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Hello there! If you are here reading this blog, we are certain you must have embarked on the mission of shedding pounds. Maybe you have your best friend’s wedding to attend, or you are just somebody who is tired of watching their favourite clothes becoming tighter than ever. Or it can also be possible, you just want to be in the best of your health.
Whatever your fitness goals are, you know exercising and calorie deficit are the ways to go. But which exercise to choose? Your neighbour says you must join her for morning yoga sessions, while all the fitness magazines suggest that high-intensity interval training is the talk of the town right now. So, which of the two is it going to be? Heads or tails? Let’s flip the coin.
In other words, you don’t need to be perplexed. If you are struggling to decide, maybe this is the ultimate blog post which can give you clarity. You would know if you read till the end. So, sit back while we disclose everything crucial.
Yoga: India’s Timeless Gift to the World
Let’s begin our journey with yoga – an integral part of India’s fitness culture, deeply rooted in the country’s ancient philosophies. More than just a form of exercise, yoga is a holistic discipline, harmoniously uniting the body, mind, and spirit.
The beauty of yoga lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Be it the relaxing ‘Shavasana’, the empowering ‘Warrior Pose’, or the challenging ‘Headstand’, there’s a yoga pose for people of all ages and fitness levels. And the best part? You need nothing more than a yoga mat and a peaceful corner.
Over the years, yoga has gracefully adapted itself to the changing fitness landscape. From Power Yoga to Aerial Yoga, the ancient practice continues to evolve, making it a beloved component of India’s fitness culture.
We all have heard the story before – the benefits of yoga and why the world hails yoga as the ultimate stress-buster. But what about yoga for weight loss? Can yoga help you lose weight? Yes, it can. But here’s a catch.
Even though yoga is effective when it comes to losing weight, your fitness goals, diet and the kind of yoga exercises you choose matter. However, this applies to every other workout routine. If you are solely depending on yoga to lose weight, you may be up for disappointment. Just so you know, yoga burns fewer calories as compared to other workout routines. So, if you are looking for a quicker weight loss, yoga may not be your cup of tea.
However, if you are okay with wanting yoga to deliver results gradually, it may be the right choice. Yoga can reduce stress levels. And from what research guarantees, our bodies begin to store more fat when we are under stress. This way, yoga can support weight loss.
Apart from supporting weight loss, yoga has other benefits that can be cherry on the cake if you are trying other workout routines as well. Yoga can improve flexibility and strengthen your core, both of which are beneficial when you are practising strength training exercises.
Gym Culture: Flexing Muscles and More
Gone are the days when gyms in India were merely viewed as iron-filled rooms for bodybuilders. Today, gyms have emerged as vibrant fitness hubs catering to various workout styles, catering to the fitness appetite of modern India.
The traditional weight lifting and treadmill running have made room for Zumba classes, spinning sessions, and CrossFit workouts. Not to mention the rise of women in fitness spaces, breaking stereotypes one weight at a time. It truly is a testament to India’s rapidly evolving fitness culture.
Traditional Indian Sports and Martial Arts: A Nod to the Past
Our journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging India’s rich heritage of traditional sports and martial arts like kabaddi, kushti (wrestling), and kalari payattu. These age-old fitness forms have experienced a revival in recent years, thanks to initiatives like the Pro Kabaddi League.
These traditional sports offer a full-body workout while honing mental agility and discipline, further enriching India’s diverse fitness culture.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Sweating It Out, One Burst at a Time
A fairly new entrant in India’s fitness scene, HIIT has taken the country’s fitness enthusiasts by storm. For those squeezed for time, HIIT promises a great burn in a short span. It involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by short rest periods.
HIIT workouts are versatile – from burpees, kettlebell swings, and box jumps to high knees and fast feet – the options are endless. The beauty of HIIT lies in its efficiency and adaptability, making it a popular choice amongst India’s younger fitness-seeking demographic. From nutritionists to fitness experts and magazines, all are hailing high-intensity interval training. But why? What magical spell does it sprinkle for it to become a rage? Well, for starters, it can burn more calories than a 20 min run. Yes, you read that right. You can either run for 20 minutes straight or run for the same duration while taking multiple rests in between and still, the latter would be burning more calories. One minute of HIIT can burn up to 13 calories (Of course, your workout intensity and BMR matter here too)
The cherry on the cake is, you don’t only burn calories during the workout but after as well, that too for up to 24 hours after the workout. Yes, you may now close your jaws now. We get it, you are surprised. We were too when the discovery was first made. Apparently, HIIT raises your resting metabolism for hours after the workout, increasing fat burn.
Additionally, it is one of the go-to workout routines if you are short on time. A 15-minute high-intensity interval training workout can be highly effective for weight loss.
The Verdict
What is best for someone may not be the best for you. Yoga is great for you if you want to improve flexibility and shed a little weight gradually. However, it may not be right for you if you have short-term weight loss goals and if you want to build muscles. In that case, HIIT and strength training should be your pick. You can even combine both strength training and HIIT in one workout. There are plenty of strength training HIIT workouts available on the internet.
So, which path shall you embark on? The serene shores of yoga, where you’ll find peace, flexibility, and gradual weight loss or the adrenaline-fueled HIIT expedition, where you’ll conquer calories and turn your body into a fat-burning furnace?
The Future of Fitness in India
As we continue to juggle the demands of modern life, the importance of fitness is more prominent than ever. Technology, too, is revolutionising how we stay fit – fitness apps, virtual workout classes, and wearable tech are just a few examples.
The future of India’s fitness culture looks promising, a melting pot of the old and new, moulded by technology and driven by a collective consciousness towards health and wellness.
So, whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a gym-goer, a HIIT-lover, or a kabaddi player at heart, India’s dynamic fitness culture has something to offer for everyone.
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