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FRESH TAKE ON WORKOUTS
Even as more and more people opt for callisthenics and capoeira to keep fit, experts help decode the intrigue surrounding both the fusion workout techniques
Even as more and more people opt for callisthenics and capoeira to keep fit, experts help decode the intrigue surrounding both the fusion workout techniques, and lay down the dos and don’ts for these two forms of exercise.
The fitness industry has a new technique or trend almost every month. While some prefer sticking to the age-old routine of exercises, others try and experiment. Of late, fitness techniques such as callisthenics and capoeira are gaining immense popularity and many health enthusiasts are opting to incorporate them in their regimen.
Callisthenics primarily involves the use of one’s own bodyweight to do exercises and is inspired by gymnastic movements. On the other hand, Capoeira combines martial arts, acrobatics and dance, and is known for quick and complex moves.
We speak to fitness experts, physiotherapists and orthopaedics on their view of these two forms of exercise.
BENEFITS OF CALLISTHENICS
Since body building became popular around the 1950s, callisthenics never left the picture, as it allows an effective full-body training. Sally Jones-Kapoor, cofounder and COO, MultiFit, says, “The best part about callisthenics is that it can be done without any equipment, anywhere, anytime. You yourself are the equipment. This allows a more complete form of exercise that ensures overall body development.”
The usage of multiple muscles in callisthenics, allows a more natural development of strength. As compared to weight-lifting, most callisthenics exercises are also easy on your tendons and joints, making it a lot less likely to develop an injury while doing it. Apart from muscle development, callisthenics also improves your body on other levels, such as flexibility. Apart from physical benefits, callisthenics can turn out to be more creative as exercises can be done in multiple ways whereas in a gym, the equipment limits one’s ways to achieve muscle growth. This not only makes the workout more interesting but also gives multiple benefits.
Dr Gauresh Palekar, orthopaedic surgeon, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, says, “Callisthenics are one of the oldest form of exercises and you do not need any tools or machines for a complete workout. Push-ups, chin-ups, squats, and burpees are common types of callisthenics. Depending on the type of workout, various groups of muscles can be subjected to strength training. Callisthenics help improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance, agility and coordination. They are ideal for compact urban houses.”
BENEFITS OF CAPOEIRA
Capoeira originated among Brazilian slaves and is a tough workout combining dance with martial arts. It includes a lot of cartwheel, spinning, and kicking all being performed as part of a dance sequence. The form incorporates acrobatics, music, and dance.
Dr Aditya Khemka, consultant orthopaedics, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, says, “Capoeira relaxes the mind and body and reduces stress significantly. It increases core muscular strength, and at the same time builds flexibility, hand-eye coordination and balance. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, which boosts endurance.”