August 8, 2006 > Naach your way to a better body

by Meera Rajsekar

Looking for a new kind of workout? Now you can have fun with a different type of exercise called "naachercise," the dance and fitness program that helps you shed those pounds while working on your moves.

Naach, the Hindi word for dance speaks to India's popular "Bollywood" movies that nearly always include elaborate dance numbers and music as part of their storyline. Dance lovers, fitness freaks and complete novices all find naachercise a fun and different workout that takes away the tedium of more traditional exercise programs. Each session begins with a warm-up, followed by cardio and abdominal workouts and finishing with a cool-down. Naach dancing incorporates Indian and Western dance forms with elements of jazz, salsa, bhangra and fusion. Students can work through basic, elementary and intermediate classes. In naachercise, you'll learn a new art form and keep fit too.

Locally, Naach Company was founded in 2003 in Milpitas by Mona Sampath and Aditya Patel. These women envisioned the need for a workout and fitness program with a bit of bounce in it. Along with performances, they also conduct classes throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Naach Company has experienced tremendous growth in the last three years.

A semi-annual event, Naachmania, allows both students and professionals to showcase their skills. Students of all ages who complete a 10-week intense training program can perform in front of large audiences. The next Naachmania will take place Nov. 18 and 19.

For more details, including class schedules, call (408) 573-6908; email info@naach.com; or visit www.naach.com or www.naachercise.com.