Stretch yourself

Active! stops by for a Body Balance session, the fitness regime that claims to combine the teachings of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates to offer a more holistic workout. Does it measure up? We find out

Stretch yourself

Active! stops by for a body balance session, the fitness regime that claims to combine the teachings ofu00a0Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates to offer a more holistic workout. Does it measure up? We find out

The dim lights, flickering candles by the window and wooden flooring, all made me feel as if I had arrived at a place of meditation rather than to an adrenaline-fuelled session. Don't be fooled though, it's all part of the plan to whip you into shape! Instructor Freya Dastur had us begin with graceful Tai Chi moves done to the peaceful sounds of World Music. Her version of a warm-up was more fluid than I was used to, but we soon moved to a "deeper warm-up" or Sun Salutations, which felt like a full-fledged workout for me.

The workout includes flexibility and mobility training, helpful in
reducing the chances of injury to the body. Pic/ Prathik Panchamia

These exercises are done for flexibility, mobility and to bring balance to the body. By the time we hit the 'balance' bit though, my legs were wobbly from all that squatting and holding different stretches. "Flexibility and mobility training are absolutely essential if one wants to avoid injury. These exercises help keep the body supple and agile, reducing the chances of straining parts of the body," explains Freya.

From here, we moved on to an even more intense "Pilates-style" workout, followed by more flexibility training and, finally, 10 minutes of deep meditation. By the time we were done, I found myself almost unable to open my eyes. The meditation helped me almost forget what a gruelling session I had just put my body through. Good marketing strategy! Breath control is a regular part in all the exercises.

I continued to feel the effects of the workout in practically every muscle of my body; even two days post the session. The workout is designed for everyone, right from pregnant women to people with injuries, because it is modified according to the group's abilities; another reason why I would recommend it. This workout is particularly good for toning, besides burning up to 300 calories in one hour. For weight loss, you could combine the workout with cardio exercises. I left the session feeling stretched: body, mind and soul.

At: Yoga Sutra, C-4 Chinoy Mansion, Bhulabhai Desai road.
Call 32107067
Cost: Rs 2,200 (for 8 sessions); free trial on request