A GLASGOW consultant has been helping keep communities fit throughout lockdown, thanks to a unique Bollywood Dance fitness class.
Swapna Gambhir, an anaesthetic consultant at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, sees upwards of 50 participants taking part in her Bombay Jam for Charity virtual fitness classes, which have raised more than £5000.
The classes take inspiration from the Bollywood music scene, with Swapna leading and teaching the dance moves required to cover up to eleven routines per session, including a warm-up, cardio and toning tracks and a cool down.
Participants are active for up to an hour with a mixture of Bollywood and Western hits acting as a soundtrack to the classes.
As the only accredited Bombay Jam trainer in the UK, Swapna first launched the programme more than three years ago to help get fit and to help others who might otherwise not have the time to keep up regular exercise.
Initially taking place at Garscube sports studio and Williamwood High School, when the pandemic struck, the classes went virtual which opened them up to even more participants who can now be seen joining from as far away as the US, the Middle East and India.
The classes have been particularly beneficial for women in the BAME community, who can face challenges engaging in other forms of exercises due to cultural reasons.
While each session is free and the programme runs as a not-for-profit, participants are encouraged to donate, with all proceeds going to different charities.
Swapna said: “I initially started to help get myself fit. As an anaesthetic consultant it was difficult finding the time to keep up a consistent exercise programme. I now have people who rely on me to deliver the classes so there are no excuses anymore.
“What people enjoy most about the class is the accessibility. Anyone can take part from home and the time flies as it doesn’t feel like exercise. I think another reason it’s proving popular is that it provides an outlet for people to take their minds off the pandemic.
“The classes are a fun, sociable escape and we know how important keeping active is for our mental health. The most satisfying aspect for all participants and me in particular, is the money we donate to various charities. Being able to help our communities whilst getting fit ourselves adds an extra feel-good factor to the classes.”
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