India Today Magazine

Shruti Vashist

April 9, 2008

In a world where professionals stay glued to their computer screens, have haphazard work timings and even more irregular food habits, a fitness regimen is mandatory, not just for physical health, but for mental well-being too.

Let’s face it, though. Conventional exercise can be tedious, and we all have a long list of excuses for evading the one-two-three routine.

Thankfully, the fitness space is getting crowded and Delhiites are spoilt for choice. To help you decide, Simply Delhi got five fitness gurus—across different disciplines—to talk about the advantages of their chosen form of exercise.

KRAV-MAGA
Vicky Kapoor, 43

Krav Maga is a form of martial art that is based on our natural behaviour and reflexes. Traditional forms of martial arts use age-old methods, whereas the strength of Krav Maga lies in the fact that it is a very contemporary and practical form of self defence.

These days, no one really uses a sword to fight. If one is attacked in Delhi, the most likely weapons used would be bamboo sticks, knives or pistols.

We teach self defence against such attacks. That aside, Krav Maga incorporates new age defences like anti-carjacking, anti-kidnapping and anti-sabotage.

Since this art was developed by the Israeli military for themselves, the fitness benefits offered by it are tremendous.

The workout includes power drills, cardio vascular coordination, stamina and endurance building exercises.

It also helps one develop faster reflexes and better flexibility, making for an effective fitness workout.

Another important aspect about the art is that we provide the same training for men and women as the threats both face are the same.

We get many clients, especially from call centres. We are introducing self defence classes for children soon, as well. Krav Maga is very big in the US and Europe, and the trend is quickly catching up in India, especially since the past four years.

CLAIM TO FAME

Director of the only official school for Krav Maga in the country which is approved by the Ministry of Defence, Israel, Vicky Kapoor’s clients include National Conference Party president, Omar Abdullah and his wife Payal.

Contact: M-6 (LFG), Saket. Ph: 9810412442.

My fitness mantra
Everyday, I do three sets of dumbells, a cardio workout, stretching exercises and 10 to 12 km of brisk walking. I go trekking each month, for 15-20 days. I eat everything moderately and finish dinner by 7.30 p.m.

Source: Indiatoday.digitaltoday.in