Muscle mania grips men-Hrithik is one of DEM!!!

If Shah Rukh Khan can do it why not me," this is what one gets to hear if you visit a fitness training centre in the capital. With six pack abs, Shah Rukh has given a new meaning to the adage "health is wealth", and this image has triggered a new craze for eight pack abs (a step ahead of King Khan) amongst health enthusiasts in the capital.

From celebrities to college-goers, fitness training centres are packed with aspiring eight pack abs candidates. So, who in the capital is the ideal candidate for eight pack abs? Says Pooja Bedi, "Keeping in mind, Delhi’s political buzz, I think eight pack abs will complement Omar Abdullah’s cute smile." Many are of the opinion that politicians are the ones, who need eight pack abs as only a healthy mind can reside in a healthy body, and that will eventually lead to healthy politics.

Actor Rajeev Paul says, "Eight pack abs signify fitness, and looking at the stressful schedule of our politicians, I think they need it the most. Moreover, no one knows eight pack abs might curb scams and encourage healthy politics." However, VJ Yuvi gave an alternate view saying, "It is true that our politicians should be the proud owners of eight pack abs. In fact, with so many coalition governments in the country, they deserve ‘party packs’ for the smooth functioning of their parties."

If one looks back at Bollywood’s recent past, one is sure to find many stars with "muscular physics". Whether it’s John Abraham in Jism, Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Na Pyaar Hain, many Bollywood hunks in the past have pumped their muscle to add "muscular" glamour to their characters, and have succeeded at the box office.

Experts say getting eight pack abs is not a Herculean task, but there are a few scientific criteria that need to fulfilled. The most important is the genetic factor. Experts say that most men can develop eight pack abs, but weak tendon divisions don’t always define the bottom row, even if they have taut tendons, a lot of discipline is required to melt the fat that hides the rectus abdominus.

Elucidating her take on eight pack abs, Kiran Sawhney, fitness trainer, Fitness Solution says, "A proper fitness plan is the basic criteria for getting eight pack abs. Working under a qualified trainer, who has a complete understanding of human anatomy is a must. The body fat intake should be low to achieve eight pack abs. Cardio activities help in reducing body fat, and only after that should one do exercises to build the eight pack structure."

The craze to keep fit in today’s world has been the motto for many, and this has eventually increased the number of fitness training centres in the country. The emergence of a working class with an expandable income can be cited as a reason for this, as hectic working schedules and lack of time to devote to matters regarding health has prompted many to join fitness training centres.

"Yes, the new generation is very health-conscious. They have the money to spend, and are game to do anything for a healthy body. I agree that the number of fitness centres have seen an incredible increase in recent times, which I think is a good sign for India’s future," says Manoj Tiwari, a fitness trainer Fitness World, Preet Vihar.

He also added that the 70,000 crore healthcare industry has a great scope for growth in the private sector, and in such a situation, taking up fitness training as a profession can be fruitful.