Booty way to fitness

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CrossFit training, sprinting, weightlifting… You name it and it’s out there. Termed piggyback workouts, this fitness fad seems to have caught the attention of health freaks and is a perfect combination of CrossFit training. Experts say that such workouts are ideal for military training and law enforcement personnel. Even celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapur, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Hollywood stars like Cameron Diaz have tried these workouts.

Fitness gurus say that while boot camp workouts are meant for extreme strength training and weight loss, the fact that the exercises are not monotonous is their biggest advantage. Explains Hemal Shah, celebrity fitness and martial arts expert, “Such workouts are extremely rigorous, but working out with like-minded people and choosing various combinations of intense workouts can motivate those who choose this regime.”
He adds, “Since my focus is on martial arts, I ensure that my clients also do combination workouts involving martial arts exercises too. An ideal workout consists of two-three sessions of various exercises and at times a game of sprint race or relay is included to break the monotony.”
The nature of these workouts is such that it improves agility and balance, both physically and mentally. Payal Gidwani, fitness trainer of Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, says, “Piggyback training is a combination of exercises using your own bodyweight and cardio drills like jumping jacks that help burn calories faster. These workouts involve the heart and the muscles and can challenge your body to its limits. It increases metabolism, burns calories, improves agility and balance and speeds up the rate of weight loss.”
Such workouts, though highly intense and strenuous, are also beneficial. But experts point out that beginners should be cautious. Leena Mogre, director of a popular fitness chain and celebrity trainer, says, “Boot- camps and piggyback workouts are ideally meant for those used to such training patterns. The exercises vary depending on the age group and fitness goals.”
Nutritionists highlight the importance of maintaining hydration levels during these exercises. Aparna Tandon, diet expert says, “Considering that the level of intensity is ideal for military training, one can imagine the effort that goes into such workouts and the capacity required. One must be sure to drink plenty of water, juices and oral rehydrants during the workout.”