Beats 'n' Steps, dance-fitness studio launched in Kochi

KOCHI, INDIA: Burning calories, attaining fitness and remaining healthy are all goals most people have. Until now the options were going out for a walk, jogging, workout in the gym or at home. All these fitness routines are good enough but has a lot of limitations.

Key drawbacks:

1)Progress in walking and jogging activities may take a longer time to show results
2)Solo activities may be uninteresting and lead to boredom and abandonment
3)Rain or inclement weather can spoil the outdoor activity and hence impact daily excercise routine

It is here that dance based fitness routines score over conventional ones, according to Aswathy Visweswaran, ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network-www.zumba.com) and Prasanth S, Zin, co-founders of Beats 'n' Steps a dance-fitness studio in South Kalamassery in the commercial city of Kochi.

"We decided to launch this venture based on dance-based routines because people from all age groups especially late 30's and 40's genuinely feel a need to have some fun, entertainment and tangible results when it comes to burning calories and attaining wellness,"  Aswathy and Prasanth said.

Beats 'n' Steps provides training in Zumba Fitness, Aerobics, Bollywood dance, Hip Hop, and traditional yoga and Bharatanatyam. Zumba is capable of burning upto 800 calories an hour. Many people are initially shy or reluctant to join Zumba as they feel they require to be good at dancing. " Many of the students whom I studied with had no background in dancing but only a desire to be healthy and shed flab," Aswathy Visweswaran said in chat with CommodityJourno.blogspot.in. Presence of personal trainer and contemporary dancer, Ritin is a boost for Beats 'n' Steps, the promoters said.

Seema Subodh, is a Reebok certified Aerobics trainer now available at Beats 'n' Steps. She believes that dance based fitness sessions bring out the best in each individual raising their confidence level and outlook towards life. However, those having heart ailments or chest problems need to first consult a doctor and also need to inform the trainer about their ailments.

Anupama, bollywood and bharatanatyam trainer is an accomplished dancer who has done several shows in India and abroad. She believes Beats 'n' Steps has the right mix of offerings for anyone interested in the aesthetics of keeping fit and healthy in life.

Mehbooba, the yoga teacher said that awareness about the benefits of yoga is now spreading across the world. The mere fact that June 21 is observed as International Yoga day is ample proof this. It can work miracles on our body, mind, breath control meditation and body flexibility.

In due course, Beats 'n' Steps is planning several innovative programs on personality development and machine based workouts, promoters said. There are separate classes for ladies and kids.

For details: contact Aswathy Visweswaran 9744954607, Prasanth-9895611537
Beats'n' Steps is located at CUSAT Signal Jn, South Kalamassery, Kochi-682023

The Authentic Lil' America

Hey, All ya' hot dog fans, have ya' all heard 'bout lil' America? Well, it's this fast food restaurant right in the middle o' Panampilly Nagar, the fast growing commercial area in Cochin. Anyone who loves hot dogs is gonna love this place!

Well, I went there with great expectation, and to my surprise, it was way more than what I expected. With the cool music in their Jukebox, the baseball glove and the rugby ball on display, the place gives you that kind of feeling you get in a café in the Americas. The graffiti on the main wall featuring major American marks including Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty is quite something (I found myself staring at it for a couple of minutes).

this held my gaze for like, 10 minutes.

So, as you can see, I was pretty impressed by the looks and the vibe, and my next step was to evaluate the food. I bought a couple of hot dogs, some waffles and a slushy. As I took my first bite of the hot dog, I thought: “This place is one of a kind!”

Another impressive feature is their charity programme. Any customer can donate a hot dog, and they'll pin a tab on to the S.O.W, or ‘Some On the Wall’ board (quirky, eh?). When they've got a lot of tabs, they invite children from a selected orphanage, and serve twice as many hot dogs as donated by the customers. Quite noble and quite interesting, I should say.                                                                                                      

Rupam and Arunima Gupta, the brains behind Lil" America

I appreciate the efforts of Rupam and Arunima Gupta, the couple behind this venture. I’m very much looking forward to my next visit to Lil’ America. A nice little restaurant, neatly tucked away at the 5th Cross Road of Panampilly Nagar. This place is a must-visit for all those who are looking for a new taste. Make sure ya’ get the name right…. Lil’ America. Let me spell it out for ya'.                                                                             

L-I-L   A-M-E-R-I-C-A. There you go!