Health: Burn calories garba style at this workshop

The writer (extreme left) gets a full-body workout

We have had a good time with fitness routines related to Indian dances, whether bhangra or kathak. With Navratri fever upon us, we readily said 'haalo' to trying out Power Garba.

Started by 28-year-old fitness coach and choreographer Satyajit Vora, Power Garba aims to be an intensive full-body workout set to the steps of the much-loved Gujarati folk dance style, along with dandiya. "I am a garba fanatic and I wanted to make it popular as a fitness routine. It is high-tempo, uses clapping that is known to improve blood circulation, and can be choreographed with different props such as dumbbells instead of sticks. This means it can be adapted. It is a complete Indian workout routine," says Vora.

Squats with claps help strengthen your lower body; founder Satyajit Vora (in black)

While he has received flak from purists, Vora has tried to keep the core of the dance form alive. "One can't dance barefoot as that is bad for the heels. But other than that, the music is original and the steps are the real deal, with additions that make it a complete workout," he tells us. Vora is also working on original mixes of Bollywood and other popular numbers that will help you continue the routine even when you are tired of listening to traditional garba music. The workshops are currently conducted at nine venues in the city, from Bhayandar to Mulund.

Power Garba also uses props such as dandiya sticks and dumbbells. Pics/Tanvi Phondekar

The workshop can be easily followed by anyone who, like us, doesn't know the dance form. All you have to do is follow the lead. Vora starts at the beginner's level for us. As the music starts playing, we can already feel the adrenaline, thanks to Panida Chalke Che. We begin with simple footwork for a warm-up, which segues into hand stretches done in typical garba swerves. Cheeks flushed, we move to the next phase, which is a total cardio session with a focus on the upper body - shoulders, chest, the sides and lower hip.

Fifteen minutes into the session, we are panting and can feel every muscle of our body stretch. Vora keeps the lower-body movements - squats, reverse kicks and jumps for the hamstring and calf muscles - minimal for us since it requires a high fitness level. Next, we move to the use of dandiya (regulars use 1 kg dumbbells instead). This helps you strengthen their wrists and forearms and is also the perfect alternative to the popular drumming fitness workouts. We end the session with the traditional circular round of garba.

As promised, we can't help but agree with Vora on this being a full-body workout as we feel the rush of energy in every unused muscle. The thumping music has released a good dose of happy hormones. And with non-garba music options to try post Navratri, it will help keep boredom away.