India Today :: Wonder Workouts

SPINNING

Kiddy, 44

Spinning is a cardio exercise done on a cycling machine called a Spinner, which controls the resistance and intensity of the spinning workout. It has been around in Delhi for quite a few years and its popularity is increasing gradually.

Yoga and aerobics have been part of the fitness circuits for a while, but spinning is good for those who want to try something new and effective. I make my classes as fun and innovative as possible. I play peppy music in my spinning studio, switch on dim lights and use disco lights on our other occasions to make the classes more fun, as

it is an indoor exercise.

Right now I have about 10 spinners, but I am planning to get more soon as the demand is expected to increase by 100 per cent this year as compared to last year. I will be opening up new spinning centres in other parts of Delhi, so that more people can enjoy its benefits.

When combined

with yoga and pilates or done after 10 minutes of surya namaskar, spinning is even more effective. This is something I plan to introduce soon. Combining spinning with other exercises for flexibility and stability makes a spinning workout complete. And since the lean, but healthy look is in for 2008, this is a perfect workout to look fit, without being anorexic.

The great thing

about spinning is that it is a short workout where calorie loss is really high. It is especially good for those who want to lose weight on their lower body. This is also safe as there is no pressure on the knees and the machine ensures that a great posture is maintained.

CLAIM TO FAME

The only certifie

d spinning instructor in the city, and owner of Club Xcell, a popular fitness centre, Kiddy Kaul has also been certified by Mad Dogg Athletics Inc, USA. She’s a certified health and fitness instructor from American College of Sports Medicine.

Contact: Club Xcell, B-7, GK-1. Ph: 29235247.

My fitness mantra
I run outdoors everyday and work with weights for half an hour. I eat everything, also indulging myself at times, but ensure that my total calorie input is equal to the output. I try eating healthy and believe that being toned is more important than being thin.


AEROBICS

Nisha Varma, 50

Aerobics is the fastest way to lose and control weight. Because there are many fun elements like music, dance and different props, it has stayed on the popularity charts for a long time, ever since it hit Delhi in 1995. Another reason is that it’s very accommodating and ‘with the times’.

Early morning outdoor aerobics is fast gaining popularity the world over. Gardens are becoming popular venues for workouts. Benches, trees and lawns are easy for doing push ups, working the abdominal and practicing floor exercises. People can walk, run and sprint effectively and safely on grass and muddy tracks.

While many other forms of fitness have come and gone in Delhi, aerobics has maintained its popularity, despite the slight setback it received after the Sealing Act where many fitness centres were shut down. One factor that makes aerobics popular is that it is a group exercise. In today’s world where professionals can hardly take out the time for themselves, a fun group activity like aerobics can go a long way in relaxing one’s mind and body. The group energy is transferred to everyone and there is healthy competition to do better.

In order to retain people’s interest in the workout, aerobics instructors need to use their imagination more effectively and make their classes as fun as possible. As long as this is done effectively, the popularity of aerobics will reign supreme.

CLAIM TO FAME

Nisha Varma, a Reebok master trainer, holds an American College of Sports Medicine certificate and coaches all certified aerobics trainers in the city.

Contact: Club Xcell, B-7, GK-1. Ph: 29235247.

My fitness mantra
I run 10 km outdoors for two days a week. Thrice a week, I do spinning tai chi and yoga. I take out one day to rest. My diet is well-balanced, with adequate nutrients. I’m fond of Indian sweets, but I compensate for indulgences by eating less calories in the next meal.

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