Garba is an entertaining way to celebrate the festival, but it can also be a pretty good workout for the entire body. Those whirling motions, fast footwork, and hours of dancing can increase stamina, improve circulation, and most importantly, improve mood.

That said, such levels of physical exertion can also put a lot of strain on the heart, particularly for those who are not regularly physically active. Dancing vigorously for many hours while wearing heavy traditional attire or attire with rigid patterns increases both muscle stress and cardiovascular stress on the body. Individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle or who are overweight, diabetic, or hypertensive are at an even higher risk of complications such as dizziness, fatigue, or dehydration, or in serious cases, heart complications.

Experts also advise that the excitement of the festival can easily lead people to forget their basic health needs, like hydration, breaks, or listening to their bodies. Garba is a fun way to celebrate Navaratri, but it must also be done consciously, so that the joy is not at your health’s expense.

Dr Ganesh Kumar A.V., Director of Cardiology, Dr L.H. Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, elaborates:

“Garba is fun to do, but it can place unfamiliar stress on your heart. Dehydration and extended physical exertion can cause grave complications in susceptible populations.”

DOS: HOW TO DANCE SAFELY

Experts suggest taking the following steps to have fun with Garba without sacrificing your heart:

• Pace yourself: Begin slowly and then gradually increase the intensity of dancing.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water before dancing, continue it during dancing, and do it after dancing.
• Join symbolically: If you are not very active or have heart risk factors, experience the celebrations from afar.
• Know your health: Consult your physician if you have chronic diseases and wish to participate in vigorous dancing.

“Drinking water and pacing yourself are simple but effective ways to guard your heart during Garba,” says Dr Kumar.

DON’T: DON’T COMMIT THESE COMMON MISTAKES

To avert heart strain as well as other disease problems, don’t make these common mistakes:

• Do not overdo it: Don’t dance for hours if you are not accustomed to this level of exercise.
• Do not ignore symptoms: Immediately stop if you experience pain in the chest, dizziness, or fatigue.
• Do not skip exercise preparation: Warm up with light exercises before Navaratri.

“Overlooking your body’s warning signals or skipping preparation can endanger your health,” Dr Kumar cautions.

Experts stress that early preparation can make Garba safe and enjoyable. Light stretching, short walks, or low-intensity exercises a few days before the festival condition the body for long bouts of dancing.

“Early preparation and taking breaks while dancing minimise strain on your heart and muscles,” advises Dr Kumar.

Garba is fun to celebrate Navaratri, but heart safety comes first. Pacing yourself, drinking water, body-warming up, and heeding warning signs are your keys to enjoying the festival without endangering your health.

– Ends