Spicy Sarina Brings Back the Bhangra Beat

From Bollywood to Hollywood, the 14th century Indian-Punjabi dance called Bhangra is catching on. Its funky beats originated in Punjab, where farmers danced and sang folk songs to pass the time while they were working. The basic movements of Bhangra are imitations of plowing, sowing and harvesting field crops. A distinct part of the tradition are senseless phrases like, “Hey, hey, hey,” “Balle-balle” and, “Hey arippa.” Soon this tradition was linked with celebrations.

After time, a two-sided drum worn around the neck called a dhol was introduced in the songs. This instrument provided a lively beat -- the same kind of beat that makes you want to dance when watching Bollywood movies. Who knew that this beat would also make for great, heart-pumping exercise music?

Sarina Jain, sometimes called the Indian Jane Fonda, created a workout that takes advantage of the Bhangra beat. The creator of the "Masala Bhangra Workout," Jain developed a hip-hopping, body-bouncing, calorie-burning workout for you to get the dancing jitters out of your system without having to run through endless green fields. “Right now I teach a Bollywood dance class on Monday nights and the students that come to class are so dedicated,” says Jain. “They rave about how much they feel like a Bollywood star.”

Jain combines her cultural roots and fitness background to coin a trademark business that sells and teaches the Masala Bhangra Workout. This fitness industry craze is packing up to 150 people in Masala Bhangra classes.

It’s not necessarily Indians who are getting into this form of exercise, says Jain. This is partially because of the fact the older generation of Indians is not physically active, she says. “It’s crazy,” Jain says, “non-Indians really get into it.”

Jain was involved in college Bhangra competitions while she was growing up, but she never thought her love for dance would lead her to where she is today. She got a BA in Public Relations and Marketing but during her corporate career she began visualizing ways to market her idea and launch her own business. “The first few years you are so driven,” says Jain. “Having a PR background helped promote the DVD,” she says, but the idea of working out to Bhangra beats was a hit from the start. Masala Bhangra became so popular in sports clubs that the press started approaching her for interviews.

“The stories came to me; I did not need to pitch it as much because it sold itself. I think it’s intriguing to other people,” she said. “It‘s a fun workout. I’ve gotten hundreds of e-mails complimenting me on my style and asking me when I will be coming out with my next video.”

Jain has been selling her DVD’s, volumes one through four, for five years now. “I think it’s here to stay because the product is good. I have created a name for myself and if -- knock on wood -- someone does not like it, it’s one in a million. Ninety-nine percent of people who have bought my products loved them and expressed that they wanted more.”

Jain’s first three DVDs’ are high-energy workouts that blend unique choreography from Bollywood sets with a full cardio workout. Bursts of energy and excitement help the exerciser/dancer follow the beat of the dhol. Jain incorporates hand-twirling, hip-twisting, hand-clapping and foot-stomping choreography. The step “Punjabi Boy” resembles a jumping jack with an intricate arm movement. The “Bhangra Squat” gets your heart pumping with the up and down crouching movements and added quarter turns.

A typical "Masala Bhangra Workout" class lasts 55 minutes. Depending on your height and weight, you can burn up to 500 calories. You should wear comfortable attire, similar to what you wear while working out. Shoes are optional. “I like to teach without shoes,” Jain said. “But it’s completely up to you.”

Due to Masala Bhangra Workout’s popularity, non-licensed instructors teach “Bhangra Aerobics” or “Bhangra Workout.” “They just use the name because it has become so well known. I know that I have made it popular,” said Jain.

Jain is searching for qualified instructors to help expand her business. “I have had 50 million people come up to me and say ‘I am a great Bhangra dancer!’” Although this is one of the requirements, “you also have to be fitness certified and a strong instructor. There are many people who teach ‘Bhangra aerobics’ but they have no clue about the aerobics part,” says Jain.

A proper cardio workout includes moving continuously at a fast pace, “When you start and stop, that is not a workout,” says Jain. “Don’t get me wrong, for those who do not want to come to the gym and prefer to take this fitness class at a location taught by someone who is not certified, it is better than doing nothing." But Jain advises fitness-goers to make sure their instructor is certified. If you were to get injured during class, she says, or suffer from cardiac arrest, the instructor should be trained to help you. The same advice applies to workouts on video -- if an uncertified or inexperienced person is teaching the workout, viewers are at risk of injury by following improperly demonstrated moves, says Jain.

Jain, who is herself an instructor in Northern California, says the Masala Bhangra Workout is exciting to teach because “it is a part of our culture and we are able to teach it to people -- and Bhangra music is gaining a lot of popularity and people love the drum beats. Being able to hear it inside of the gym is awesome, we have a lot of fun with it.” Sheila also says it is an effective, strenuous, very energetic workout.

Jain recently released her fourth DVD, which focuses on strength training. “It’s unheard of! It’s so awesome! Weight training to Bhangra music, who would have ever guessed?” she says. You can order the Masala Bhangra Workout on DVD at www.masaladance.com.

Chhayal Parikh is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Interactive Journalism at American University in Washington DC.

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