Bollywood aerobics delivers fitness, toning and a lot of fun

Tired of gyms, 10K runs and army-style fitness clubs? Here's an alternative way to work off December's delicious excesses: Bollywood aerobics.

"It's a lot of fitness, a lot of toning and a lot of fun," says Simran Obhan, an interior designer-turned-professional dancer, who moved from the home of Bollywood, Mumbai, to Hong Kong last year.

In India, she says, "Bollyrobics" is already a craze but dance classes are the only Bollywood-themed activities gyms here currently offer.

"People are constantly looking for new ways to get fit," Obhan says. "Bollyrobics is fitness-centric, with Bollywood dance moves thrown in, whereas a Bollywood dance class is more like learning salsa."

As the Bollywood beats blast out at Obhan's studio, aerobics regulars will recognise some of the basic moves (the Charleston or the reverse hop-turn), but they are interspersed between Bhangra steps and Bollywood hand movements that probably won't make you Hong Kong's answer to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan but will definitely get you sweating out the brandy butter.

Adding to the Indian theme, Obhan's stretches and warm-down are yoga-spiced.

"You're working your muscles, as you would in normal aerobics, but because you're adapting to different music and rhythms, you're developing new strengths," she says. "Bollyrobics is dancing and cardio, but it's fun: you don't feel like you're working out."

The classes are open to all ages and abilities.

Bollyrobics classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 8pm to 9pm, at Pangea, 8/F, On Lan Centre, 11 On Lan Street, Central. For details, email [email protected] or call 6802 0927. The first class is free, then a single class costs HK$260 and eight classes are HK$1,720.