GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

If you have recently started your fitness journey or are planning to do it soon, you will come across words like “strength training” and “weight training”. But, what do these terms mean, and how much of it should you inculcate in your daily fitness regimen? More often, people primarily focus on weight loss or bodybuilding. However, an important thing to remember is to lose fat healthily. Overdoing your exercises and following unreasonable diets can have the opposite effect on your body.

This article will look at a few key differences between “weight training” and “strength training” to help you understand them better. Always remember to use weights under the guidance of a professional. Improper postures and overestimating your ability can lead to muscular and joint injuries. Let’s get started!

What is weight training?

Weight training indicates exercises that require the use of weights. Weights can be of various types; dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, etc. Weight training is not limited to using gym equipment for your exercises. You can also make use of your body weight to practice weight training. Exercises such as push-ups, planks, and pull-ups are a few examples of using your body weight to see similar results to gym training.

Do not exert too much with excessive weights while doing weight training. Focus on how long it takes to fatigue your muscle with the most basic weight. Build your way up from there. Adding weights and gradually increasing the number of sets is a highly efficient way of building strength. If you experience pain while doing an exercise, it is best to leave that exercise. Take that up later with fewer weights.

Benefits of weight training:

● Increases strength of muscles and tissues

● Improves bone density

● Improves heart health

● It prevents aches in joints and back

● Aids in weight loss

● Defines and sculpts your body

What is strength training?

Strength training focuses on building strength and resistance. The basic purpose of doing strength training is to develop a strong core. It takes advantage of muscle contraction to build endurance and overall body strength. Strength training involves parts of weight training such as push-ups, lunges, etc. Equipment can vary from ropes and sleds to balance balls, and tyres. Strength training involves customised plans to stimulate and emphasise a particular area.

It is highly beneficial for people looking to improve their flexibility. Sportspersons undergo this training to enhance their skills and understand the chain of movement they will require in the game. Strength training plays a crucial role in helping people manoeuvre through these routines and gain optimal body functionality.

Benefits of strength training:

● Strengthens your body

● Boosts your metabolism

● Reduces fat

● Lowers risk of injury

● Helps in managing blood sugar levels

● Makes you more flexible

These are a few key differences between strength and weight training. One thing to remember while starting weight or strength training is to consult a trainer or a professional. Proper guidance is important for first-timers. Professionals can aid you in understanding the requirements of your body and customise a plan accordingly.

Irrespective of what kind of exercise you are doing, do not underestimate the power of a proper warm-up. Warm-ups prepare your muscles and tissues to prepare your body for an intense workout and decrease the chances of injuries. Putting in ten minutes of your time to do cardio or walking makes a good warm-up.

People join a gym or a yoga class to remain fit and healthy. However, investing in health insurance is another good habit of remaining aware of health. Health expenses can severely drain your finances, and reliable health insurance will help you avoid them. Take a step toward a healthier lifestyle and buy health insurance online in India. Enjoy the perks of purchasing a heal insurance policy online and get rewarded with an attractive premium.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Buying a second-hand car is a quick and easy way to get into the world of driving. Second-hand cars are a boon for families that dream of having their own car but find it difficult due to financial reasons. Research states that of the total car transactions made in India, around 55% are used cars purchases.

However, buying a used car doesn't mean you won't need insurance. Without insurance, you may find yourself paying even more for accidental damages and other repair or maintenance costs. You can save considerably on garage costs by investing in the right car insurance policy and capitalise on its benefits to gain healthy returns on your investment.

What is second-hand car insurance?
When you're buying a used car, the insurance history is essential — it shows you how much the owners took care of their vehicle and whether or not they were honest with their insurance claims.
After buying a used car, immediately call your insurance company. Registration is the first step in purchasing a vehicle. After you are registered, you have 14 days to transfer the insurance policy into your name.

Why is it essential to insure your second-hand car?
In India, car insurance is mandatory by law. However, third-party policies (also called liability car insurance) aren't sufficient to cover all damages. On the other hand, comprehensive policies provide more in-depth coverage.
As for your car insurance, choose a policy that includes comprehensive coverage. It will protect you against losses due to damages caused by human or natural calamities or the loss of your vehicle itself. Suppose a third party's death or injury occurs during an accident. In that case, their family will not be able to claim from you directly if you have paid the policy premium timely.

Pros of getting your second-hand car insured – The insurance policies cover you against the following problems:

• Natural disasters – Comprehensive car insurance covers your losses against damages caused by natural disasters like storms, floods, earthquakes, and other events beyond human control.

• Car accidents – Insurance protects you against the financial risks of injury or death due to car accidents, as well as damage or destruction of your vehicle.

• Robbery – As long as you have an accurate insured declared value, comprehensive car insurance will cover theft, vandalism, and other accidents resulting in total loss.

• Man-made catastrophes – You never know what could happen, but if someone else's actions cause your car to catch fire, you'll be covered. Likewise, artificial catastrophes such as vandalism, fire, self-ignition, and acts of terrorism will be covered under this policy.

Ignorance is never bliss when it comes to the safety of your car. In many cases, owners do not qualify for insurance claims due to a lack of awareness. Individuals must transfer the insurance policy to their name if buying or selling a second-hand car. The previous owner should also follow the procedure to ensure that legal problems don't arise in the future.

While owning an uninsured vehicle comes with several risks, one should also keep in mind that Indian law mandates that all vehicles must be covered under proper insurance.

Click HERE to know more about car insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Sports are the preferred choice of physical activity by most people. It’s an exciting and fun way of incorporating physical activity into your routine. Spending at least half an hour a day playing can be magical for your mind and body. There is no better stress buster than playing your favourite sport.

If you are confused about where to start your fitness journey, playing a sport is a right start for you. However, are you worried about the many injuries that the sportspersons talk about? Fret not! We are here to clear the space of confusion and state all the facts and remedies before you.

This article talks about a few common sports injuries and their treatments for a faster and effortless healing process.

1. Sprains:

A tear or stretch in the ligaments caused is known as a sprain. As it can directly impact the movement of joints, even the menial tasks become highly painful. The most common are ankle sprain, wrist sprain, and knee sprain. Improper footing or a profound impact on different body parts can cause ligament tears or sprains.
Constant pain, swelling, redness, bruising, etc., are the general symptoms of a sprain. Sprains can typically take anywhere between a week to a month to heal fully. The easiest ways to fasten sprains' healing process are heat therapy, rest, and restricting movement.

2. Fractures:

Fractures are also a common injury that often occurs to sportspersons. Depending upon the severity of the injury, fractures typically take a month to six months to completely heal. Fractures can be cured using casts, padding, plasters, etc.
However, there are times when the doctor might suggest surgery to ensure that the bone fully grows back and is appropriately aligned. Misaligned bones can cause severe long-term implications if not fixed immediately.

3. Back and Shoulder injuries:

How often have we heard people complaining about their back giving them trouble? The spine is most susceptible to strain and stress during physical activity. Since your entire body frame is supported on your spine, giving extra care to your back is essential for staying fit.
Overlooking the stress on the back may lead to severe inflammation resulting in slip-discs and other back-related injuries. Treatments can vary depending upon the severity. Sometimes patients are recommended to take complete bed rest or undergo surgery.

4. Concussion:

In sports such as football and basketball, players can come across sudden high-impact injuries to the head. This traumatic injury can affect brain function. The symptoms can range from minor headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Sometimes, these injuries do not show symptoms immediately and can take several months to manifest into other complications. Always consult a specialist to ensure that there are no severe injuries.

These were a list of the most common sports injuries prevalent amongst sportspersons. Remember to not over-exert the body whenever it shows signs of ache or strain. Sports and other physical activities are meant to be enjoyed while also helping you maintain an active lifestyle. But as the saying goes, "Excess of anything is harmful". Overdoing your practice can cause severe issues and aggravate the health of your body.

Always practice under the guidance of an instructor who can monitor your form and stamina. To safeguard yourself from the expensive treatments you might need during recovery, consider opting for the best personal accident policy in India. This way, you can rest assured that all your extra expenses are being taken care of. Never give up your spirit of playing a sport by surrendering to injuries. So, be cautious and continue passionately pursuing your favourite sport!

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The world has gone digital, and given the current technologies coming in, there is absolutely no doubt that the digital era is here to stay. Everything in our work and personal lives is getting digitised by the moment. This indicates that our dependency on “screens” is going to rise. But how does that impact your vision?

Your eyes are your window to the world. It is one of the primary sensory organs which plays an integral role in your life. Unfortunately, the increase in the use of gadgets harms our vision. Your eyes are your window to the world. It is one of the primary sensory organs which plays an integral role in your life. Unfortunately, the increase in the use of gadgets harms our vision. Like a sound mind helps makes in a good body, healthy eyes sustain a healthy body.

But how to take care of your eyes in this world of soaring screen times? The following tips are beneficial for you to imbibe in your lifestyle to maintain a perfect 6/6 vision.

1. Your diet should be well-balanced:
The health of your eyes depends a lot on your food habits. The healthier food you consume, the better. Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and vitamins C and E enriched diet can fend off degenerative eye diseases like cataracts and Age-Related Macular degeneration (AMD). These nutritional constituents are necessary to maintain ocular surfaces. In addition, vitamin A for children is essential.

Make sure your diet contains the following foods:

• Fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables

• Berries

• In case you’re a non-vegetarian, then salmon, tuna, and other oily fish

• Lentils, eggs, beans

• Citrus fruits

• Seeds and nuts

2. Sun protection:
The ultraviolet rays from the sun have been proven to be harmful to the eyes. These rays can cause cataracts and Age-Related Macular degeneration (AMD), pterygia, and eye tumors. Avoid looking at the sun directly with naked eyes. Ensure that you wear the right sunglasses which protect you from UV-A and UV-B radiation.

3. Say no to smoking:
There’s no argument against the fact that smoking is bad for your health. It damages your respiratory systems and eventually deteriorates your whole body. There is sufficient data that proves that smoking increases the risk of AMD and cataracts exponentially. It also dries up your eyes, making it lose vision gradually.

4. Safety goggles:
To prevent any eye injuries, you must wear safety goggles whenever required. It doesn’t matter where you are; if your work deals with chemicals or airborne materials, you must ensure that you’re wearing your safety goggles. The same goes if you’re handling sensitive equipment or fireworks. Sports injuries can also cause eye damage. So you must wear a helmet and protective goggles.

5. Keep an eye on screen time:
Sitting in front of a screen can cause many eye issues, including headaches, strain, blurred vision, dryness, etc. Wear glasses or lenses, according to your power. Take breaks between your work. Increasing font size, adjusting the brightness, and lubricating eye drops are other ways to protect your eyes.

6. Regular checkups: Visit your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive examinations. If the doctor picks up anything during the checkup, you can eradicate the problem in the very early stages by proper treatment. This ensures that your eyes stay healthy in the long run.

Understand the vitality of having a good vision and healthy eyes before the situation slips out of hand. Follow the above tips and practice a few eye exercises to keep the blood flow constant in the eyes.

Now that we’ve discussed the tips to have better vision, another wise option to take care of your eyes and overall health is to buy health insurance, especially for the elderly of the family. So, browse through the several options and purchase health insurance in India for parents, which caters to their needs and enjoy life without any worries.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Exercising is something that no one should ever compromise on. And if you are someone who religiously works out, you are already better than the sixty-four percent population of the country. But exercising is not any random daily task that you need to tick from your to-do list. It is a strict health practice that demands your time and dedication.

Exercise has stages that usually are overlooked. Ask any fitness enthusiast, and they will tell you pre-and post-workout care is as essential as the workout. The pre-workout phase includes a warm-up session. This is needed to warm up your body and get your muscles ready for a round of the extensive workout. Warm-ups before exercise avoid injuries that can later turn fatal. But, what do you do after your workout is done?

This article will take a detailed look at everything you can do post-workout to ensure optimum functionality and maximum results for your body.

1. Hydration:

Drinking too much water right after your workout is unsuitable for your body. Instead, it shocks the body with a sudden temperature change. Due to this sudden temperature change, the body uses energy to heat the water, which can slow down the rehydration process. Instead, take small sips after every set of exercises.

2. Stretching:

Stretching is an often-ignored part of workout routines. It takes barely 05-10 minutes. However, if you are running short on time, you can stretch on the go. You can easily do stretching such as lunge walking, overhead stretches, bicep stretches, side bends, etc., as you walk to the exit gates of the gym.
Stretching enhances flexibility and decreases muscle soreness after a high-intensity workout. If you miss out on stretches, it can lead to severe back pain and muscle soreness.

3. Restore your proteins:

Protein helps in muscle repair. You can obtain your daily protein intake from various sources such as eggs, curd, paneer, etc. Protein powders and supplements can be consumed as an add-on.
The amino acids in protein act as building blocks, essential for the repair and regeneration of muscles. Protein intake also helps with soreness that might follow the subsequent day after a heavy workout.

4. Include nutrient rich food:

Add a balanced and nutrient-rich meal to your post-workout diet for growth and recovery. Include foods with high content of vitamins, fibres, minerals, and carbohydrates for a well-rounded meal. For carbohydrates, you can opt for oats, rice, millets, etc.
Add spinach, beans, and cabbage for added fibre and nutrient content. Snacking on nuts is a smart way to ensure the intake of healthy fats, which are key ingredients to reducing inflammation.

5. Rest and Recovery:

If you practice heavy workouts, the general rule dictates that you should give your body a break of forty-eight hours weekly. Take the weekends off and indulge in light cardio such as walking, running, cycling, etc. Do not forget to add stretching to your rest days.
Our body is constantly communicating with us about what it needs. Listen to your body and take notice of the small changes that your body is responding to. Avoid straining if you feel like there is a possible chance of injury.

These are tips you can follow to ensure that your efforts and fitness enthusiasm do not go to waste. As mentioned above, overdoing exercises to the point of exhaustion can have severe implications. Always follow a routine under the guidance of a professional to avoid injuries and fatigue.

Remember that your body is unique and has requirements that are tailor-made for you. Sometimes, due to various reasons, our bodies are susceptible to injuries and accidents. Choose the best personal accident insurance to safeguard yourself and your loved ones in these situations. Don't allow injuries to stop you from hustling for a healthy lifestyle.

Click HERE to buy best personal accident insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The past couple of years saw an increasing trend of people inculcating gardening in their daily lives. As people were locked down as the pandemic peaked, having a little plant companion was the best way to stay cheerful during challenging times. Having greens around not only enhances the house's beauty but also purifies the air and supplies oxygen.

While taking care of plants might initially seem daunting, gardening can become therapeutic once you know all the little knick-knacks. Today we will look at the tips and tricks that will help you start your gardening journey.

1. Start small:
Setting up your garden need not be expensive. Use the take-out boxes and old paint boxes lying around your house to pot new plants. You can find the seeds/saplings and the soil at dirt-cheap prices in your nearby nursery. Or you can even use the seeds from the groceries in your very own kitchen.

2. Succulents:
They can survive extreme weather conditions and require almost zero maintenance. They only need direct sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day and water once a week. Since they are used to surviving in low moisture conditions, you can breathe easy, knowing your plant won't die.

3. Own your kitchen garden:
Having a kitchen garden gives you the positive reinforcement you need. Plants like tomato, ginger, garlic, and gourds do not take up much of your time. You can invest in the soil and see the returns. Using your homegrown vegetables and herbs will be the best reward you deserve.

4. Prepare your compost:
All you need to do is separate your kitchen waste and put it into a pot explicitly kept for this purpose. Then, mix the waste and soil every once in a while to ensure the soil takes up all the nutrients from the waste. This way, you will have your compost ready! Mix this while preparing your pot for new plants.

6. Preventing insects and mealybugs:
As a beginner, you might face challenges while buying insecticides. Making your insecticide solution at home can be an option for you. Adding 3 ml shampoo to one litre of water in a spraying pump and spraying it under the leaves is an excellent way to get rid of mealybugs.
Using diluted rice water is also an effective solution to get rid of tiny insect infestation on your plants. These home remedies are more efficient and cost-effective than the other chemicals.

7. Tools for beginners:
Tools are used to toss the soil, remove weeds and cut out any infected leaf. These can be done with any readily available tools in our homes. But if you must invest in your gardening toolkit, then spades, gloves, and pruning scissors are required in the beginning. Later, you can add forked trowels, garden forks, etcetera, when you build your garden further.

Since most of us are beginners, we should be careful when dealing with soil and tools. Chances are we might be susceptible to infections and Paronychia. They are mostly treated at home, but at times you might need to get yourself proper medications for the same. Getting a personal accident insurance policy would help you rest assured in case of any such mishaps. Planting and gardening can add value to your life, and having a safety net in the form of personal accident insurance only adds value to your experiences. Here's to hoping that this list is just the right motivation to start your gardening journey.

For more details on personal accident insurance policy, click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Most people think that buying a commodity like a car is a significant expense, especially if you have taken a loan. Understand that a loan is a liability, and if not managed properly, it could lead you to huge debts. Also, the maintenance and motor insurance can additionally cost more and affect your pockets.

Don't think that the market decides loan and interest rates, and you can do nothing to save the cost. In reality, the high-interest rate on the loan you borrowed affects your car loan. There are practical ways to save up on the loans of your car. Below is the guide to give you the best tips to save money on your car loan.

1. Constrain/control your credit:
Your credit history will directly affect the interest rate of the loan. If you have a low credit score, the lender may apply higher rates for your loan amount. Sort your credit report, and know that a good credit score will help you lock up the best deal on loans.

2. Navigate beyond the dealers:
Find ways to look beyond just one middleman/broker for your car loans. Getting advice or financing quotations from the dealer is not a bad option. But, when you shop for other things, do you stop at one halt and purchase? The answer is NO. So, do the same with your car loan options.

3. Buy an inexpensive car:
It does not sound like earnest advice, but at a point, it is proven logical. Getting a car is more about comfort and ease of life than merely a status symbol. Buy a reliable, best-fit vehicle that comes with lesser interest on the loan amount. Buying a car within your budget will also help you save up on motor insurance premiums.

4. Budget your down payment:
If possible, make sure to pay a substantial down payment on the purchase of the car. So, it will decrease the amount of interest on loans. Logically, the lower the principal amount, the lower the EMI will be.

5. Smaller tenure of the loan:
Opposite to the down payment, the tenure periods should be short. The lender will benefit from it if you have an extended tenure period. If you have a shorter tenure, you'll pay off the loan much faster. Also, interest components will be lower.

6. Count the processing fees:
The processing fee for the car loans is a one-time fee, and some banks waive off their prices during special occasions. So try to benefit from it by taking loans in that period. Also, make sure you don't get charged any extra in the name of processing fees, apart from general rates.

7. Go through the fine print:
One of the vital steps is to check all papers pertaining to the loan. Whether you take the quotation or make the final deal, read all the legal documents and understand them. Don't get trapped, and be conscious of the agreement while you are availing of a loan.

Stick to budgeting your loans. Be thoughtful with your financial position to consider the loan, interest, and ways to save up on your hard-earned money. There are ample ways to save the cost of your car loan payments. Don't rush the process and check every option before choosing the right one for your car. Like having good motor insurance comes with reasonable premium rates, a car loan can also be obtained with lower EMI if you make intelligent moves.

Are you looking for suitable motor insurance for your car? Click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Did you know that fireflies glow in the dark to attract their mate and give out an honest evolutionary symbol that their babies are foul-tasting? Foul-tasting or not, these beetles have been attracting people for a long time.

People look up in fascination when these creatures dance in multitudes, trying to attract a partner from the opposite sex. So, whether you're trying to have a romantic getaway with your partner, trying to have a memorable trip with your family, or need some peace to meditate with nature, going to a place where you can see these stunning creatures at night is just the right vacation for you.

Back in our grandparent's stories, fireflies would be abundantly seen at the onset of every monsoon, busy attracting their mates. But due to the fairly recent change in the global climate, it's very rare to see this sight in cities. Here are 04 top destinations to see these mesmerising creatures.

1. Purushwadi:

Purushwadi is the most famous destination by far. It has been successfully holding a fireflies festival for many years. A tribal village situated about 200 km from Mumbai in the Western Ghats, one gets to experience the quaint village life along with the magic of the homestays and delicious food.
This has been made possible by local NGOs that work in rural tourism. It is a perfect getaway for city dwellers who want to experience peaceful rural life. It is easily accessible from Mumbai, taking about 05 hours by car.

2. Rajmachi:

As we welcome the season's first showers, one of the most exciting things this monsoon is to go on a night trek to Rajmachi fort. The Rajmachi Fort is about a 16 km trek from the Lonavala station, and you can spot fireflies after sunset.
The Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts offer stunning views of the valley, making it a popular destination among trekkers. The surrounding Sahyadri ranges are perfect for spotting fireflies. Another brilliant spot for experiencing this is around the Udhewadi village.

3. Mulshi Lake:

At a small distance of 50 km from Mumbai, Mulshi is a beautiful village that boasts peace and serenity like nowhere else. Mulshi is a scenic beauty with a plethora of sights, like waterfalls, rugged cliffs, green forests, and meandering hiking paths.
In these emerald green forests is the firefly display around Mulshi lake. Spend overnight at the local homestay, experience the fireflies show, and explore the area at night.

4. Sandhan Valley:

Sandhan Valley is a stunning carved valley with a 200 feet drop in the Western Ghats. Known as the valley of shadows, it consists of a deep narrow, floored ravine between the two high walls of a mountain range.
The commuting route is practically the same as Purushwadi, but from Igatpuri, one must head towards Samrad village. To get a local flavour out of the trip, try to get a villager to accompany you on the trek and make simple arrangements with them for food. For a few years, villagers have been providing travellers with tents to see the fireflies.

This experience is sure to be a rewarding one for enthusiastic travellers. Seeing these bioluminescent creatures in their natural habitat will surely be a treat to the eyes, mind, and soul. These destinations are close to Mumbai and Pune, both bustling and hectic cities. It is best to drive up there or take a local train. The roads often leading to these destinations are narrow and rocky terrains.

If you are considering driving up there, you must look out for the rough patches. Before moving out on a trip, whether long or just a short one, always ensure that you carry all the car's documents. Seat belts must be on, and if driving at night, drive slowly! Also, get the best car insurance before starting a new driving exploration!

Click HERE to know more about car insurance policies in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.