The recent deaths of actors Sidharth Shukla and Puneeth Rajkumar have prompted this question: how do people, who appear to be damn fit, die of cardiac arrests suddenly? Fitness experts in Hyderabad point out the dos and don'ts of exercise. A fitness expert at Cult Fit, T Vinod, says that the key is to push yourself, but don't be too hard on yourself. He says that he sees many people in the gym working out for hours without understanding their body type. He has seen people getting worried when they do not gain muscles or lose weight. He says that people shouldn't take celebrities as their role models because they have a team of experts to help them.

Vinod says that working out for 40 to 45 minutes, five days a week is enough to ensure a healthy life. Pushing past one's limits can hurt the heart.

Dr. Harikiran PVSC, Cardiologist at KIMS hospital, observes that long-term, strenuous exertion does hike the immediate risk for heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. He suggests that before one hits the gym, people should get a full body checkup and also consult a doctor. He adds that the mantra to follow in the gym is to go slow. Don't start heavy exercises right away. First, get your body used to the new rhythm. Or else, it becomes difficult for your heart to cope with the sudden exertion. Make sure you start your workout session with at least 10 minutes of warm-up. Then, spend at least five to ten minutes cooling down after the workout sessions.

Health experts also point out that adequate hydration, a good diet, and controlled protein supplement intake are also essential to keep your heart fit.

Tulasi, senior dietitian, KIMS, says that most people think that to stay fit, they have to avoid several food items, which is not true. Our body requires everything from carbs to proteins and even fats to keep our body running. Eliminating even one element can be very dangerous, not just to the heart but also to other vital organs, including the liver and kidneys, over a period of time. She also adds that many people lead a sedentary lifestyle, including drinking, smoking, and junk food, for five days a week and hit the gym over the weekend. This is even more harmful than not going to the gym. She suggests making sure that you do not stress yourself too much — mentally or physically. Stress is also not good for the heart.