Hi All,
I'd like to thank Ms. Neelakshi to consent for the interview with the Health and Fitness India network. Our Q&A are as follows:
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Before starting the interview, Neelakshi has this to share with all:
Nothing is more rewarding than to pursue a career that was always a passion for you. When that interest is dancing it makes sure that alongside work you are healthy and happy.
All work-out regimens are special but for me dancing is the most happy way to health and fitness. Holistic in its constitution, it gives you a pleasant mind and toned body.
1. Why did you decide to enter the fitness industry?
Dancing had always been my passion. I'm literally one of those people who could dance before they walked but that didn't pull me into dance professionally.
I took up the profession four years back seeing the scope of the industry had begun to expand and I have the option of doing what I love the most.
2. What are your specialties as a fitness professional?
I'm a dance performer, choreographer and instructor for belly dance, salsa, bachata, zouk, hip-hop, Bollywood and a lot of my routines include acrobatics. I'm the co-director of iDance India, New Delhi and along with my partner - Jose Varghese, we run dance fitness programs which comprise of infusing all dance forms in the workout session channelized to burn calories and improve flexibility.
It's much catchy and consistent in terms of keeping the interest of people who want to work-out but can't seem to "enjoy" it when they go to gyms, jogging, aerobics. These workouts increase strength, balance and stamina while kicking up the energy levels of everyone.
3. What's a great piece of advise that you've given to a client?
"Start small" and "To listen to your own body". The first step towards change is always the hardest. I always advise my students to just do a little bit on the first few days and ensure that I include more vivacious activities to keep it interesting. We don't want someone to workout hard for first week and then never see the work-out room for months.
As much as I want my students to push their limits to achieve their goals, I would ask them to stop or go further based only on if their body allows. Many people ignore this and end up injured leaving their goals incomplete.
4. Can you please share any major mistakes that fitness professionals make?
"Pushing students too much without evaluating their levels." As instructors with strength and flexibility, some teachers forget that the person coming to them hasn't moved a muscle in years before coming to the studio. Ignoring that they train them like they would train the rest who have been working out for months which only injures them further.
It's necessary to build up strength and flexibility slowly and gradually for long-lasting results. Whether it be the no. of sets, repetitions or complexity of exercises, first test the client to see where they stand in terms of agility and strength and then with basics, let them work their way up to a stronger body.
Many people have back problems, irrespective of regular gym sessions, why? Because some of the instructors don't prepare their student's backs before they give them weights to build muscles all over. Even for people working out for months or year, there are certain limitations to their body as every body is different and only when that's taken care of you can be sure of they're progressing in right direction.
It's a process and must be respected.
5. Where do you see yourself professionally in the next five and ten years from now?
At present, my company, iDance India runs regular batches in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and conducts performance and workshops all over India. In next five years, I see more and more people joining in to dance with us at our branches in all over India ensuring a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Neelakshi
Co-Director, iDANCE INDIA, New Delhi, India
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