3 Age-Old Indian Techniques Of Staying Fit

Written by Saumya Gaur  • 

Going by facts and figures, India is still considered as a third-world country. It is still one of the most influential and powerful nations in the world. And it’s not that this is a recent development. India had always been the cynosure of a million eyes. And we’re not saying this because we are patriotic Indians, harping about the supreme status of our country, we’re saying this because it’s a fact. You just have to browse through a few history books to realize that we are telling the truth.

One of the many reasons for which India is respected across the world is for the way it’s able to blend its rich cultural heritage with the changing trends. And this is most evident in terms of lifestyle and health. While countries across the world have just discovered the health benefits of Yoga and desi ghee, we Indians have been reaping their benefits for the better part of a century.

It’s true that old is gold, especially when it comes to fitness. So keeping this sentiment in mind, we decided to give you a low-down on three age-old Indian techniques that can help you maintain your health in peak condition. Here they are:

1. Swordsmanship And Other Indigenous Martial Arts

You would surely know about Bruce Lee, and if not him, then we are sure you would have heard of Jackie Chan. These personalities helped in making the defense arts of Judo and Karate popular across the world. But did you know that we have our own indigenous forms of martial arts that are just as effective as Judo and Karate?

Practicing martial arts doesn’t just make a person confident and secure, it also helps them develop a disciplined approach towards their fitness. And this principle was utilized by ancient Indian society, where people practiced swordsmanship and other martial arts not only to stay agile but also to stay healthy and fit.

If you too are keen on scoring this two-in-one benefit of practicing martial arts, you can try and learn any of these martial arts-

  • Kalaripayattu: An ancient martial art form developed in Kerala which is focussed on harmonizing the connection between body and mind.
  • Thang Ta: Martial art form developed in Manipur which uses a lot of weapons, including swords. It integrates soft moving patterns and coordinates them with one’s breathing.
  • Silambam: Developed in Tamil Nadu, it is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It employs a lot of footwork to focus on fluid fighting moves.
  • Gatka/ Shastar Vidya: Gatka is a toned-down version of Shastar Vidya, a fearsome fighting technique evolved by Sikh warriors. In gatka, the swords of Shastar Vidya are replaced by wooden sticks and shields.
  • Sqay: An ancient martial art that originated in Kashmir, this martial art’s unarmed form relies heavily on punches, locks, and chops.
  • Kushti: A traditional wrestling sport that was developed during the Mughal era, and is still practiced across the country.

2. Dancing

While you have been sweating it out to the beats of Zumba, you should also consider the traditional forms of dance that are practiced in our country for your fitness needs. India is home to 8 classical dances which are renowned all over the world for their unique storytelling techniques and intricate structure. Almost all of these dances rely heavily on the skills of dexterity and agility. And practicing them regularly would not just be a great way to work out, but it will also allow you to partake in the cultural heritage of your nation, something that you can proudly claim as yours. If you want to give dancing a chance, you can try any of these classical dances-

  • Bharatnatyam: Its state of origin is Tamil Nadu, and it’s a pretty demanding dance form.
  • Kathakali: This is a religious dance that originated in the state of Kerala. It was traditionally performed by only men and boys.
  • Mohiniattam: Another performing dance art form that originated in the state of Kerala.
  • Kuchipudi: A dance form that originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, which relies heavily on gestures and hand movements or mudras.
  • Manipuri: This dance form that originated in Manipur, employs rhythmic movements and gentle footwork. It can provide one an ideal amount of exercise.
  • Odissi: From the state of Orissa. It employs fast-paced, athletic, and acrobatic moves.
  • Kathak: It originated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This dance form makes use of rigorous footwork.
  • Satriya: A dance form from the state of Assam, it employs intricate footwork and mudras in its core structure.

Apart from these, you could also learn the other indigenous dances called folk dances which aren’t thought of as high art, but they are just as good for developing a disciplined fitness regimen.

3. Yoga

Image: Shutterstock

Much before our dear Prime Minister mandated it to be celebrated and glorified, Yoga or yog was a part and parcel of the Indian way of life. Unlike most athletic and fast-paced forms of exercises, Yoga concentrates on making one’s body more flexible and establishing a harmonious connection between the mind and the body with gentle breathing patterns and intricate poses.

And the great thing is that it doesn’t demand any prior knowledge or expertise. Anyone can practice Yoga moves. Practicing Yoga will benefit not only your body but your mind too!

So the next time you think about getting on the fitness wagon, consider trying these ancient and time-tested techniques. You might be surprised to see the results!

Are you aware of any other ancient fitness techniques? If you are, please share them with us in the comments.

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