A new fitness regime

Staying healthy

It’s exceedingly pertinent to look great, feel better and know that you’re healthy in between your call of duty.  Intense workouts will definitely guarantee that you stay in shape, but more often than not, following a relatively monotonous schedule might get tedious. Fitness junkies in the city have been indulging in a more fun approach to staying fit.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports and martial arts. Lochan Appannah, a 20-year-old engineering student, says, “MMA makes up for my need for exercise. I started exercising 5 years ago and ever since, it has become a habit. Now it’s something I cannot go a day without. I found the Kia-Kaha MMA academy and it’s an excellent stress buster. Different people join for different reasons — some, just to fight, a few undertake it to keep fit, many, to increase their confidence, some to learn self-defence and so on. MMA is rather unique and helps face real unarmed combat situations.” He adds, “The gym seemed monotonous, so after coping with injuries, I turned to MMA to help me work out and concentrate on much more than just physical fitness.”

Nischal Kelamane, owner of the Kia-Kaha MMA Academy, says, “MMA is a complete fitness package. A fighter is a complete athlete, they are fast, strong, agile and healthy. He houses a class of students ranging from the age group of 16 to 40 years, both men and women alike turn to MMA for their fitness regime. Nischal, recently represented India in the Under 65 kg Asian Championship against Philippines, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. He recommends MMA for those people who would choose to be acrobatic.

Zumba, on the other hand, is a dance fitness programme created initially by a Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Beto Perez during the 1990s. Zumba involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music. The choreography incorporates hip hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. Squats and lunges are included as well. Sanjana Srinath, a fitness enthusiast, says, “If you’re looking for fitness and fun, Zumba is perfect!” She goes on to explain, “Unlike the gym, where you lose weight gradually over a course of many months, with Zumba you see faster results. Zumba is almost like a better version of aerobics for me.” She emulates that “It’s an entertaining way to stay healthy.” Zumba exercises include music with fast and slow rhythms, as well as help in resistance training.

Santana, a Zumba instructor, further adds, “It’s an enjoyable way to get fit, there’s zero stress involved because you are not constantly trying to follow a routine. The music can be very soothing and that’s why I would recommend it.” So to keep both your mind and body energetic, follow these latest trends and get healthy the fun way!