Bollywood’s ‘Masala Bhangra’ aerobics thrills fitness enthusiasts

NEW DELHI - Move over salsa, tango, and Western dance forms and aerobics classes; it’s time for Bollywood-style fitness regimes.

‘Masala Bhangra’, a new form of dancing aerobics that combines rigorous workout with the pacy moves of a traditional dance from northern India is attracting youngsters and fitness enthusiasts in New Delhi.

Amalgamation of Hindi word Masala, which means ’spicy’ and Bhangra, a popular folk dance from the northern state of Punjab, this unique workout mixes cardiovascular workouts with dance moves, and is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels.

Conceived and designed by Sarina Jain, an American of Indian origin, Masala Bhangra is among the top five fitness workouts in the United States of America.

“‘Masala Bhangra’ is an Indian dance work out, ‘masala’ is Hindi; ‘bhangra’ is a folk dance of north part of India. This class combined with elements of bhangra and Bollywood. You have to put some elements of Bollywood into the class; my entire programme is backed by the fitness boards. I am very proud to say it is one of the top five workouts in the US,” said Jain.

She was in the Indian capital for her annual special class at her studio in which she personally supervises the participants.

Jain said along with the fitness aspect, her classes have also instilled confidence among the participants.

“There are many people out there who want to work out, but they don’t know what to do. There many people who want to dance, but they don’t know what to do? So when you break down steps easy, it’s a very simple routine. They feel accomplished, wow! Ok! I was easily get these five- six steps that I just learnt. And in the beginning when I thought my class, people were all over the place but the end people were like ok, we got it, we feel good. That is why I keep going over and over again because I didn’t want to stop. I have helped many people lose weight, helped many marriages. It’s helped many people’s confidence come out,” said Sarina.

A large number of fitness freaks along with first-timers from every age group participated in the high-energy workout.

Participants loved the Bhangra and Bollywood dance movements in an easy-to-follow fitness format.

“Wonderful, exciting, energetic, enthusiastic! It’s after a long time I have done bhangra and I think she must visit India frequently,” said Rakesh, one of the participants.

According to Jain, the ‘Masala Bhangra’ workout is certified by American Fitness Boards, including the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Jain has a chain of fitness studios in New York, Los Angeles and other cities of the US and in Japan. She is now planning to increase her base in India. (ANI)