New Normal: Fitness lovers shift to calisthenics, animal workouts the new fad

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 17

The pandemic-induced lockdown has fitness freaks weighing other options for hitting a gym has become a thing of past. But they have to continue doing what they are used to as many of them are apprehensive of threat the lockdown can inflict on the body. So, just like others, they have also carved out their way as they have switched to calisthenics and other body weight exercises, crossfit training, zumba and others which can easily be worked out at home.

While virtual training is helping a few to remain in the game, most are beginning to feel that it’s not necessary to lift weights for hours in the gym when one can keep the fitness level up at home. Hence, a relatively new fad has come to life – ‘animal workouts’. Fitness lovers these days are adhering to animal movements like that of bear claws, donkey kicks, crab walks and frog jumps to keep fit. A lot of people have been Instagramming their daily sessions using animal workouts and on other social sites such as WhatsApp and Facebook.

The exchange of their daily routine sessions is also helping gym rats keeping each other motivated as they share their own variations of exercises. Moreover, from attending virtual sessions to opting for dance-based fitness programmes, sportpersons are leaving no stone unturned to follow their fitness regime actively. Using the current lockdown relaxations, youth are also visiting sports markets to supplement their home workouts with equipments that come in handy and can be used at home to maintain fitness and improve muscle strength.

Raman Dhall, Body builder and Gym Trainer

Undoubtedly, the lockdown came as a surprise for us. Our regular workout sessions were hindered in the beginning, but we kept on waiting for the reopening of gyms. However, the lockdown kept on extending and the gyms are still shuttered. Switching to body weight exercises remained the last option. For past three months, I have been providing online training and guidance to my clients. We also switch to ground exercises for better efficiency.

Nidhi Mittal, a dance and fitness instructor.

Practising dance-based exercises like zumba are being seen as a good option to stay fit. The lockdown is no excuse to ditch exercises. Interestingly, more number of people have associated with us during lockdown and are taking dance and fitness training. Through online sessions we also try to know the target of our clients and provide them the training accordingly. Zumba, belly dancing, bhangra and classical dance are more in demand.

Abhishek Jain, fitness enthusiast

Sitting idle during lockdown gave me a feeling that I was gaining weight, hence, burning fat on the mat seemed to be the only option. With the help of my friends I started doing animal movements that build full body muscle strengths. Besides, pilates, yoga, stretching, skipping, stair jumping and other exercises are keeping the home workout sessions interesting.

Sanjeev, fitness trainer

As gyms have been lying shut, I have been taking the help of my body only. Sometimes having no equipments works best for attaining fitness goals. Having shredded the desired amount of weight during the lockdown, I realised, you only need an intention when it comes to working on your fitness regime. Body weight exercises and calisthenics are not only fruitful but also keeps our body fit for the longer run. Moreover, body weight movements are easily transferred from the gym to the home.