At Fit Bhangra, burning calories is more than just moving to Punjabi beats

Combining traditional folk dance with cardio, the class helps people become fitter and more confident

Set to funky beats and filled with energetic leaps, high kicks and huge smiles, Fit Bhangra offers an enjoyable way of keeping fit: By dancing uninhibitedly to foot-tapping music.

Launched in Abu Dhabi in 2018, the classes combines modern and traditional bhangra, a Punjabi folk dance, with workout drills and strength training.

Jasmit Singh Rehnsi, co-founder of the Fit Bhangra group, says it was one of the first in the UAE to offer such a fusion. “Bhangra is a great form of cardio, and it involves a lot of jumping, squatting and leg lifts,” he says. “We decided to take it a step further and incorporate strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands and agility ladders.

“One hour of Fit Bhangra can burn 600 calories.”

Mixing tradition with fitness

Despite being a complex dance form that requires skill and co-ordination, Fit Bhangra caters to people of all abilities.

The group has welcomed children as young as six and adults in their 60s. While most members are from India, others are from Russia, the UK, Egypt, the UAE, Pakistan, the Philippines and beyond.

Rehnsi, 28, and his team offer classes several times per week, in Abu Dhabi at Steps & Strings and Dee studios, and in Dubai at NKD Studio. Priced at Dh40 per session in Abu Dhabi and Dh50 in Dubai, it’s relatively more affordable than a lot of other dance and fitness classes.

But, while the group’s energetic routine is impressive, it serves as far more than just a vehicle for mastering the art of Punjabi folk dance.

Promoting happiness

Fit Bhangra has transformed the lives of many of its members by providing them with a supportive network of friends, and helping them to become more confident.

Sales specialist Saira Ahmed says Fit Bhangra gave her a new sense of purpose. Ahmed joined five years ago, after her children had moved overseas, and says the group’s upbeat energy made her “feel happy again”.

“Fit Bhangra is a huge part of my life,” says the Abu Dhabi resident. “I was in a very low place after my children left to go to university abroad, but the sessions stopped me from feeling sad and they cured my empty nest syndrome. It's my happy place.

“Learning a new skill is a great feeling. Everyone is made to feel welcome, and we celebrate Ramadan, Christmas and all the special occasions.”

Saira Ahmed, 51, credits Fit Bhangra classes for keeping her in the best shape of her life. Photo: Saira Ahmed

Although she initially signed up to learn how to dance, Ahmed says the group has become like family. “I switch off from work mode and forget all my worries. Even if I arrive feeling low or upset, I leave feeling happy,” she adds.

Fit Bhangra has also had a huge impact on her physical health. She is now in the best shape of her life, at 51.

“People often say I don’t look my age, and I feel stronger and fitter than ever,” she says.

“Dancing and keeping active is helping me manage hormonal changes as I get older, and strengthening my leg muscles has cured a knee problem I’ve had since I was young. I’m more confident as well. I used to feel awkward about being filmed dancing, but now I love it.”

Improving confidence

Maitri Saxena, 36, attends Fit Bhangra classes after putting her two children to bed. Photo: Maitri Saxena

For Maitri Saxena, 36, Fit Bhangra gave her the confidence to return to fitness after having two children.

“I started with the group about a year ago. My body was quite out of shape after having two babies, and I hadn't danced in seven years. But at Fit Bhangra nobody minds if you get something wrong, and there’s no judgment,” she says. “It gave me the self-belief I needed and allowed me to regain my fitness.”

Saxena explains that the high-quality teaching is another draw. Bhangra is a symbolic dance form, and Rehnsi takes the time to explain what all the different movements mean and guides the attendees expertly through the steps.

“The music is amazing, and it leaves you so energised. It’s great for conditioning the body, and it really lifts the mood. It’s my time to myself after I put the babies to bed. It’s so satisfying to see how much I’ve progressed in just 12 months,” says Saxena.

Many of the members like to bust out their moves at weddings and birthday parties, and get creative filming bhangra videos in different locations across the UAE and abroad.

“I didn’t start Fit Bhangra because we want to perform or win competitions,” explains Rehnsi.

“We just want to have fun and improve our fitness. Before joining us, some of the members were very shy. But now they are the life and soul of every gathering. It’s been incredible to watch them flourish.”

More information about Fit Bhangra is available at www.fitbhangra.com