Surfset Fitness – A new, fun way to lose weight

We tried out this new, intensive workout and here is what we think about it.

By: Sameer Jha | | Updated: January 15, 2015 5:05 pm

If you are looking for a fun, new way to lose weight then Surfset Fitness is your answer. Found by Mike Hartwick, a former professional NHL player, Surfset Fitness has created a lot of waves internationally. The first studio was launched in India recently and I had the good fortune of attending a trial class. Also Read - Here’s how you can manage your child’s respiratory health during winters

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Intense and fun. You perform all the exercises barefoot and on a surfboard that is called the Rip Surfer X. The board is made of the same equipment that original surfing boards are made of. Most of the exercises we did were well-known body-weight exercises like squats, lunges and some yoga asanas like balasana and bhujangasana. We were asked to hold the plank position (which works out abs) several times during the 45-minute workout, and it was like a base for a lot of movements. There is very little rest in between exercises you have just enough time to catch a few breaths, drink some water and wipe off the sweat.

Since they are done on an unstable surfing board, balancing yourself while doing exercises (I found performing squats and lunges specially difficult) can be a bit of a challenge. But, there are alert trainers (our class had 5 in total) who keep a close eye and are eager to provide a helping hand if needed. Anyway, the board is supported by resistance bands and if you keep your feet steady, and don’t jump out of choice, there is no way you can fall.

According to Alisha Mistry, a certified Surfset fitness trainer, A single 45-minute workout can burn anywhere between 500-900 calories depending on how intensely you do it. In the first 3-4 classes, we do exercises which help you adjust to the board. Once you are fully comfortable with the board, your will be able to get the most out of the workout.

A few advantages over other workouts

When you workout in a gym or on your own, you tend to take long breaks in between exercises, which diminishes the effectiveness of the workout. Over here, your workout is in a group environment and the trainers are constantly probing and urging you. At the end of our workout session, Kajal Tejsinghani, a Surfset certified fitness trainer said, Your job is to just bring yourself here. We do the rest. We make sure that you get fit!

Another advantage, according to Alisha, is that it helps you to understand your body better. When you do a squat on the floor, you don’t realise which one is your stronger leg. On the board, you find out about your weaknesses and know which parts you should work on, she says.

According to Micheal Asamoah, a Surfset certified fitness trainer, Sometimes, bodybuilders work on just improving their muscle size and outward appearance. This workout helps you get fit from within.

Alisha agreed to this assessment and said, Sometimes, big bodybuilders fail on the board, because their bodies are stiff.

The different types of workout

The Rip Surfer X could play host to a variety of workouts – from bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups to yoga asanas and dance.

The trainers even spoke about having a couples session where the couples could lose weight, get cozy and reach their fitness goals together on the same board.

Even if you are doing other forms of exercises like – weight-training, yoga, playing professional sports – you can still do this workout. According to Joshua Vessoakar, a Surfset certified fitness trainer, It complements every other form of workout. All of us were into something else before this someone plays football, someone plays hockey, someone does yoga and we’ve all found that this workout complements everything we do. Mainly because it focuses on your core, and if you have a strong core, you can do anything.

Even kids can do it

It s important for kids to start working out at a young age, so that healthy living gets ingrained into their personality. Surfset fitness has batches for kids too, and according to the trainers, working out with them is a fun, mad experience!

Price

The price of these sessions are a little on the steeper side, but then again, the highly-qualified fitness trainers (one guy even did a headstand on the instable board) make it worth it. A year-long subscription will cost Rs. 40,000 + taxes. Whereas, a month long membership will cost you Rs. 6,500 + taxes. You can also enroll for two trial warm-up sessions which cost just Rs. 500, in order to test waters before investing. No amount is too much if you are able to reach your fitness goals, and you should definitely give this a try if you want to lose weight.

Where is it?

It’s located in Santacruz (West), Mumbai and is not too far from the station. Located on S.V. Road, it is right above the Telon Showroom, which sells designer fabrics for men.

For more information, you can check out the official Surfset India website at – surfsetfitness.in

Image Source: Surfset Fitness

Published : January 15, 2015 2:44 pm | Updated:January 15, 2015 5:05 pm

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