While former Chess Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand rarely spoke about his life, achievements, and how he dealt with struggles and setbacks, his wife and manager Aruna Anand gave a glimpse into the player that Anand was. In a 2023 interaction with CNBC TV18, Aruna opened up about an incident in Argentina when Anand lost due to “silly mistakes.”
“Anand was playing in a tournament in Argentina. He was winning. He was in contention but he went and lost two games. Both the losses were ‘silly’ mistakes. I was really angry at him. So, I said, if you want dinner tonight, 50 pushups now. And the poor man did it. I think physical training is a very big game changer because everybody thinks chess is a mental game. More and more, it’s becoming a physical game,” said Aruna.
Experts affirm that breaking records requires mental toughness along with physical strength. “A determined mindset along with physical training helps push through mental fatigue. It’s a blend of physical fitness, discipline, and a structured approach,” said Dr Ravikumar Mukartihal, consultant- orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon, SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road.
Adding, Dr Prashant Goyal, senior consultant, psychiatry, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, said the body’s fitness and health have close links with the person’s mental well-being. “Activities like completing pushups bring several psychological benefits. Performing such tasks stimulates the release of hormones like endorphins, the brain’s natural mood enhancers, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It also promotes a sense of accomplishment, strengthening self-esteem and building a resilient mindset,” said Dr Goyal.
The mental focus required to complete push-ups encourages concentration and builds discipline, qualities that extend beyond exercise to other areas of life. “Moreover, the improved blood circulation resulting from physical activity improves cognitive functions, such as memory and decision-making,” said Dr Goyal.
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However, maintaining proper form is essential to prevent injuries when doing push-ups. This involves keeping the body aligned, engaging the core, and ensuring a straight back throughout the movement.
Beginners should start with smaller sets and progressively increase repetitions as their strength improves. Listening to your body and avoiding overexertion is essential, especially if you have pre-existing shoulder or wrist issues.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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