Bokwa: The new fitness regime

Fitness regimes have become the need of the hour, given the stressful schedules that are a part of our unagile life. Thanks to the demand of 'staying fit and healthy', the market has a surplus of new-age techniques, only to have us spoilt for choice. People were only getting used to routines such as Zumba and Pilates, and we're in for a new treat in the form of Bokwa. The House of Wow, Bandra, has come up with this new fitness/dance routine that will only add that fun element to your mundane workout. But what exactly is Bokwa? We interviewed Bokwa instructor Manasi Dixit to know more about the same. Excerpts from the interview.

dna: What is Bokwa, the dance workout like? Can you tell us about its origin?
Manasi Dixit (MD): Bokwa is unlike other forms. During this regime, the participants draw letter and numbers with their feet while performing an energising and addictive cardio workout routine. When the participants draw a Bokwa L, C and 3 among other letters and numbers, it mimics a free-form, rhythmic, street dance style from South Africa, which requires no formal training. Paul Mavi is the creator of Bokwa Fitness and it originated in South Africa.   

dna: How different is Bokwa from other fitness regimes like Zumba and Pilates?
MD: Bokwa is fun and easy to follow. The participants focus on performing the steps and often forget that they are  working out intensely. Bokwa steps can be performed at different levels of intensity while tracing the same letter or number with your feet. You can perform the Bokwa C or the Bokwa L on the same music, in low and high intensity. This only means that participants of all fitness levels can enjoy the  same moves and music while in the same class.

dna: We have read that Bokwa is a combination of 'boxing and African dance'. Given how different these two forms are, can you tell us how the techniques are used in combination? Also, how does this benefit the participant?
MD: Bokwa makes you sweat and burns calories, as this programme is a combination of boxing and a tribal African dance form called Kwaito, which is a high-intensity workout. Boxing builds and tones your body, while Kwaito ensures that your energy levels remain high. In other words, the combination of these forms creates power-packed magic on the floor.  
dna: We hear Bokwa has a 'letters and numbers' approach; could you explain that to the readers?
MD: The Bokwa steps are structured to follow letters and numbers so that the participants can predict the direction they are moving in once they know the steps by heart, and can identify them with a simple hand signal. We use a universal sign language in Bokwa. It does not need any choreography; the foundation of the steps are similar, no matter which part of the world you perform it in. Every step in Bokwa is structured, predictable and easy-to-learn. You can pick them up at any age, no matter if you are seven or 77. Like they say, 'If you can move and spell, then you can Bokwa.'  

dna: Does Bokwa mix exercise with mental agility? If so, how? 
MD: Feeling the rhythm is extremely important. When you hear the beat and feel the rhythm, movements to the beat end up being a part of the emotional memory of the body. In other words, you feel it, without thinking it. Over time, feeling the beat becomes second nature; the Bokwa moves meet you at your own level.

dna: Can you highlight the health benefits of Bokwa?
MD: This simple yet exciting class makes you sweat and burn up to 1,200 calories per session. Bokwa is extremely addictive, so you finally end up learning some amazing moves and also tone your body at the same time. Every Bokwa session will help you become stress-free.

dna: How many hours of Bokwa a week must a student/learner practise?
MD: A Bokwa student must work out for 45 minutes every day. 
simi.kuriakose@dnaindia.net