JOIN USGet rid of excess flab with classical dance
If you are tired of working out on treadmill and do not enjoy high-octane aerobics either but still want to get rid of that extra bulge, try Indian classical dance.
Western dance forms such as ballroom, salsa and jazz are known as a means to stay in shape for quite some time now but few know of traditional dances as a fun-filled replacement for the same.
From Bharatnatyam to Kathak, from Kuchipudi to Odissi, depending upon the form one can burn a large amount of calories and increase mental stimulation.
These classical dance forms work as a vigorous workout for muscles from head to toe by increasing cardiovascular endurance and give results similar to workouts in gyms except helping in body building.
Dance increases the rate at which the body takes in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide and other toxins. The best part is you're not even thinking about losing weight while doing it.
Mrigank Aggarwal, head of physiotherapy department at Tamanna NGO says all dance forms help in raising cardiovascular endurance which further improve longevity of heart and lungs but classical dance is better at toning lower limbs and thighs and calf muscles. “Just as workout, classical dances too help in keeping the body well-toned. Both give similar results if done regularly. In fact, Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Odissi dance are better at toning the lower limbs,” he says.
Bharatnatyam, a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, involves slow and lightning fast movements leaps, neck movements and intricate footwork. The dance form also involves extensive use of ankles, abdomen and neck, along with the associated muscles and ligaments that help tone up muscles. These movements lower the risk of heart disease, help with weight loss and strengthen the bones and muscles in legs and hips.
About 10 minutes of Odissi, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, is equivalent to an hour of any other workout. Odissi involves movements of all legs, upper torso, wrist, neck and feet.
Madhav, CEO, Kanhai’s Institute of Performing Arts (KIPA) and also a trainer of Odissi dance forms includes stretching positions which are beneficial for body in helping losing weight. “Odissi involves stretching of solar plexes muscles which starts toning up muscles gradually. One can burn 250 calories by practising Odissi for an hour,” says Madhav, a trained Odissi dancer.
He teaches a dance form as an exercise to lose weight. The form is an amalgamation of Odissi, Jazz and contemporary western dance that is best for body as a workout. “Even if people are learning and practicing it to stay fit, they must have some interest in classical dance. Only then will it show good results and lend a glow to the face,” he adds.
Originated from Uttar Pradesh, Kathak demands a lot of breathing exercises and neck movements which are effective in improving vitality and preventing headaches. Just like all other classical dances, Kathak’s movements also help in toning up the body and improve blood circulation.
Not only do these century old dances help in cutting extra flab, they also improve attention and concentration. “Unlike gyming, classical dance movements require a synchronisation between hands and eyes. It automatically helps improve attention and concentration span,” says Mrigank. So get a curvaceous body a traditional way.