Zumba |
Everyone wants to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer. But people do not look beyond exercises when it comes to fitness. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. But of late, there has been a revolutionary change in fitness regimes and methods.
Earlier with mere use of word exercise, you would start thinking about machine studded gymnasiums, yoga classes, diet plans, aerobics classes,etc. Now this monotony has been broken by introduction of new form of exercises like aqua aerobics, zumba, bollyrobics and parkour.
These new forms have increasingly become quite popular among the young
generations who find running on a treadmill boring as when you go to a gym or
for jogging you have to do it alone where as aerobics and parkour are group
activities where you meet different people and motivate each other to
reach better fitness levels.
Aqua Aerobics |
Aqua aerobics is water sport , in addition to the standard benefits of any exercise, the use
of water in water aerobics supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury. The mitigation of gravity by flotation places
less stress on the joints when stretching, and can allow a greater range
of motion. The mitigation of gravity makes water aerobics safe for
individuals able to keep their heads out of water, including the elderly. It help burns
600-800 Calories in an hour but needs to be switch over after getting yourself assured
for a certain degree of fitness . Exercise in water can
also prevent overheating through continuous cooling of the body. Most classes
last for 45-55 minutes. Another benefit is that you do not even have to be a
strong swimmer to participate in water aerobics.
Disadvantages : Aqua aerobics
requires access to a swimming pool via facilities, and in addition to any
membership fees to access facilities, classes may cost extra. Although aquatic
exercise greatly reduces the risk of injury, not as many calories are burned as
would be in some other activities. Though aquatic activities in general expend
more energy than many land-based activities performed at the same pace due to
the increased resistance of water, the speed with which movements can be
performed is greatly reduced.
Zumba |
Another fitness regime in vogue is zumba. It is a Columbian dance fitness program. It was created by choreographer Alberto 'Beto' Perez during 90s. Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements. Zumba's choreography
incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, mambo, martial arts,
soca, merengue and some Bollywood and belly
dance moves. Squats and lunges are also included. There are
eight different types of classes for different levels of age and exertion.
For example, Zumba Gold mainly targets the older population. It is
specifically designed to the needs of the elderly and includes the same kind of
music as the Zumba fitness party class. Zumba Toning is for the people who do
their workouts with toning sticks. Zumba Toning target the abs, thighs, arms,
and other areas. Aqua Zumba is Zumba in a swimming pool. Zumba in the circuit
is the dance combined with circuit training.
Bollyrobics |
Bollyrobics is dancing to the
tunes of your favourite bollywood songs. There are classes going on at many
places for the same and people are finding it very interesting as the find it
more enjoyable than regular aerobics. Some even say it seems to be going for a
party daily after your work, makes you more willing and enthusiastic rather
than compulsion.
Parkour |
Those people who love
to sweat it out to build strength go for parkour which is toolless human
locomotion. Parkour is a training discipline
developed out of military obstacle course training. Practitioners aim to
move from one place to another, negotiating the obstacles in between. The
discipline uses no equipment and is non-competitive. A male practitioner is
generally called a "traceur", a female a "traceuse".
Although parkour itself grew out of military obstacle-course training, it
has since developed separately. One does not get fit doing parkour, one
should be fit to perform it like if you go from A to B, you need to be
able to get back from B to A, but not necessarily with the same movements.
There are many basic versatile and effective techniques that are emphasized for
beginners. Most important are jumping and landing techniques.
Exercise and physical activity
can be fun to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the
outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity
can also help you connect with family or friends in a social setting which
is fun. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team.
Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try
something new. Exercise and physical activity
are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun.
As a general goal, aim for at
least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. It has recently come up in a
research that if brisk walking is taken up for 75 minutes every week, it adds
up to 1.8 years to your life. Remember to check with your doctor before
starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.
- Anu Sharma (Guest Writer)
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Guest Writers
I love staying fit - 4 to 5 km walk daily.
Used to do yoga - can't find the time now. I thing I need to have some company to compare notes while I am at it.
The idea is to mix and match to keep the interest alive.
So dance and aerobics are good in from that perspective. But are these just fads or really stuff we can adapt for long term.
Parkour is extreme and may not suit all.
But I support this theme ... the body and mind benefit from regular exercise.
yes aerobics and dance r a gud option for long run if u r regular with t and enjoy dancing,it gives u a feeling of being fit and healthy,but if u want to add bulk i.e. be a body builder then ofcourse u have other options...stay fit,enjoy life.....