A Non-Gym-Goers Guide to Getting Fit

 

At some point, we’ve all done the brutal hour long work-outs at a local gym; chasing a calorie-loss count on the treadmill, sweating bucket heaps during spinning class, lifting {or trying to} dumbbells that weigh more than us. But it all gets monotonous and mundane after a point. What next? Switch it up, ladies and gentlemen! And you have some fantastic options to choose from. I spent a good fortnight trying and testing places that offer alternatives to the typical gym experience, and these options are rewarding, fun and satisfying. If done consistently, you can count on kissing that muffin top goodbye! 

 

 

Delhi is blessed with a few beautifully landscaped and manicured parks, of which, Lodhi Gardens situated in the heart of Lutyens Delhi is my absolute favorite. If the mere thought of logging miles on a stationery bike irks you, try the sprawling greens at Lodhi Garden for inspiration. This very lush, verdant, extremely safe and extremely conveniently located park in Delhi welcomes all kinds of people with varying strength and stamina. I saw a personal training session organized by FiTHO, a private wellness initiative, and was converted to outdoor exercising. I noticed that the drop out rate was very low {compared to most exercise regimes where boredom and complacency strikes}. The members felt more motivated in the presence of others and as FiTHO organized mini sprint and ab challenges; the sense of healthy competition grew as every member tried to perform better than the other. The program incorporates a combination of components {running, plyometrics, interval training and isometric} as they torch calories, and make you fitter in record time.

 

For you if | You aren’t a gym rat, and you think performing burpees, sumo squats and planks in the outdoors is exhilarating. I promise you- your toned tush, those strong calves, and sore abdominals will thank you. This class can be difficult for a novice exerciser, but if you’ve reached a workout plateau and you want results pronto- you should head here.

Where | Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi. Contact Prachi Agarwal, co owner FiTHO, at 9810820937. 

When | Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Fees | Rs 4000 per month

 

 

Dancing is the most fun you can with your clothes on – and well it burns calories too. Vardan, a welfare initiative from the Times Group brings yet another class {dance based} that I can totally vouch for. Run by well known French dance expert Gilles Chuyen, this class has elements from western contemporary dance with the spiritual unison of Indian yogic and meditation routines. With different classes that run each day, it’s perfect for those of you who like to mix it up {often}.  Each class is a comprehensive full body workout, with workouts ranging from Hip Hop to flower yoga- there’s something for everyone. I absolutely loved his method of instruction, his attitude towards dance and how well he created a fun and fabulous fat-torching workout each hour. For boys, who always pick the comfiest sofas at bars; here’s your chance to put on your dancing shoes and learn a trick {or few} from this dancing maestro. He pays attention to each of his students, so hiding in the back row wont help; yes, you!

 

For you if | Clocking an hour on the dance floor is a win-win situation- helps you whittle your middle, tones your problem areas effortlessly, in addition to all of that – you learn some new moves. What else? Well, you dont need to be able to move as effortlessly as Shakira to enroll into one of these. Just walk into class, and let the instructor guide you through all the movements. Besides, dancing is the most fun you can have- with your clothes on!

 

Where | Vardan, 16 a, Lajpat Nagar 4, New Delhi-110024 {# 011 43580720}

 

When | 6.30pm to 7.30pm Monday to Thursday

 

Fees | 4 sessions a week for INR 4200  a month

 

TONE IT UP BY VESNA AT THE MANTRA |

I’ve been a swimmer all my life, and I am no stranger to the gym either. I went to meet Vesna Jacob {Bosnian born, Indian national, co founder of Vesna Wellness} who trains her students at Mantra spa. She put me through her postural alignment class – and boy, I was in for a real surprise. She told me that I had a middle back issue, my hamstrings were weak and my butt could be a lot more toned than it was. I was pretty offended and asked her what I could do to rectify the situation. She made me step onto the power plate {think: a footboard that vibrates encouraging muscle contraction} and I was instructed to perform squats, push ups, planks, side planks and step ups in short bursts of 25 seconds each, without any rest period. When it was over, I had barely got my breath back, when she promptly made me lie down on the pilates mat. We did a few core stability and core strengthening exercises such as ‘the hundred’, the roll up, the single and double leg curls. After I could no longer move, she spent a few minutes performing spinal manipulation, which she guaranteed would make a difference to my posture and gait.

For you if | Impeccable posture, a super strong core and sculpted arms is what you get for adhering to Vesna’s workout routine. Her attention to detail and personalised support is what separates her from the innumerable female trainers Delhi has to offer. This workout should come with a statutory warning- Vesna’s workouts are not for the lazy, or the faint hearted. Don’t give up after the first few sessions- your sore body will thank you later.

Where | Mantra Vedic Spa, 31 Link Road, Lajpat Nagar – 3, New Delhi-110024

Fees | Rs 14,000 for a month {daily sessions}. Call 9818260645 for single sessions.

 

While it’s important to mix it up once in a while, to maximize results and reach your goals, you should do what works for you. Every body is unique, and responds differently to exercises. So find what it is that makes you sweat, get up and get moving!