Health & Fitness

BOP TO THE BHANGRA BEAT

5 April 2007

What can you do if you want to simultaneously get fit quickly, raise your heart rate through the roof and test your coordination skills to within an inch of their life?

Bhangra dance would have to be your best bet. Crudely put, this exercise phenomenon is a mix of Bollywood dance, Eastern Euro moves and a pinch of belly dancing to put a little va va in your voom.

Dance instructor Mishka has created her own eclectic Kozachok version of Bhangra and her choice of accompanying music is just as exotic. Over the hour-long session, you'll hear tunes from Indian tribal right through to night club dance.

From the first beat, Mishka's infallible energy somehow both inspires and intimidates (if only for the uninitiated) at the same time. While her stamina throughout the hour is enviable, the reality of keeping up with her quickly becomes clear.

According to Mishka, after around five lessons, participants will be in the Bhangra groove, but if, like me, the first time is after a fitness hiatus, you're in for a surprise.

From the get-go this class keeps you going - and fast. One hour bouncing to Bhangra will burn around 500 calories. While it is fast and furious, and you'll need staying power to keep up with 'super' Mishka, it is also laid back enough that if you need a few minutes of 'me time' to catch your breath then you can.
As much as my heart was in it ( the more

experienced were inspiring), my body couldn't help but be just about five to ten seconds behind, and often in the opposite direction, than the other Duracell bunnies of the group.

Never mind, if you can't laugh at yourself and the other physically challenged in the class (thankfully there were some), then who can you laugh at?

Bhangra is just the ticket for those who want to put all their fitness eggs in one basket. It's fast and furious and will teach you a few Bollywood moves just be prepared to take it slow the morning after.

Cardio Bhangra
Monday 8.15pm to 9.15pm (all levels)

Turbo Belly Rave
Wednesday 6.00pm to 7.00pm (all levels)

Bollywood Kick
Saturday 3.00 to 4.00pm (all levels)

Bhangra Moves
Peckham Pulse
10 Melon Road, Peckham, London SE15
5QN
Tel: 020 7525 4999
www.agentbhangra.com

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