Lights, stage set-up, music,visibly excited people in workout gear, drone cameras circling the area, event organisers in grey t-shirts walking around with their walkie talkies... The ground outside Prozone Mall was buzzing with activity. Everyone was waiting for Fitbeat Fitness Fiesta organised by Ford Ecosport, Reebok, Beethovan’s Body Zeal and Rush Republic.
After a brief introduction, we were instructed to spread out in the ground. “Take double arm distance. Workouts need space.” The first session of aerobics started slowly. Moving with the rhythm of the music, the trainers on stage stretched their legs and hands. “Up, below, side, touch your toe”. I joined in enthusiastically and, as the music became faster, I moved forward and backward, with my hands in the air trying to catch up with others. By the end of the 30-minute session, my heartbeats were faster. I wiped my face, and get ready for the next session: piloxing with Antra from Bengaluru.
With moves that resembled boxing punches, this workout also gathered momentum slowly. I tried to move like Antra and stand on one leg, bend and punch the air. In a while I stepped aside to catch my breath and get some water. I saw a group of people sipping energy drinks from a counter but stuck to water not wanting to load my system with sugar.
When I returned, it was time for Bokwa with Beethovan. The kids in the front row showed no sign of tiredness though this was a high intensity workout. I chose to sit out and joined them for the Strong by Zumba session, which had a lot of squats and push ups.
By the end, my-not-used-to-exercise-body was aching and I was hungry. I quickly grabbed some wholegrain bread from the counter, shared it with the kids, and got ready for the next F-Squad. Unlike the other sessions, this one started slowly and increased its pace with time. But the moves were rigorous. This session was fun mostly because they played popular Hindi and Malayalam songs including Jimikki Kammal during the workout.
After this, we were given sticks that resemble those used for dandiya for the Pound session. The sound of sticks hitting each other was heard everywhere. When the event was done, I was so tired that I headed out for a good dinner that took care of all the calories I had burnt earlier in the evening.