BollyX gains fitness footing in New Carlisle

A unique form of fitness classes that’s gaining popularity across the country and world is now offered in New Carlisle.

Named after India’s equivalent of Hollywood – Bollywood, BollyX is a high-intensity cardio workout. Vijaya Devatha, co-owner of New Carlisle Sports & Fitness, was looking for a different fitness class to offer. Her Indian roots and background in dance led her to getting certified in BollyX and she now offers classes at 6 p.m. Thursdays.

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A high-intensity interval training exercise, BollyX is a 50-minute class where the dances can go from low to medium and high intensity. The classes are currently focused on low impact.

“Dance and music are a must in Bollywood movies and this takes music from different regions of India and other areas of the world and the dance form is based on different Indian dances, combining with some western dances,” said Devatha.

BollyX is a little like Zumba, which was the huge fitness craze a few years ago, but is more structured, Devatha said. It is also a way for friends or spouses to stay fit together and recommended for ages 13 years and older.

“It’s a real stress reliever when you get moving and you can forget about everything,” she said. “It’s not like just walking on a treadmill. You get to interact.”

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A class works all the muscles and can burn 500-800 calories, according to Devatha.

In 2017, New Carlisle Sports & Fitness sponsored a BollyX fundraiser with numerous attendees that made $800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Devatha enjoys combining exercise with a good cause and would like to do another.

Even her husband has gotten into BollyX and gained the skills necessary to lead the men’s dances at Springfield’s Diwali celebration last October.

“It’s about moving, having fun and taking a break for an hour where you can enjoy music, burn calories and be with friends or meet new ones,” she said. “You feel like a rock star after taking the class.”

BollyX classes are $5 for drop-ins and free for club members. For more information, go to http://ncsfc.com/.

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