Ditch the workout, join the party

So you think you can dance? These routines will help you lose weight before you even know it

July 12, 2014 03:07 pm | Updated 03:07 pm IST - chennai:

Masala Bhangra work-out is an exercise dance program that blends Bhangra steps with the exhilaration of Bollywood dance moves. Photo: M. Periasamy

Masala Bhangra work-out is an exercise dance program that blends Bhangra steps with the exhilaration of Bollywood dance moves. Photo: M. Periasamy

Thirty odd people in a pool, dressed in their best swimming costumes and pepped up to exuberant levels. No, it isn’t a pool-side party it’s an Aqua-Zumba class and arguably, more happening than a pool-party. And definitely more happening than dull walks on a treadmill or pedalling stationary cycles.

If you are looking for a fun workout to give a boost to your gym-trodden spirits, we have just the cure. From Bollywood routines to Afro-Cuban dances, here is a list of workouts that’ll burn your calories the enjoyable way.

Masala Bhangra: This spicy dance-routine will not only help you lose weight, it’ll also pep up your spirits for the rest of the day. “The Masala Bhangra work-out is an exercise dance program that blends Bhangra steps with the exhilaration of Bollywood dance moves,” says Rakhi Suryavanshi, a Masala Bhangra instructor from Mumbai. The Masala Bhangra phenomenon, like its cousin ‘Bollywood Work-out’ has gripped the imagination of fitness enthusiasts all over the world. A complete cardiovascular workout, an hour long-session of Masala Bhangra can help you shed 500 to 800 calories.

Aqua-Zumba: This modified form of Zumba, is certainly giving Indian dance forms a run for their money. As the name suggests, Aqua-Zumba is the water-meets-dance version of Zumba and is specially recommended for people with mobility issues. “It is a perfect workout for over-weight people. It is also great for people with knee or backpain because the water acts as a cushion.” says Sucheta Pal, an Aqua-Zumba instructor and a Zumba-educationist. This routine doesn’t just burn fat, it is also said to increase metabolic rate, increase lung capacity, stabilise blood pressure and reduce insomnia.

Bollywood Workout: A unanimous favourite, Bollywood work-out is at the top when it comes to dance-based workouts and is offered by almost all the dance-fitness academies around the country, with new participants pouring in every day.

“Bollywood is something that touches everyone across all age groups in India. Usually the age-groups for Bollywood workouts start from 11 years and go up to 50 years,” says Nupur Banerji, a dance artiste and fitness instructor. Internationally, this fast-paced and quick calorie burning (approximately 800 calories per hour) routine, is replacing Yoga to become the new face of Indian fitness techniques.

Afro-Cuban Dance Routine: How about introducing tribal tunes to your work-out? Welcome to the rich, traditional world of Afro-Cuban dance routine. “At our academy it started as a pre-Salsa warmup workshop, but because of the addictive Caribbean (and often Cuban) music, it branched off as an independent class,” says Anant Sandhu of Delhi Dance Academy. “It encompasses the head, abdomen and legs with rotatory, contraction and extraction-based movements,” he adds. The Afro-Cuban, though unusual, is quickly seeping into the Indian fitness circle. An hour of this fun-routine can help you burn up to 600 calories.

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