In today’s age, we all lead busy and stressful (to a degree) lives. For some of us, work rules almost every waking hour, turning our eating and sleeping routines upside down. Sitting in front of computer screens dictates our daily routine, turning us into the sedentary zombies we thought we would never become. However, in recent times, a lot of Goans have begun changing their lives for the better through fitness. From joining the gym to opting for walking or cycling as their regular mode of transport, fitness has become an absolute necessity. Some have even chosen alternative fitness regimens to get into shape. We’ve compiled some of these for you to check out.
Zumba
Zumba is an exercise fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez during the 1990s. It’s a combination of dance and aerobic exercises performed to energetic music such as hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, and mambo or a combination of any of these. Originally popular with women, nowadays, this form of exercise has caught on with men as well and is practiced all over Goa by people in different age ranges. If you’re in the north of Goa, you can get your Zumba fix with Joseph Dias or if you’re down south, Ashwini Franco will help you get your sweat on.
Pound Fit
Until maybe a year ago, Pound Fit was unheard of in Goa. In fact, Cliszma D’costa of Dance Heals Studio is one of the only licensed instructors for Pound Fit in Goa who takes classes in Panjim and Margao. Pound Fit is an extremely energetic and unique exercise format. With a focus on keeping time using customized drumsticks, it uses a combination of cardio and weight training exercises that include some of the rhythmic techniques used in Pilates. This fun full body workout that lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
CrossFit Training
Yet another relatively new exercise regimen, CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that targets every part of the body using elements from cardio, weight lifting, gymnastics, core training and more. This kind of strength and conditioning program involves varied routines and these are almost never repeated. A CrossFitter will likely never do the same routine twice in one week, instead choosing to change their workout according to their preferences or they may just follow the ‘Workout of the Day’ (WOD) which can be found on the Crossfit website. If you’re looking for an instructor, Norbert’s Fitness Studios across Goa are well known for their expertise.
Pilates
Pilates is quite new to the Goan fitness regime. Pilates studios such as the Goa Pilates Studio have come up just a few years ago. This exercise format is not at all energetic but instead concentrates on using a set of movements that help in improving balance, flexibility, physical strength and most importantly, enhances mental awareness. While it may draw parallels with other forms of exercise such as yoga, Pilates, in fact, is quite unique in that it stresses upon 6 key elements – concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breathing. It does this by utilizing various apparatuses designed to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening, body alignment, and increased core strength.
Martial Arts
Probably the type of workout which has the most to give is martial arts. There are a number of professional dojos in Goa that teach various forms of martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu. In addition to this, mixed martial arts by instructors such as Nelson Paes at Strikers MMA and Fitness Gym Calangute is becoming extremely popular, with students looking to develop their mind and body, and also to learn about self-defense. That being said, Krav Maga is a self-defense discipline that has also made its way to Goa and is gaining popularity.
