In those previously inactive, exercise led to a notable increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Read more: 10 Great Health, Fitness Career Ideas You May Consider Interestingly, even in men with obesity, regular exercise proved more effective in boosting testosterone levels than weight loss diets alone. Maintaining healthy or heightened testosterone levels is crucial, not just for muscle building but for overall well-being and exercise progress. Exercises that Increase Testosterone Not all exercises can create the same impacts when it comes to elevating testosterone levels. Understanding the most effective workouts can contribute significantly  to achieving the desired hormonal balance. Here is a closer look at some of the best exercises known to increase testosterone.

Losing weight is a common goal for many, but have you ever wondered where the fat goes when you shed those kgs? This article will unveil the secrets of fat-burning and discover effective weight-loss strategies. Join the journey to a healthier you, where every lost kg tells a tale of determination and transformation. What is Body Fat? Body fat, often unappreciated, serves a crucial role as a reservoir of stored energy, particularly during extended periods without food access. Body fat refers to the adipose tissue present in the human body, serving as a crucial energy reserve and playing various physiological roles.  Comprising triglycerides, body fat is stored in adipocytes, or fat cells, distributed throughout the body. While essential for insulation, organ protection, and hormone regulation, an excess of body fat can lead to health issues.  Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss The growth of fat cells in size and number is determined soon after birth and during adolescence. It remains relatively stable in adulthood unless disrupted by long-term excess calorie consumption. Weight loss can shrink fat cells but not their number. Body fat is typically categorised into two types: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is vital for normal physiological functioning, found in organs, nerves, and cell membranes. Storage fat, on the other hand, accumulates beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around organs (visceral fat), providing a reserve for energy needs. Measuring body fat percentage is crucial for assessing overall health and fitness. Various methods, such as skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), help estimate body fat content. Healthy body fat percentages differ based on age, sex, and fitness levels, with excessive body fat linked to increased risk of conditions like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.  Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Maintaining a balance between essential and storage fat is essential for overall well-being. It apexes the importance of a healthy lifestyle encompassing proper nutrition, regular exercise, and holistic health management.

Walking, a seemingly straightforward activity, has taken a new twist — a backward or reverse step. The concept of walking backwards, often overlooked, comes with many benefits that can significantly enhance your physical and mental well-being. Let's delve into the world of backward strides and explore why incorporating this unique practice into your routine could be a game-changer. Health Benefits of Reverse Walking  Physical Benefits Improves Balance and Gait  Walking backwards challenges your brain and body to coordinate in new ways, which can improve your overall balance and stability. This practice can be especially beneficial for senior citizens or people who are recuperating from injuries. Reduces Knee Pain and Strengthens Muscles By engaging different muscle groups than forward walking, walking backwards can take stress off your knee joints and strengthen your hamstrings, calves, and glutes. This can be helpful for people with knee pain, arthritis, or weak lower body muscles. Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion The repeated leg extension involved in backward walking can improve your flexibility, particularly in your hamstrings and ankles. This can help with overall range of motion and reduce stiffness. Burns more Calories  Studies suggest that walking backwards may burn slightly more calories than walking forward, although the difference is small. 

Heading to the gym is undoubtedly an excellent way to stay in shape. However, as a beginner, it's crucial to remain vigilant about potential hazards lurking in the fitness centre. From equipment misuse to improper form, maintaining awareness is important. Let’s take a look into precautions against the probable risks and accidental hazards that may occur in fitness centres and gyms.  Common Risks and Safety Tips for the Gym Equipment Malfunction At the heart of the gym, the equipment is the lifeblood of your workouts. However, beneath the gleaming exterior, the potential for malfunctions lurks ominously. From treadmills suddenly accelerating to weight machines with faulty mechanisms, equipment failures can lead to accidents and injuries. How to Avoid Vigilance is your first line of defence. Always inspect the equipment before use, looking for any signs of wear or damage. Report any issues immediately to gym staff. Furthermore, follow proper usage guidelines and familiarise yourself with the emergency stop buttons on cardio machines. Read more: Zumba: Dance Your Way into Fitness Improper Form and Technique As you strive for fitness prowess, the tendency to lift heavier or pushing beyond your limits beckons. But heed this cautionary tale: improper form and technique poses an insidious threat. Incorrect postures and movements increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and strain. How to Avoid Educate yourself by seeking guidance from certified fitness trainers. Embrace the value of a proper warm-up, allowing your body to prepare for the task at hand. Engaging in strength training requires a focus on the quality of movement rather than how much weight is being lifted. Controlled motions at slow pace with mindful breathing can pave the path to safer gains. Strains and Sprains In the pursuit of your fitness goals, strains and sprains lie in wait, eager to derail your journey. These common injuries can arise from overexertion, abrupt movements, or inadequate recovery, leaving you in discomfort. Read more: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You? How to Avoid Listen to your body's cues. Respect its limits and incorporate sufficient rest periods between intense workouts. Engaging in dynamic stretches before exercise and static stretches afterward help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. If you experience any discomfort, promptly address it with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) techniques.

A 24-year-old man died of electrocution while running on a treadmill at a gym in north Delhi, India. The deceased, Saksham Pruthi, was a BTech major and worked in a firm in Gurugram. He used to work out at the Gymplex Fitness Zone in Sector 15, and was a resident of Rohini Sector 19, reports NDTV. Also read: Man dies from electrocution in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar The young man fell while jogging on the treadmill early on Tuesday and the cause of the death was mentioned as electrocution in the autopsy report, it said. Also read; Man dies from electrocution in city The gym manager has been arrested by police. A case has been filed under the provisions dealing with culpable homicide that does not amount to murder and careless behaviour with regard to machinery. Police are investigating further into the matter. Also read: Worker dies from electrocution in Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar

Losing weight is a common goal for many individuals. Though the traditional methods of dieting and exercise help with losing weight, these may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternative approaches that can help one shed those extra kilos without following strict dietary restrictions or intense workout routines. It's important to recognise that weight loss is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Let’s explore some effective strategies to lose weight without relying solely on diet or exercise. 11 Tips to Slim Down without Harsh Diet or Intense Exercise Understanding Caloric Deficit  Regardless of the weight loss approach, achieving a caloric deficit is essential for losing weight. Caloric balance refers to the relationship between the calories one consumes and the calories one burns. To reduce weight without diet or exercise, one needs to focus on creating a calorie deficit through mindful eating and making healthier choices. Incorporating Healthy Eating Habits  An individual can stay fit without following a strict diet plan. The secret is adopting healthy eating habits, which is also crucial for weight loss. To maintain a healthy diet, one should consume nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Including a variety of colours on the regular food menu can ensure a good balance of vitamins and minerals. To prevent weight-gain, one should avoid or minimise the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and snacks high in saturated fats. Read more: PCOS Diet: Foods to eat & avoid for ovarian cyst conditions Mindful Eating  It is a key to weight loss. Embrace mindful eating to cultivate a positive connection with food. By slowing down, savouring each bite, and being attuned to the body's hunger and fullness signals, one can prevent overeating and establish a healthier relationship with what one eats. For mindful eating, one needs to avoid distractions like smartphones or television; because technology and devices can lead to mindless eating. Always Keep Healthy Snack During work or after exercise one can feel hungry. Sometimes it can be challenging to have access to nutritious snacks and meals. Many tend to navigate to food apps and order fast foods, which may lead to gaining extra pounds besides harming health.  Depending on personal preference, one should carry some healthy snacks, such as nuts, beans, or a protein bar. These snacks can help to avoid the consumption of higher-calorie fast foods or restaurant meals. Read more: Dietitians Warning: Who Should Avoid Red Meat? Do Some Physical Activities  Even if one does not have time for exercising with fitness equipment, incorporating physical activities in everyday lifestyle can help shed weight.  One can engage in activities one enjoys, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or playing a sport. Furthermore, one should try to stay active throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a short walk after meals.

Fitness is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are many ways to achieve it. Dance-based workouts have become popular fitness options, which are fun and engaging ways to get into shape. Zumba dance is one such workout that has gained popularity in recent years, offering a high-energy and rhythmic exercise experience. Let's dive into the history, benefits, and risks of the Zumba dance. What is Zumba Dance? Zumba dance involves interval workouts. The high/low-intensity dance moves can boost cardiovascular fitness while also improving balance, coordination, and agility of the body. Additionally, beginners can benefit from the choreography as it contributes to a moderate level of strength training. The Zumba class doesn't require any prior dancing experience. However, individuals with a natural sense of rhythm can learn dance moves and workouts more easily. Zumba classes primarily feature Latin-inspired music with a slow warm-up song that gradually increases in intensity throughout the class, followed by a cool-down song. The repetitive nature of the choreography makes it easy to pick up, even for those with limited dancing skills. Read More: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You? Usually, a Zumba class doesn't have a competitive environment like regular dance training classes, so the participants can enjoy the workouts and relax. History of Zumba Dance Alberto “Beto” Perez, a fitness instructor and choreographer, created Zumba in the mid-1990s. The official Zumba website describes the genesis of this exercise phenomenon as a “happy accident.” One day Beto forgot his regular music while teaching an aerobics class. He had to improvise. So, Beto used Latin dance music (salsa and merengue) tapes that he had with him. It led to a class that mixed dance and aerobics in a fun and engaging way, without strict rep-counting. After that Beto started to integrate music and dancing into his other classes and called it "Rumbacize". Zumba gained popularity day by day. In 2001, Beto brought it to Miami, where he connected with two other individuals. The trio created a fitness video series. The term “Zumba” was coined for its similarity to the term "rumba", which refers to the Cuban musical genre. However, the dance form was called “Sumba” for some days. Read More: Is Gym Good for Women? Insight Venture Partners and the Raine Group invested in 2012 for expanding Zumba into class instruction. By 2015, there were about 14 million Zumba students in 186 countries. Benefits of Zumba Dance Diversity and Accessibility Zumba's versatility as a workout program, coupled with its extensive availability and wide range of class styles, makes it a suitable option for almost everyone, regardless of their fitness level and interests.  For instance, if someone loves swimming, he or she can go for Aqua Zumba classes which are offered by some swimming pools. Besides these, Zumba classes are also available in some public parks where visitors can participate. Read More: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally General Fitness As Zumba continues to remain popular, several studies have been conducted to examine its effectiveness. A 2016 literature review concluded that Zumba is an effective workout for improving cardiovascular fitness, with some limited evidence suggesting possible benefits for muscular fitness and flexibility. Sustainability Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, and a program that is enjoyable is more likely to be adhered to. Therefore, it's important to find a workout that is both effective and enjoyable. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Zumba has good feasibility and adherence, making it a sustainable program for sedentary adults with metabolic syndrome. This suggests that Zumba can be an effective and enjoyable way to achieve long-term fitness goals. Read More: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy