Print is not dying yet...Long live print

published in Best Media Info 

https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/

Alternative view: Print is not going anywhere yet

Contrary to what some people may like to believe, the print media still holds relevance among the masses as a source of credible information and it is in the interest of us all for the industry to stay afloat

My day starts with reading the newspaper. Yes I am old school, maybe because I started my career with a daily newspaper. Whenever I see headlines that suggest ‘Is print going to die?’ it really pains me. 

The newspaper still holds relevance among the common people as there is a different trust factor. They still believe if something is in print, it is authentic; it can’t be fake — unlike on social media, which still lacks that trust factor.

There is a reason behind this. Newspapers don’t have to run after daily TRPs, they are not in the daily competition to be the first ones to announce any breaking news at breakneck speed. They get enough time to cross-check facts. I can say this as I have seen for years how things are on the ground. Editors have to be extra careful, because once it’s gone for print, it’s gone; it can’t change. A mistake ends with an apology the next day. On very rare occasions, emergency calls are made and changes are done at the press on the last few copies left to be printed.

https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/

In 2020, when Covid started spreading, it took a toll on the circulation of newspapers as people had initial doubts about newspapers being possible carriers of the virus. But thankfully, PDFs of English and regional language newspapers were circulated at that time. There was so much of fake news doing rounds on social media that people just wanted to be sure about the real truth and were looking for an authentic source. In those crucial hours, those newspapers PDFs gave a sense of relief.

After the lockdowns were over, newspapers were slowly back on track— even during the second wave — as people were no more scared to hold their favourite newspaper with their morning cuppa. The pleasant sound of newspapers dropping at doorsteps every morning was back again.

Magazines are also a pillar of the print media. I know many Bengali women who wait for Durga Puja special annual issues from Anandabazar Patrika and other media houses. Similarly Nobo Kollol, Desh, Anandolok have a huge readership. Malayala Manorama magazine in Kerala has an unbeatable fan base. A lot of other women-centric magazines such as Femina, Elle, Sakhi, Sananda are very popular among women and widely circulated, and revenue-earners too. These magazines create a different world for women, especially for homemakers, away from their mundane routine.

English magazines too have their own popularity. I remember during my initial days as a journalist, I used to buy two national magazines, alternately, to learn the art of feature writing. When I got the opportunity to work with a Northeast-focused magazine, I realised it was quite popular in metros such as Delhi and Mumbai too when I attended press meets and events. Magazines such as India Today, Outlook, The Week and Frontline are big names in the urban areas. Fresh names have been added over the years.

The masses are still in love with newspapers. Once when my car was sent for servicing, I took an auto-rickshaw to pick my son from school. The auto stand is just outside our campus gate. I saw most of the auto drivers reading newspapers while waiting for their turn for passengers. On the way to school, my auto driver told me how by reading newspapers he gets to know what is happening everywhere —it helps to kill time too. He leaves no page unread.

When we have to travel, we book a taxi from a nearby travel agency. There is one particular driver who is quite interesting. When he comes to pick us, we are happy because he talks so much that we don’t have to worry about our one-and-half-hour journey to the airport. Once I went to Mumbai alone, we asked him to drop and pick me from the airport. When I returned, we were stuck in jam and it took me nearly three hours to reach home. But I was not bored, all thanks to him. He spoke to me on a variety of topics, and he spoke logic. He had an opinion of his own. When I asked him about his education, he said he didn’t get the opportunity to study much, but he reads newspapers a lot. I asked him why newspaper when nowadays one gets everything on the phone, he answered the newspaper has a different charm. He said it’s easy on the eyes too. Reading something for long on the mobile causes burning and itching in the eyes.

In fact if we check facts and figures, we will find that newspapers still have huge circulation. The more if we go into the rural belts, regional newspaper circulation is hard to beat. The purpose of newspapers is not just to circulate news but to earn revenue too. If circulation is robust, then they will automatically get ads. In such a scenario, why would media houses down their shutters?

Newspaper is mass media and is definitely still attracting the masses and leaders alike. Even today during Parliament and Assembly discussions, members wave copies of newspapers to prove their point and not mobile phones. So the newspaper is not going anywhere soon. It’s here to stay, and that’s good news for a newspaper reader like me.  

Alternative view: Print is not going anywhere yet

Follow me on: Mixed Bag

Think Positive: Make A Difference in Life 

Kakoli Thakur

Think Positive: Make a difference in life 

Commentary: Do consumers really care about brands when bare essential is top priority?

https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/04/commentary-do-consumers-really-care-about-brands-when-bare-essential-is-top-priority/

Commentary: Do consumers really care about brands when bare essential is top priority? 

As consumers scramble to get their supply of daily essentials, it remains to be seen if they look for their preferred brands or just manage with whatever they can lay their hands on

Kakoli Thakur | April 13, 2020

In this hour of a global health crisis, when the Covid-19 threat has spread to every corner of the world, it is interesting to observe how relevant brands are to a consumer whose primary concern is now getting hold of his supply of daily essentials.

As mandated by the government, though grocery shops and pharmacies are open during the 21-day lockdown—which many states have extended till April 30—essential items are vanishing off the shelves either due to the non-availability or panic buying. The result: scarcity of items of daily use, forget your favourite brand.

Sample this. Suppose a consumer prefers Dettol hand wash over any other brand. But what happens when he goes to a nearby shop to get one and the shopkeeper informs him that only Savlon and some other brand is available. What will the consumer do? He will obviously buy whatever is available instead of thinking about his preference, knowing the importance of hand wash to keep the coronavirus at bay.

Again, there has been a lot of debate regarding the use of hand sanitiser in the absence of soap and water. Awareness ads and videos in different mediums say only sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content should be used. Knowing the urgency, people are even hoarding sanitisers at home as they are not sure how long the lockdown will last. As such, branded ones are flying off shelves and people are buying whatever they are getting their hands on — even local products offered by fly-by-night operators. Though it’s specified on the bottles that there is 60% alcohol, what is the guarantee about it?

Some people argue that washing hands with soap and water is enough and also doubt the efficacy of hand sanitisers. Lifebuoy even went to the extent of creating an ad, showing a doctor saying, “Not only Lifebuoy, whatever hand wash or soap or hand sanitiser is handy, wash and clean your hand to save yourself from coronavirus”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlFhlJ2WHTc

Veterans and old-timers are saying the world has never faced such a crisis ever since World War-II. In fact, during World War II, only countries in war zones were affected but Covid-19 has spared no one and forced a global shutdown. So in this hour, food is the most essential thing anyone would need — branded or non-branded.

If a consumer visits a shop to buy Aashirvaad Atta, for example, and the shopkeeper says only some other brand or a local variant is available, that person will not return empty handed. Because the foremost thought in his mind would be choosing between staying hungry and getting something, at least.

For students staying away from home and bachelors who don’t know how to cook, the anytime favourite is Maggi instant noodles. So at the onset of this crisis, such people, and even families, hoarded Maggi packets — even in cartons. Three weeks into the lockdown, when home stocks have started drying out, people are buying whatever they are getting —it could be either Yippee or some other Maggi lookalike as it’s easy to make for whom cooking is an alien concept. The thought behind this is, obviously, getting an instant snack.

As positive cases increase every hour and people are scared to even step out of home, they are not even thinking of buying anything beyond essential — leave aside anything luxurious. Food takeaways are available but are people really getting what they want?

When a KFC fan called an outlet in a posh Delhi locality in the evening, he was told they were done for the day and nothing was left. So that person had to skip his evening snack that day. This is just an instance.

A lot of brands are delivering essentials at the doorstep — with a waiting time extending up to even days in some cases such as Bigbasket as one NCR resident pointed out — but even they can supply till stocks are available. But what about places where such deliveries are not available? In remote pockets? In unauthorised colonies in big cities? Or even in posh high-rises where delivery boys are not allowed in?

So manufacturing and distribution of essentials is more crucial at this hour at a time when staying safe, and alive, has become the top priority and people are not even thinking about brand preferences. 

Commentary: Do consumers really care about brands when bare essential is top priority?

Anecdotes from #Delhi Police #self-defence camp

Fighting back

 

One day while turning the pages of a newspaper, I came across an ad on self-defence. It was about a women’s summer camp conducted by the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC), Delhi Police. When I saw that the starting age was 13, I was little indecisive. Still I went ahead and registered myself as there was an online option. One month was left for the camp and with each passing day, I was in two minds -- to go for it, or not to go. Two days before the camp, I even went shopping and bought myself track suits and T-shirts.

Finally the D-day arrived and with lots of doubts in mind, I reached the venue on time. There was a long queue for the registration number and I was relieved to see quite a lot of women of different ages along with young girls. The numbers were definitely encouraging and the camp started at 9 am sharp. A few women officers were present to train us and the introduction was very encouraging -- ‘women can do anything’, ‘we all have strength, we just have to utilise it when in need and for that we have to know the right technique’, ‘there is no age to learn anything’.

Then began the vigorous warm-up sessions that loosened every muscle and bone in my body. I was already tired but I was happy that at the end of 15 days, along with learning some self-defence techniques, I would shed a few kilos. While some women had enrolled for the training along with their daughters, there were a few who just accompanied their wards and remained mere spectators. The instructors repeatedly requested them to enrol but they didn’t budge; I really pity those women. There was a woman who was above 60 years, and I salute her for her enthusiasm. A senior woman officer came and gave us a very encouraging speech and we were all charged up. After two hours on Day-1, we already knew a few moves and I was smiling ear to ear when my husband came to pick me up.

Our instructors had warned us not to try our moves on our family members but yes of course, we had to practise to master it. But there was this irresistible urge to do so and after reaching home each day, I would practise my moves on my husband. Not literally, of course! I would say ‘grip my neck, hand or hair’ and he would say ‘NO’ every time, but gave up finally.

In one of the classes, we were being taught what to do if someone grabs our hair; the fourth move was to pull down the attacker. A few girls got so excited that they started pulling down each other and there was laughter all round. Our instructors sternly warned us that we can only do so when we practise on mattresses, so that nobody gets hurt. And that we would waste our energy if we laugh, instead there should be aggression and anger on our face.  

The next day, we finally got the chance to show our prowess on mattresses with our partners. We practised how to defend ourselves if someone attacks us from the back, and pulled our partners down. They pulled us down in the next round. Each and every one got the opportunity and the practise was indeed exciting. 

In another class, a girl got hurt in her hand because she got too close to a stand fan. Since an ambulance was present at the venue, she was given first-aid immediately. So, there was relief that all precautions had been taken.

Though we learnt many tricks, we were not told which self- defence technique we were being taught. My journalistic mind started asking questions and to calm my inquisitiveness, I searched on net with all the key words that I heard at the camp. I looked for all forms of martial arts but the terms were not matching ours. So the next day, when we got our 5-minute break, I approached the senior officer. I was little apprehensive as he was almost 6-feet tall. He told us that those were moves specially created by Delhi Police to make Delhi women self-reliant and strong.  

When the first Saturday came, our two-hour class got over half-an-hour early and we were told it was masti time and anybody can show their talent on stage. Some shared jokes, some sang songs, some even danced and I got nostalgic and went back to my favourite school days.

Our 15^th day was the closing ceremony at Siri Fort auditorium. We were taken to the venue in buses and we made a queue for everything like school girls. Commissioner of Delhi Police Bhim Sain Bassi was the chief guest. A movie on self-defence was screened where the actors were all Delhi Police personnel. The surprise was that most of our women instructors were seen onscreen and there were cheers from all the students seeing our gurus in a different avatar. Mr Bassi took direct questions from students and most of his solutions focussed on essential self-defence training for girls. When questions poured in non-stop, Mr Bassi said, “I know you all got bored from me and now say with me BORE.” And there was an echo of loud ‘NOooo’ from the students.”

We received our certificates the same day and I got another designation in the certificate. Instead of journalist and counsellor, I was mentioned as a teacher; not bad!

Hope more people enrol in such camps and women in Delhi are no more scared to venture out even at odd hours.  When I enrolled at the camp, many laughed at me and were sarcastic, but I didn’t give a damn. And today after completing the course, I am a new person with renewed energy with loads of confidence.

Follow my blog: Mixed Bag

Shaky weekend

Shaky weekend!

 

Well this was the first time we experienced a major shake on the eighth floor and my first reaction was, ‘something is wrong with my health, my head is spinning’. A few seconds later, my husband also felt the same, and then we noticed the fans and lights in our drawing room moving and there was no hint of wind outside. And we echoed together EARTHQUAKE! My son was watching his favourite cartoon and it was difficult to explain him why the hell the earth was moving. My husband quickly took his purse, ATMs and house keys. The first thought that came to my mind was, I cannot go out in my nightwear in case I have to stay in a camp, as flashes of such severe occurrences that I watched on Discovery and news channels came to my eyes. In such a scenario, my jeans and T-shirt were the most handy and comfy.

Well, it turned out to be a serious issue as the quake was 7.9 on Richter scale and that too the epicentre was in our neighbouring Nepal, the biggest one to hit that country in eight decades. But as we went outside, a few observations around made me smile even in such a serious scenario. One of my neighbours shared with me the same thought, ‘even she changed her dress’. Someone said even UP has been hit, I felt like saying ‘We are also in UP though we call it Delhi-NCR and Delhi and UP are neighbouring states’ but controlled my tongue. By then almost everyone from our 12-floor apartment was downstairs and discussions were on whether our building was earthquake-resistant. No matter what the discussion was, deep inside everybody knew there is no way of escaping in case a major one hit us, as Delhi is located in seismic zone 4. Meanwhile rumours were doing rounds on social media; the irony is that educated people do not stop themselves from forwarding such messages even knowing nobody can predict earthquakes.

As we returned to our daily chores, the first aftershock came and again we had to run outside. This time nobody was in their night wears and some women even managed some touch-up. Well, women will be women after all! 

Once I was in office and the moment someone said ‘earthquake’, the whole office was outside. But I was on my seat trying to feel the earthquake, whether it was a real one. As I belong to Assam and earthquakes are quite a common occurrence there, we are too lazy to move out before a major shake.

This time one of my journalist friends messaged sarcastically, ‘hope our boss does not ask us to do a campaign -- Stop earthquake’. Well, journalists will be journalists always.  On a serious note, seismological experts are saying there will be a more aftershocks, especially near the epicentre and after that the magnitude will recede gradually, as this is how the earth reacts after a major shake. Till then hope we all are safe from such tremors and realtors build earthquake-resistant buildings only as it is said earthquakes do not kill people buildings do. And hope there is more awareness about what to do in case of tremors in the future.    

My article on Durga Puja fashion, published in Northeast Today

My article on Durga Puja fashion in Northeast Today

My Tai Chii article in Maxposure group "Tridhatu" (Tathastu) magazine

My Tai Chii article in Maxposure group "Tridhatu" (Tathastu) magazine

Gracefully Tai Chi

 

Extremely beneficial for both the mind and body, Tai Chi is gaining popularity these days. But if you are expecting magic overnight, this form of exercise derived from martial art is not for you. A slow but graceful art, people sometimes tend to get bored as it requires patience and leave halfway but if you are under the right instructor, you will definitely continue. So it’s better know more about it and then take the plunge.

 

Kakoli Thakur

 

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi can best be defined as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. Originally derived from an old Chinese martial art form, it is a sequence of movements performed slowly and gracefully. The main aim of Tai Chi is to foster the circulation of this 'chi' within the body, enhancing the health and vitality of the person. It also helps to foster a calm and tranquil mind.

Tai chi is not like yummy fast food and you cannot learn it in 15 days, so do not get fooled by people who tell you it’s possible. “You have to understand the essence, there is a whole process and you have to go step by step. You cannot jump from A to B. You can learn B only when A is already inside you clear. Don’t go by the glamour of the dress or the institute, check the credentials before joining any classes,” says expert Kanishk Sharma, who has been practising Tai Chi for the last 26 years.

“Dedication, understanding and loving of the art is important when you want to learn Tai Chi. It’s very important from whom you are learning.”

Talking about one of his favourite students, Buddha Paul, he said, “I found this homeless boy in Pune. He was hungry for martial arts and some Karate guy was fooling him. I trained him for two years and now he is training the boys in the Indian Army.”

Different studies across the world have shown the benefits of Tai Chi. It helps in mind-body coordination, it increases inner body strength, generates inner strength.

A study from Ireland found that a combo of exercise, meditation, and breathing helped relieve anxiety and depression among participants.

It helps increase muscle strength, flexibility and balance and tackles diseases like anxiety, arthritis, fatigue, joint stiffness, muscle tension, poor posture and stress – common among the fast-paced lives of executives and corporates.

Says Tai Chi expert JK Singh: “There is no age factor, people who prefer soft martial art due to old age can prefer Tai Chi.”

Tai Chi has different levels but it takes around six months to learn basic course. After that people can practise at home for fitness.

According to Tai Chi expert Rajeev Sabharwal, Tai Chi is a self-healing art. “It is slow meditation through hand and leg movements. It helps people who have blood pressure, arthritis, spine problem, dizziness, etc.”

The problem is that people get excited after reading about it a lot but since these are slow exercises, they get bored, he says. “People should be matured enough to know its benefits, I would say if they are above 18 they can understand its depth. To maintain fitness we teach 18 moves, which takes around 20 to 25 classes to learn. If one practises between 20 and 40 minutes on a regular basis, it’s enough,” Sabharwal elaborates.

But when one wants to take it professionally, it’s like a journey; it can be 10 years, 15 years or even more. “Though I am an instructor I still feel I have a long way to go,” says Sabharwal.

In layman terms, the breathing exercises along with hand and leg movements help to open all blockages inside our body, it’s a fight between muscles to generate inner strength.

People even with heart ailments and other chronic diseases should practise Tai Chi.

Rajeev Sabharwal shared an experience, “Once a woman from China came to me and said, ‘I am from China, I know the health benefits of Tai Chi, I have cancer, please teach me so that I gain inner strength to fight the cancer inside me.’ I was touched. While practising Tai Chi, we breathe in and out again and again through slow exercises. The oxygen we take in again and again helps in healing any disease.”

 

Different types of Tai Chi styles:

Most beginners think of Tai Chi as just one art form and don’t realize the multitude of styles available.

The five major Tai Chi styles are:

Yang style is widely practiced worldwide.

Wu style emphasize small, compact movements.

Chen style is the original style. It alternates slow-motion movements with short, fast, explosive and appeals youth and martial artists.

Hao style is rare. Its primary focus is on internal chi movements with physical motions being much less important.

Combination styles mix and match movements from the four other styles.

 

Fee structure:

·        Fee varies from institute to institute. Generally starts from Rs 3000 per month.

·        The fee varies from instructor to instructor. Can be anything between Rs 500 and Rs 1000 per class.

 

Why Tai Chi:

·        Movements are low-impact and gentle and put minimal stress on muscles and joints.

·        The risk of injury is very low.

·        Can do it anywhere, anytime.

·        It requires very little space and no special clothing or equipment.

·        Can do it at own pace.

·        It's non-competitive.

·        It can be done in groups or alone.

 

 

Article on winter fashion, published in Northeast Today

http://www.northeasttoday.in/go-stylish-chill/​



Article on winter fashion in Northeast Today

Durga Puja, down memory lane

Durga Puja, down memory lane

 

The word Durga Puja gets every Bengali into a festive mood and equally excited, no matter in which part of the world he or she stays in. As Durga Puja is approaching on October 1, I get nostalgic thinking about those four days during our growing up years. The first thing that came to our mind was shopping, and counting dresses (whether we had at least two dresses for each of the four days). Then came the unending wait: counting how many days and then, how many hours were left for Durga Ma to arrive.

For mornings, there were strict instructions from our mothers to collect flowers and offer them at the puja mandap. It was only during that time of the year when we were early risers. To get more and more flowers, we did not hesitate even to climb the hills to get the best of the lot (in our native place, foothills of Guwahati, Assam). Toy guns were a special possession. So were those moments when we fought with our siblings over bullet rolls to insert in our guns, especially to shoo away boys who would run after us with their guns to dig holes in our new dresses.

We got special permission to roam around with friends during daytime and satiate out taste buds with all the ice-creams, chat and what not with a little raise in our pocket money as special puja allowance. Lunch time was standing in long queues in the sun to get the most tasty food in puja pandals. Evening time was hopping from one pandal to another, admiring different idols and pandal decorations with our parents. If not, then we sit in our neighbourhood pandal and chat with friends on every topic and have a snack break after every half an hour. We went home just to change dresses and to sleep at night, dead tired after roaming the whole day.

As we stepped into our teenage years, Puja time was proposal time from boys. Though we got excited at each proposal but we would love to say ‘NO’ to all and giggle at everything.

But things are no more the same. Now the first thought that comes to our mind is whether we would get leave. With mall culture entering our lives in a big way and shopping becoming a normal phenomenon, buying clothes no more has the same charm. Now children love to play more with computers and mobiles. And there is no safety, so we are scared to send our children to roam carefree like we did in our childhood.

Still, a few things are still the same: The wait for puja, buying at least something new to wear, having yummy prasad in pandals and tasty snacks from all food stalls visible. The special beat of the dhak and the chant Durga Mai ki Jai take us down memory lane! On Dashami day, we still feel the vacuum inside after the immersion of the idol. Only a Bengali can understand the importance of Durga Puja in their lives with the belief ‘Achche bochor abar hobe!’ (Ma will come again next year).

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published in assam tribune, Good bye Orkut, thank you Facebook!

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/showpage.asp?id=Sunday_Reading,2,348,216,1068,717

Linked to the world

As news of Orkut signing out of cyber space started doing the rounds, a sense of déjà vu sank in. For us, Orkut would always be special. For, it was our first brush with social networking cutting across distance, cities and even countries. This was where we first discovered our long lost friends, kept in touch with colleagues and relative and shared our precious moments captured in camera with our nearest and dearest ones. That was time when people used to look in aghast at those who were not part of Orkut. That was till Facebook arrived on the scene and became a part and parcel of our lives.

When Orkut finally logs out in September, I will definitely remember it but won’t miss it much thanks to Facebook. Orkut was

 

good as start-up, but Facebook with its vast options is way ahead. It is like switching from a basic cell phone to a touchscreen smartphone –like we remember our first Nokia 3315 that would not break even if thrown on the floor but don’t miss it as now we have our iphones, Samsung Galaxy phones or the Nokia Lumias.

Facebook is now like our cup of morning tea – if we don’t check it once we get up we don’t get that kick that refreshes us for the rest of the day – and also like the daily newspaper – if we don’t read it we miss out on the daily updates of friends and all that they have shared.

Now with smartphones in every hand, not being online on FB 24x7 is almost like being an outcast.

Like on Facebook is full of action; it makes the most introvert person in real life and outspoken and witty in the cyber world. It’s a 24/7 competition for many who keep on posting status almost every hour to outdo each other.

While some self-proclaimed models feel FB is a platform to showcase their pictures, others post pictures of their babies daily as if it’s a baby book.  And still many others click pictures just to post them no matter how small is the occasion is or whether it’s any occasion at all. If it’s an outstation trip, then a new album or multiple albums follow suit.

Some give a daily dose of their lives, about their mood, what’s in menu, husband’s new ways of romancing, kids’ daily progress, books to read, movies to watch, just random videos and thoughts and what not.

One of my office colleagues, who thinks he is a scholar, always is after those who are into Facebooking, “What will happen to today’s youth who is wasting time on Facebook.” I am sure he is not alone, but I want to tell them that it may be sheer madness but Facebook has its own charm.

On the flip side, then there are human bugs who have the irritating habit of tagging – and bugging -- all in whatever they post. A Facebook friend’s friend used to tag me in everything – right from her good morning wish and different thoughts throughout the day and end with a good night. I had to put my friend in the acquaintance list because of that taggy friend of hers.

Then there are those who take pride in declaring their smallest of achievement with élan, giving others the chance to mock at them. Once I had a message war with one of my ex-colleagues who was upset because I forgot to click the ‘like’ button when she posted about her local beauty pageant success.

Many make their relationship public and some even declare break-ups on Facebook. Once when it happened with one of my relatives, the boy had to say sorry to the girl when people started sending him hate messages because of breaking a relationship with a girl on a social network.

But then Facebook is not about sharing random things. Time and again, it has played a very important role in spreading important information and uniting masses – be it the Anna movement or the December 16 rape aftermath in Delhi.

Sometimes I wonder how life will be without Facebook. As I deleted Orkut account today, I thank my stars that I have Facebook to keep me connected to the world.

 

Health article --- Add fun to fitness...in Maxposure group "DLF Promenade" magazine

My health article in a Maxposure Media Group magazine

 

Going unconventional

Kakoli Thakur

Staying fit has become the mantra to beat today’s hectic lifestyle. While some hit the gym, others start taking yoga classes. But no matter how much they try, they often get bored and tend to discontinue. So, more and more people are looking for hatke options with some fun element to it.

To help you out of the sedentary lifestyle and make exercising a fun-filled experience, we list out some alternative ways to stay fit.

 

Hula hoop

You must have seen children, youngsters and slim damsels twirl and roll circular hoops on TV. But most wouldn’t know that hula-hooping has re-emerged as a great cardio workout to slim your waist, hips, buttocks and thighs while toning your abdominals and lower back muscles. The best part of hooping is it does not restrict you. It can be done indoors or outside, on your own. Or you can just join a class.

Hula hoop expert Bhawna Grower, says, “If you hoop for 60 minutes, you will burn 500 calories. Thirty minutes hooping every day is enough to have a flat tummy. The best part is you can hoop anytime while watching TV, or talking on phone.”

Hooping is like killing two birds with one stone. It not only helps in maintaining a flat tummy, but also tones the whole body. Heavy or exercise hoops are used for fitness purposes. The plastic hoops which we generally see, are used by kids for fun purposes or for dance shows, she says.

“The flexibility factor also doubles. We cater to women of the age group of 18-55. Sometimes women come to us and say their three- year-old daughters want to learn hula hooping for fun purposes. To make it more interesting, I add dance steps along with basic hooping with blasting music or a popular number at the background, which gives it a double effect.”

 

Zumba

If you had a childhood dream to dance but never tried, why not try Zumba. This aerobic workout blends choreographed footwork and body movements from salsa, merengue, flamenco and other dances to sculpt your body and burn fat. When you’re grooving to the spicy Latin beats or even apna Bollywood numbers, you won’t even realise that you’re toning your abs, thighs, glutes and arms. An hour of Zumba helps you burn approximately 300-400 calories.

“Zumba is a fitness dance style and it is very popular these days. It depends on individual to individual either one bounces or hops or jumps. To make it more interesting, we make people dance to the latest popular Bollywood numbers,” says Manisha Singhal, zumba expert.

“Since it’s more of cardio vascular moves, we ask our students to fill a medical consensus form. Instead of practising at home, it’s always advisable to join a class as you are under the supervision of an instructor and it’s always fun to dance in groups,” she says.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, Zumba has a huge international fan following, including celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Jackie Chan, Kirstie Alley, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Emma Watson, Halle Berry, Toni Braxton, Shakira among others.

 

Skating

The next time you take your kid to learn skating, don’t just be a silent spectator. Ask if you can also join in. Skating can be an interesting alternative to running because it’s easier on the joints. Skating is also a good aerobic workout that tones your lower body and of course builds leg strength. You can burn between 180 and 330 calories from one hour of continuous skating depending on the speed and intensity.

Says speed skating and roller hockey skating expert Zahid Khan, “Skating increases stamina, helps in keeping the stomach toned and makes the leg muscles strong. There are different types of skating such as music, artistic and figure skating. To make it more interesting, we add music at the background, we put lifts and we keep on experimenting. We keep on organising championships, matches and annual carnivals.”

“Though only children used to learn earlier, gradually a lot of young parents are showing interest in skating after seeing the fun and knowing the health quotient,” he says.

 

Salsa

If you are not getting time with your partner why not join a salsa class for weekends? You will spend quality time together, get closer and stay fit at the same time.  And the next time you party, just hit the dance floor instantly with your partner, what say.

Whether you choose the Cuban Casino style, the Colombian variation, the Miami Salsa or the Los Angeles/New York version, the twists, turns and fast-paced movements will ensure every part of your body feels the calories burn away.

Says Meraz Alam, Salsa expert, “Salsa is basically a social dance, it is generally performed in social gatherings. Salsa is really in demand now and one can burn 250-300 calories after one session. It is a couple dance, it’s relaxing, steps are easy and age is never a hurdle. The dance makes you more flexible and most importantly it boosts your confidence, develops your personality and you become a more stylish person.”

She adds, “I have seen quite a lot ‘damsel in distress’ types turning into stylish ladies after two to three months. In our classes, along with dance, we emphasise on how to dress up, styling tips, etc. I know people who were not at all social turn into confident individual after learning salsa.”

 

Jazz

One more fun dance way to stay fit and become a more stylish person at the same time is Jazz. If you have forgotten that you once used to make the right moves and you go ‘oo la la’ when you see jazz dancers on television shows, you can always join a jazz class. This type of dancing is energetic and fun, consists of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns – every element needed to tone up your body.

“The best part of Jazz is it does overall stretching; it improves stamina and strengthens muscles. We do 15-20 minutes warm-up sessions before the dance. We ask our students to wear funky clothes and they get all the more excited,” expert Manisha Singhal.

 

 

Rope jumping/skipping

As a kid, you must remember doing rope jumping – alone or in groups -- just for fun. But what you probably didn’t know at that time that it was one of the factors that helped you remain agile and fit. This full-body cardiovascular workout can do wonders by strengthening your muscles and bones and improving your coordination and make you feel like a kid again. And just 15 minutes of jumping rope burns about 200 calories. Aim for three 10-minute rope-jumping workouts every week. Before you skip, always start with a short warm-up.

“I always wanted to stay fit but never could take out time from my hectic schedule. I got this idea from a website and I found it just amazing. Taking out 10-minutes is not that tough. After skipping for 10 minutes, I feel so fresh and energetic. I would definitely suggest to people like me who struggle to take out time for fitness,” says Rahul Chowdhury who has been practising rope jumping for the last six months.

 

Frisbee

Deepshikha Sharma was a mere spectator, watching kids play from her balcony. She was always worried about her weight but now she is happy as she has started playing Frisbee. A fun game and a serious sport, played in tournaments in the US and Canada, at the same time, Frisbee will make you sweat it out – in what is really good news for calorie watchers.

“I always used to watch kids playing Frisbee in our apartment park with awe. Until one day I came through an article. You burn 679 calories if you run at a pace of 11 minutes per mile while if you play Frisbee the same time you burn 572 calories. It inspired me and now I play Frisbee with my kids and family in the evening every day. I often involve my neighbours call my friends on weekends. Sometimes I feel my childhood is back and Frisbee is my fitness mantra.”

 

Exercise                                   Time                                        Calories

CONVENTIONAL EXERCISES

Step aerobics                                       60 minutes                               360-714 

(depending on  type)

Gym                                                  60 min                           350-450

(Heavy workout for a man of average weight)

Running                                   60min                                      580

(at 5 miles per hour or 12 min per mile)

Cycling                                    60 min                           580

(at a brisk speed, not cycling for leisure)

 

 

FUN WAY OUT:

Hula Hoop                               60minutes                                500.

Zumba                                     60 min                                      300-400.

Skating                                    60min                                                180-330

(depends on intensity)

Salsa                                         60                                             400-480.

(depends on weight of person)

Rope jumping                                   15 minutes                                         200 calories

Frisbee                                     60                                            572 calories.

(Depends on speed)