Bhopalites,dance your way to fitness

BHOPAL: Staying fit is a huge task today. Sweating it out in a gym after eight or more hours at work does not appeal to everyone, and that’s why people have started talking about

dance classes

more than gyms. Such are the effects of a good dance routine, that even gyms have started to include dance workout sessions among their offerings. Vishal Verma, a city gym owner and

fitness

expert says, “Following the same fitness routine is difficult. But add some fun to it and it gets positive results. Dance is accepted as an excellent way to stay fit. We have aerobics, zumba, step aerobics and

belly dance

sessions at our gym.”

Fitness enthusiast Swati Nuwal, a painter by profession, became bored of walking the treadmill and doing push ups, and opted for dance workout sessions instead. “When I saw people tapping their feet to Bollywood numbers, I thought ‘why not join this workout session?’ I love music and that motivated me. I joined aerobics four months ago and lost 26 kilos.” Advocate and fitness enthusiasts Ratnesh Jain says, “A fitness expert advised me to join an aerobics workout. I wasn’t very sure because I am very bad at dancing, but my instructor helped me out. For almost a year now I am attending the aerobics workout sessions and am pretty confident about my body. I am also able to concentrate better.”

Dance isn’t something one needs to learn. If you love to move, the rhythm will come naturally. Dance instructor Abhishek Jain J, who conducts aerobics sessions at a city gym, says, “Dancing is a fun activity for all age groups. It is a perfect option for those who wish to blend fun and fitness together. I have at least 50 members in my dance workout session every day.”

Zumba is another popular dance workout. Palak Tiwari, who conducts zumba sessions, says, “The awareness towards being fit has increased and people want to experiment with various workouts. Dance sessions turn lively as the music starts and every member enjoys it.” Reya A Barnal, who conducts belly dance sessions, says, “People come to us with a lot of expectations. We guide them about various workout sessions, but most opt for dance workouts as it gives them a perfect fitness regime from head to toe. Belly dancing helps reduce tummy weight with no stress.”

Bokwa is the most recent dance workout to come to light in the city. Monika Sahay, a fitness expert who organized the recent bokwa workshop, says, “Bokwa was introduced by international fitness personality Paul Mavi. The name bokwa is a combination of ‘bo’ which stands for South African boxing and ‘kwa’, a traditional South African dance.” Arjun Yadav, another fitness expert in the city, says, “With interesting steps set to international music beats, bokwa provides variety. And the best part is that there are high-impact and low-impact workout options available in this form.” So if you too are looking for a break from your exercise routine, try dancing your way to fitness.


Good to know:

Zumba

A high intensity workout.
Can give you. your dose of cardio while helping you to tone your abs and thighs.
Zumba is mostly set to popular Bollywood numbers.

Belly dancing

Known for its sensual and elegant moves.
From the arms to shoulders, chest, abdomen, hips and legs,
almost all the key muscles in your body are used extensively.
Involves intense rotation of the hips, abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms and back and helps workout all the core muscles.
One can burn as much as 300 calories in one session.

Aerobics

Aerobics improves mental condition.
It increases body resistance.
Improves muscle health.
Helps control weight.
This routine also helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Bokwa

An energetic and addictive cardio workout routine.
Besides burning up to 1,200 calories in one session, this workout enhances muscular strength, flexibility and cardio respiratory endurance, which reduces the risk of a coronary heart disease.
Can help you de-stress and deal with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and cognitive functions.