New Delhi, Sept. 7 -- Where has the bicep curl gone? There was a time when every gym had the image of a man lifting a dumbbell and curling the bicep-a muscle that signified strength and health. You don't see this as much today because it has been downgraded to a show muscle, though that is a bit harsh, as it has uses beyond aesthetics. In any case, even at the peak of its defamation, the bicep curl was never unhealthy. Unlike some of the new symbols of health, such as the Ironman triathlon.

The Ironman contest requires swimming about four kilometres, then immediately cycling about 180 kilometres, and finally running a full marathon of over 42 kilometres. To lure ordinary people, there is now the half-Ironman, which is a very odd name. Bu...