Get on the fitness express

Bangalore welcomes Portugal’s popular workout regime that offers an effective and unique approach to losing weight and staying in shape. DNA talks to Carla Teixeira, the Portuguese trainer who’s here to give women in the city a taste of something exciting...

You’re promoting the concept of Vivafit — what exactly is it?
Vivafit is an express 30-minutes workout, which is just apt for working ladies. The concept is very result-oriented because the members get to stick to their action plan and every single change is tracked. One of the main aspects of Vivafit is to keep the ambience energised and fun.

What role does ‘fun’ have to play here?
Women know that losing weight and keeping fit are not easy but when a group of women meet at the gym for the same reasons and trainers motivate them to reach their goals, it becomes much more enjoyable and fun. Introducing fun while exercising gives members the desire to compete with each other but in a harmless way.

What is done in the 30-minutes circuit and how often should one do it to achieve desired results?
The circuit is a combination of resistance training and high intensity aerobics during which a trainer assists the members and motivates them. The 10 machines on the circuit train each part of the body; given that the machines are hydraulics in nature, the resistance on each of the machines is adjusted according to every woman’s needs. The faster you go, the harder it is and the more you burn fat. The circuit is very easy to follow and the multiple exercises target strength building as well as muscular endurance. In my opinion, a women should come two to three times a week to keep in shape but it differs for each women’s need.

What are the other exercise regimes you offer?
When we started in December last year, we chose to begin with the circuit which is the most important part of the training and then we added the Zumba class. Over the next few months we will introduce more workouts like Body Balance, Sh’bam, Body Vive and Pilates, which will also be moduled in the express format. The Zumba is more like a fitness-party where women exert themselves, burn calories, sweat but mainly have fun!

What exactly is the “no mirror” concept and the apple-wall?
We don’t have any mirrors around us; their absence makes women more comfortable about themselves and their body. The mirror is replaced by the apple-wall, which is a creative notice board of performances where the weight and abdominal perimeter of each women is posted. When looking at the apple-wall, the members compare each other’s result and feel both inspired and challenged to do more and better.