HealthWatch: Fitness Goes Bollywood With New Aerobics Trend

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) - An India-inspired workout known as Bollywood Aerobics is beginning to pop up in gyms around the Bay Area.

First launched in Mumbai, where the so called Bollywood movies are made, the fitness routine takes very best of the film genre's song and dance and puts it to a heart pumping exercise.

"Bollywood is hitting it huge," said aerobics instructor Dee Ali.

Ali learned Bollywood Aerobics in London, and has brought her knowledge to San Francisco gyms. She teaches classes at the Jewish Community Center. Bollywood is also offered by Dance Masti in the South Bay, as well as at San Francisco's Bay Club.

"You'd be basically sweating in the first 10 minutes. So it's a good 60 minutes of a hardcore workout," said Ali.

Dr. Selina Shah agreed, saying "It's amazing. You get every muscle moving."

Dr. Shah is a sports and dance medicine specialist at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. She's also a professional Bollywood dancer. Dr. Shah said with Bollywood aerobics, even your fingertips get a workout.

"There are very fine movements with the fingertips that require a lot of muscle strength," she explained.

If you are interested in Bollywood aerobics, make sure you check with your doctor. If you're healthy, there should be no problems. But if your physician recommends that you avoid jumping or doing certain movements, take precautions. You also want to wear thin-soled shoes instead of running shoes.

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