The Express Tribune hi five - September 8

Ms SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

ISSUE NO. 64

Ready, Set, Glam!

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Get Flab-u-lous!

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Weighttraining for women

inside fashion smashion—

To Keratin or not?

domestic goddess — An Iranian indulgence

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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra

Our very own McDreamy

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Ms

the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Women Weights byy Rahat Kamal

Ms.T invites you for a closer look at the concept of weight-training and why it can be the ideal fitness regime for you If you have been on a steady diet and slogging at the gym for weeks but still haven’t reached your ideal size then chances are that you are missing out on weight-training, a relatively less popular but extremely rewarding form of exercise for men and women alike. Don’t get worried if the term ‘weighttraining’ is giving you mental images of the bulky and muscular female wrestlers from television — we are here to put all such misconceptions to rest and give you a deeper understanding of weight-training and the countless benefits it can have on one’s body. Read on to see how this form of exercise can literally change your life!

What is weight-training?

As with any other form of exercise — be it swimming or walking or even golf — if you discontinue it, your body goes into regression and starts going back to its original state

According to Samina Adam Umer, registered dietician and a certified fitness instructor at her private gym Curves, weight-training is essentially when one works their muscles against the force of gravity. This form of exercise can involve lifting dumbbells to add intensity, using resistance bands to build physical endurance and tubing and ankle weights to challenge the body.

In Umer’s gym, weight-training comprises three Ss: strength, stamina and suppleness. Strength is gained through the weights, stamina via cardio (aerobic) exercises and suppleness from yoga and stretching which helps ease the muscles down. Umer’s 16 years in the fitness industry have taught her one thing: “If you want to have overall fitness, you must do all three!”

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Why do women fear weight-training?

Despite having been introduced in Pakistan in the late 90s, most women have preconceived notions regarding weight-training that keep them off it and if they do decide to give it a try, it is for the wrong reasons such as removing fat or spot reduction. The shrouded idea Pakistani women have of weight-training deprives them from its many health benefits with the main fear being that women who do weights put on large volumes of muscle mass, as seen on female body-builders and athletes. This however, is far from reality as a woman’s genetic and hormonal makeup simply does not allow for that to happen. “We must remember that female body-builders put in extensive hours and years into becoming that way whilst also consuming proteins, medication and hormone therapy necessary for such a physique,” says Umer. “They don’t do it on a ‘once or twice a week’ basis like our clients do.”

A number of women also avoid heavy exercise for fear of a bad relapse, i.e. they will rapidly regain their flab if they stop weight-training. While relapse is indeed a possibility, Umer explains that, “As with any other form of exercise — be it swimming or walking or even golf — if you discontinue it, your body goes into regression and starts going back to its original state.” Naturally, as time reduces muscle mass and one returns to their post-workout eating habits without burning the calories off, fat starts to accumulate but this holds true for any form of exercise and not just weight-training. Hence, it is important to maintain one’s fitness regime even after the desired size has been achieved.

Who does weight-training?

Umer quotes the example of current Hollywood starlets Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendes, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston for anyone who wishes to cite the effects weighttraining as on a woman’s body. These celebrities, along with their Bollywood counterparts Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are known to include strength-training in their workouts. Their strong and shapely physiques lend credence to the fact that weighttraining has nothing but positive effects.

But weight-training is not just for celebrities! Sabeen Zubair has been doing weight-training once a week as part of her overall fitness agenda for 15 years and enjoys it greatly. She initially started off wrong and the crash diets and long hours of aerobics she resorted to did result in weight-loss but left her physique loose and flabby with weak muscles. “Weight-training helped make my body taut and more proportionate,” says Zubair. “I look and feel young and healthy now. Whenever people try to guess my age, they often assume it to be 10 years younger than it actually is!” she adds, grinning.

For ages, women have shunned weight-training saying it is not meant for women as it can physically hurt them but in reality, weight-training or any other fitness regime can be undertaken by women provided that it is done with efficient supervision and guidance!

After the age of twenty, a woman’s body starts to degenerate gradually and due to this breakdown, the muscle mass in the body is reduced.

Through weight-training, one can delay the process of aging, boost bone and muscle strength and improve joint mobility Why should women do weight-training?

According to Umer, weight-loss and a toned physique are only just the basic benefits of weight-training. “It goes way beyond that and offers many other vital health benefits as well,” she says. For example, after the age of 20, a woman’s body starts to degenerate gradually and due to this breakdown, the muscle mass in the body is reduced. Through weight-training, one can delay the process of aging, boost bone and muscle strength and improve joint mobility, all the while maintaining a sleek and toned body. Umer goes on to explain that, “When you add this highly beneficial fitness regime to your workout, you also increase your resting metabolic rate which in return, helps you burn calories and lose weight faster!”

Dr Saira Zahid, who has been working with weights for over 13 years, shares her experience, saying that she has never had any problems with the workout in all this time. In fact, Zahid adds to the pros of weight-training, suggesting that it can even help prevent bone problems like Osteoarthritis, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis as well has diabetes, heart diseases and back pain! “Even physiotherapy, a widely used treatment for bones and joint rejuvenation uses many moves of weight-training,” she says. “This should make one understand its significance.”

Some warnings for weight-training.

Whether it is celebrities, experts or regular women who choose weight-training, all will agree that this is one form of exercise which should never be tried at home or without sufficient experience or proper guidance. If you are taking a group class, ensure that the instructor is competent and that the group isn’t too large. Shakila Faizi Hasan of The Yoga Lounge and one of Pakistan’s senior yoga and fitness gurus advises that before joining any gym class, one should have a detailed meeting with the instructor. “He or she should look the part of an instructor. If the teacher is too thin or too fat and does not appear fit then it is unlikely that they will be able to help you,” explains Hasan. “Try to gauge how much the instructor knows and understands the human body, how much they can help you and how motivating they are. You have to see the person the instructor is too — if they are helpful and understanding, you are in good hands.”

Hasan also warns against choosing an overcrowded class as the more the people, the lesser the individual attention you will receive. As suggested earlier, weight-training should not be done unsupervised lest you injure yourself. “For ages, women have shunned weight-training saying it is not meant for women as it can physically hurt them,” says Hasan. “But in reality, weight-training or any other fitness regime can be undertaken by women provided that it is done with efficient supervision and guidance!”

Adding weight-training to your fitness plan will ensure you remain stronger and look better for a longer period of time and as Hasan puts it, “It is about functional fitness, toning and learning to carry one’s own weight. When you have toned muscles, you will have more efficient movement, more coordination and grace. You will float through life instead of tumbling through it.”

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en vogue

Get Set for

Autumn fashion update: Minhal Aly’s ornate new shaadi-wear

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Glamour THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

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Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Make-up: Nighat Misbah @ Depilex Label : Silver Linings Designer : Minhal Aly Photography & Styling: Shahbaz Shazi Model: Nadia Hussain

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fashion smashion

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Keratin Treatment

What’s all the hype about?

Ms.T investigates the pros and cons of the ever-popular hair-straightening treatment to see if it’s right for you or not

by Nisha Masroor

In every beauty salon, Keratin seems to be the new buzzword and not just for curly-haired girls but even those with the slightest wave, looking to rid their hair of the frizz. Straight hair has been the way to go for a long time now and indulging in a Keratin treatment seems to be worth it as not only do you acquire that smooth and silky mane you have always desired, you also avoid hours of blow-drying and flat-ironing — even it’s just for a few months.

What is Keratin?

Essentially, Keratin is a protein which is found in hair naturally and adds strength to it. The treatments are usually made up of a chemical called Formaldehyde which creates the smoothing effect and some conditioner to keep the hair moisturized. This hair-straightening treatment is semi-permanent and softens one’s curls as opposed to flattening them out completely. The natural volume of the hair is maintained and the end result is much silkier, smoother and easier-to-manage than before. Not to mention, Keratin treatments shorten the time you will need to spend on your hair by almost 60%! Several cosmetic companies are jumping onto the Keratin bandwagon but in Pakistan, the brand used most commonly is L’Oreal.

How does it work?

In a Keratin treatment, the stylist simply applies the Keratin product to the hair and seals it in by running a heated flat-iron over it. The cream breaks down the bonds in the hair and the flat-iron sets the hair into the new, sleeker shape. After this, a neutralizer is applied to seal the hair bonds back into their new form. The hair may appear too flat at first but generally, it takes a couple of weeks and washes for it to settle down although one cannot wash their hair for at least 72 hours post-treatment.

How is Keratin Treatment different than the Japanese Straightening Treatment?

The Japanese hair-straightening treatment is permanent — it actually seeps into the hair and changes its structure from the core, removing all traces of curls and creating pin-straight hair. Not to mention, this treatment can prove to be very harmful for hair in the long run. Keratin, on the other hand, lasts just three to six months, depending on the growth of the hair, and relaxes the kinks and eliminates frizz, with the end result being a much more tamed crop.

Controversy about Keratin Treatment The fact that Keratin treatment creams are based on Formaldehyde has been a cause of much controversy surrounding the products as much like any other chemicals, Formaldehyde poses grave threats to one’s health. For instance, research has shown that excessive exposure to the chemical can lead to some severe forms of cancer, including Leukaemia. While the client need not worry about this as they do not come in contact with Formaldehyde regularly, the stylist may be at risk and must ensure proper protection and ventilation during the treatment.

Pros and Cons of Keratin Treatment After speaking with several people who have undergone Keratin Treatment, I have come to the conclusion that the only valid negative aspect to the procedure is that the effects are not permanent and one has to visit the salon at regular intervals of 3 to 6 months for ‘touch ups.’ Most of the clients had nothing but great things to say. The many benefits of Keratin treatments include: 1) Wash and Go: Hair is much easier to tame and style and if you don’t want to style, a quick shower will also do!

2) Easy styling: As mentioned earlier, blow dry time is reduced by up to 60% which is ideal for times when you are running late and need to fix your hair up.

3) All that glitters: The Keratin products contain essential conditioners that boost your hairs natural radiance and so, you can do away with all your shine sprays and mousses.

4) Frizz-ease: Having frizz-free hair was once impossible, thanks to the heat and humid weather but now, Keratin treatments can be used to eliminate frizz significantly, if not completely.

5) High volume: Keratin doesn’t just smoothen your hair, it also infuses it with volume and boost, making it all the more bouncier and healthy.

Who is the ideal candidate for this treatment?

People who spend a ton of time blow drying and straightening ones hair People who want to loosen their curls or waves People who desire frizz-free hair People who want smoother, silkier and shinier hair

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Recipe This Iranian delicacy is a great twist to the traditional daal and chaawal we all love so much — it combines them both in a single, wholesome meal. And what’s more, it is a healthy alternative becasue of the smaller rice portions and anti-oxidants present in the white kidney beans and other legumes. I guarantee you will love it!

Ash-e-Brainj

Preparation: Gulnaz Mondegarian is an expert in Iranian cuisine who has cohosted Food Diaries alongside Zarnak Sidhwa to celebrate of Parsi Food Week

• Pre-cook the chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils in advance, unless you are using canned products.

• Soak the rice in water and set aside to be cooked later.

• Soak the tamarind in warm water and set aside.

Method: • Heat 5-6 cups of water in a pot.

• Add the lentils, chickpeas and green and red kidney beans to the water and cook until they become tender.

• In a frying pan, heat some vegetable oil at medium heat and fry the onions and garlic cloves until they become translucent.

• Add salt and the remaining spices to the water mixture and allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Add the fried onions and garlic to the mixture.

• Add the rice, cover the pot and allow the mixture to boil until the rice is cooked thoroughly.

• Add the chopped coriander and stir.

• Serve the meal in individual bowls.

Ingredients:

Onions (medium- Garlic cloves 3-4 Red kidney beans sized) 2-3 ½ cup

White kidney beans 1 cup

Chickpeas ½ cup Salt 1 and ½ tsp Chili powder 1 tsp

Coriander powder 1 tsp

Tamarind paste (optional) 1 cup

Rice 1 cup

Vegetable oil

Turmeric powder 1 tsp

Zeera powder 1 tsp

Green lentils (Green maash daal) 1 cup

Coriander or spinach (optional) 1 bunch

hottie of the week 8

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Status Born

Single London, England

Birthday

11th May, 1973

Face

85%

Haroon Rashid

Body

80%

Who is he?

This classy, half-Pakistani and half-British crooner barely needs an introduction! Haroon burst into the lime-light upon graduating from the George Washington University, with popular boy-band Awaaz back in 1993, and since then there has been no looking back. This multi-talented singer, musician, composer, producer and performer pioneered the Pakistani pop scene back then and now has a fan-following in the millions, at home and abroad. With three exhilarating music albums, a highly-successful solo career, oodles of musical genius and strapping good looks, Haroon is all set to take over the world and our hearts, i.e. if he hasn’t already!

Talent

90%

Why we love him Passionate, friendly and unbelievably cute, Haroon’s striking personality and refreshing smile can melt even the hardest of hearts. He is a selfproclaimed dreamer who maintains a diary of his ‘dreams’ as he enjoys writing and to hopefully, fulfill them all someday. For Haroon, life and everything about it is a dream — an adventure and he aspires to live it out to the best of his abilities.

But what is best about Haroon is that he not only dreams, he also knows how to make his dreams come true! He hopes to eliminate inequality and illiteracy in Pakistan and therefore, has joined the Save the Children campaign to help the less fortunate youngsters. He is deeply inspired by Nelson Mandela and dreams of a society where everyone comes together and overcome their obstacles to make a positive change. Long story short, Haroon is pretty much like Pakistan’s very own McDreamy, making hearts turn to mush with his musing gaze and idealism.

What you didn’t know about him Dreams are not the only thing Haroon likes to record; he has a habit of making To-Do lists, even if he does not complete them.

His favourite cuisine is barbeque!

Much like the rest of Pakistan, Haroon absolutely loves the Margalla Hills of Islamabad — especially when it is raining — and he visits the hills frequently to enjoy the beautiful views and reflect on life.

Total Package

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