Think India, and at once, a myriad of images comes to mind – its
intricate history and cultural diversity; the pageantry of Bollywood; variety
of spices; upbeat music; customer call centers and advanced information
technology. All these dance their way to our collective memory. Now,
add to these, the lively Bhangra dancing that is the trademark of
Indian films has emerged as the newest fitness craze. The Bhangra aerobic
dance has seeped into mainstream pop culture and has become the rage in
recent years.

Bhangra, actually, is a euphoric harvest dance from Punjab, India. It
is ordinarily accompanied by energetic singing and drum beating.
Originally, this dance is performed by farmers to celebrate an abundant
harvest season. The dance movements imitate farming activities like sowing
and reaping. In time, Bhangra has evolved and fused with other kinds
of music and dance such as hip hop, disco, reggae and techno. Since
then, Bhangra has been dominating the club scene internationally. Next,
comes its advent into the fitness world via the Bhangra aerobic dance.

The traditional Bhangra dance with its stomping feet,
shoulder-shrugging, hand-clapping, swinging arms all the while bouncing dance steps has
been modernized. Aerobic moves, hip hop and salsa have been
incorporated to the dance accompanied by modern Bhangra music and throbbing drum
beats. This is the much talked about Bhangra workout. It has enjoyed
a surge in popularity because it is easy to do and fun at the same
time. It has also provided a new dimension to the fitness industry because
of its positive results.

The Bhangra aerobic dance involves continuous, rhythmic body movements
designed to raise heart rate, strengthen the lungs and work out all the
major muscle groups in the body like the legs and buttocks. This
workout is done to music with pulsating beat to set the tempo. When one does
the Bhangra workout, the body muscles demand more oxygen-rich blood and
give off more carbon dioxide and other wastes. This makes the heart
beat faster to keep up. Overtime, with regular workout, the heart grows
stronger and can meet the muscles’ demands with little effort. The
Bhangra workout also helps one avoid chronic diseases such as heart
disease, hypertension, and stroke. It also lowers blood pressure, builds
strong bones and helps control weight. A 45-minute Bhangra aerobic dance
burns 500 calories. How’s that for motivation?

In a nutshell, the physiological benefits derived from a Bhangra
workout include improved overall cardiovascular functions, renewed physical
stamina, increased lung power, enhanced muscle tone and flexibility, and
weight loss. Psychologically, the Bhangra aerobic dance works like a
stress and tension buster. It improves one’s attitude and increase
personal confidence. If group activities appeal to you, join the Bhangra
workout. It fosters group camaraderie and builds new friendships.
What makes the Bhangra workout ideal is that it is a mild aerobic
exercise sans the boring part – rigid rules and routines. It is a fun and
pleasurable social affair. The workout takes place with an infectious
and upbeat music and everyone is in a happy mood. It is like having the
best of both worlds – healthy and happy.

Now that you’re enthused, stand up and get moving – do the Bhangra
workout. Dance to your heart’s delight!

A word of caution: Get a medical check-up before embarking on the
Bhangra workout or any fitness regimen, for that matter.

To learn more about Bhangra fitness and why it is becoming so popular,
visit http://www.BhangraFitness.com. Balle balle, Hadippa!!

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