Bollywood aerobics delivers fitness, toning and a lot of fun

Tired of gyms, 10K runs and army-style fitness clubs? Here's an alternative way to work off December's delicious excesses: Bollywood aerobics.

"It's a lot of fitness, a lot of toning and a lot of fun," says Simran Obhan, an interior designer-turned-professional dancer, who moved from the home of Bollywood, Mumbai, to Hong Kong last year.

In India, she says, "Bollyrobics" is already a craze but dance classes are the only Bollywood-themed activities gyms here currently offer.

"People are constantly looking for new ways to get fit," Obhan says. "Bollyrobics is fitness-centric, with Bollywood dance moves thrown in, whereas a Bollywood dance class is more like learning salsa."

As the Bollywood beats blast out at Obhan's studio, aerobics regulars will recognise some of the basic moves (the Charleston or the reverse hop-turn), but they are interspersed between Bhangra steps and Bollywood hand movements that probably won't make you Hong Kong's answer to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan but will definitely get you sweating out the brandy butter.

Adding to the Indian theme, Obhan's stretches and warm-down are yoga-spiced.