Fitness enthusiasts open dance studio in Nagaland

Good health is priceless and is indeed one of the greatest gifts from god. A group of fitness enthusiasts in Nagaland have opened up a new dance fitness studio for health conscious people.

Performing Arts with Fitness (PAWF) of GX Studio is located at Tetseo College Campus in Nagaland's Sovima Village.

Set up in 2016, the studio offers Zumba fitness and Les Mills Body Combat that includes shaking, jumping and martial arts. Each participant attends 12 classes a month.

"Our mission is a fitter Nagaland. So, hopefully one day we will be able to educate as many as possible. We are going from one place to another talking about fitness and to take care of themselves," said instructor Talien Pongen.

Several dance styles are part of the fitness regime, including Latin American, jazz, African beats and hip-hop.

The Latin-inspired cardio-dance shakeout or western dancing in a party atmosphere was once considered lewd in Naga society. However, with the health benefits of the western or Latino form of dances, even senior citizens are actively taking up classes.

"It's been really refreshing and it relaxes my body. It makes me feel so much more energetic and every time I feel lazy and tired after work, I just come and attend the classes and it just feels so refreshing and much more energetic. So it's been really helping me. I just feel fit and healthier," said a trainee, who did not want to be identified.

The studio also provides facilities like change rooms, shower facilities and fitness consultation apart from other fitness options.

" The workout routine which we are doing now is we start from Zumba and mixed it up with Les Mills Body Combat. We add tracks like the body pump. What's the benefit of doing is that we are mixing up the routine of Zumba and Les Mills Body Combat. New routines like push-ups, punching and kicking have been introduced and it is fun and we really enjoy the workout," said another fitness instructor.

Health enthusiasts are mostly working people, home makers and young people. Some have joined the class for fitness and while some to grow old and healthy.