This Fitness Class in Kochi Can Show You That Bollywood Tunes Are Not Just For Weddings
- 22 Oct 2016
- Rheanna Mathews
- Features
This is the best part about Bollywood music – when a song like “London Thumakda” comes on, no matter the age or physical wellness, we automatically begin to shrug our shoulders and tap our fingers, sometimes even break out into a dance till we drop! These thumping beats, with its jhatkas and matkas and its infectious energy are something we would associate with weddings, not “fitness”. But Ritu Paul, the brains behind ‘Bollyfit’, has taken some of the best things that Bollywood offers and spun it around to create a high-impact workout regime that keeps people coming back for more.
How did you get into fitness?
I have always been a very active person. I was athletic too, and played tennis in high school. In college, I was part of a competitive bhangra and dance team. So blending dance and fitness just seemed like the right thing to do.
What inspired you to start Bollyfit?
I’ve been doing Bollywood cardio for nearly years now. I started doing it while I lived in Chicago and loved it so much that I actually got trained in it and became a licensed instructor. When I moved back to India, my love for fitness followed and I started Bollyfit.
How has Kochi responded to Bollywood cardio?
The response has been overwhelming. I did not know that there was such a love for Bollywood here. In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to meet the growing demand! Currently, we conduct classed in Passion Studio in Jawahar Nagar and will move the remaining classes to Gold’s Gym at Vytilla.
What are the favourite tracks at Bollyfit?
“London Thumakda” and “Chammak Challo” are two tracks that people love every time we put it on. It’s great that everyone gets up on their feet, singing and dancing, just having a good time.
What advice do you give to people to work out daily?
I think the key to becoming committed to a fitness regime is to actually find something that makes you happy. For some people, it could be running on the treadmill. I find that boring, unlike the dance moves.
Who is your personal fitness icon?
I’m a tennis player myself, so Roger Federer and Serena Williams are people I look up to. The strength they possess, their fitness and all that they are able to do are admirable.
What is your diet like?
By profession, I am a pastry chef, so I have a sweet tooth. I try to be smarter about what I eat and when I eat. I consume vegetables and fruits throughout the day and avoid junk food and soda. I do enjoy the occasional dessert but I give myself a day or a meal to splurge on something I really want.
What is a normal Bollyfit class like?
The only prerequisite for Bollyfit classes is a love for Bollywood music. A normal Bollyfit class starts off with a warm-up that is usually the length of one song. This is followed by 50 minutes of high-impact cardio. We balance out the sessions with songs that are high-intensity and low-intensity as the change in heart rate is what ensures the high-calorie burn.
What do you think sets Bollyfit apart from other classes?
A unique thing about Bollyfit is that it is essentially “one-size-fits-all”. It is suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. I have students as old as 13 and as young as 60. I believe that the workout should be more about having a good time, and they are doing a good job as long as they keep moving. During a session, I often try to shuffle the class around so that no two friends stand close by, and no student stays at one spot throughout. Doing this is a great way to make peopke work harder and to boost their self-confidence.
Words: Fathima Abdul Kader
Join Bollyfit for an open class this month here.
Adapted from an article that originally appeared in FWDlife magazine, August 2016 issue.
