Today’s post is by Boston BollyX class participant turned instructor, Maitri. Maitri is a ball of energy, on and off the dance floor and she shares her story on what body empowerment means to her.

Ten months ago, on a cold Sunday, I happened to walk into a class at my YMCA. I was ready to take on some easy fun dancing to some Bollywood music, but what I got caught me completely off guard!!! I was out of breath in the first 15 minutes itself. I wanted to move and groove to the peppy numbers, but my body refused. I remember wondering how my instructor could stay in a wide squat position for an entire song when I couldn’t even do it for half a second. I was surprised that folks around me were enjoying it so much and able to do it. I thought to myself, “I loved to dance! How could I get so exhausted so quickly?”

I have come across a lot of people who do not support the idea of dancing as fitness. They think dance is only meant for fun – in fact, I used to think the same. But let me tell you, I was wrong – and BollyX proved it wrong. I have learned that high intensity interval training can push you over the edge – not only for that one class but can also give you enough energy to have a power packed day afterwards.

The instructors and regional trainers at BollyX provide immense inspiration: they’re at their full time jobs during the day and still take us through a flawless class full of dance, drama and unbeatable energy. They make us feel special and convey that no matter how our bodies are, as long as we go all out with enthusiasm, that’s all that matters. There are days that I’ve gone home and got up the next day with my arms, legs or abs feeling sore, and I LOVE that feeling – because it indicates I worked hard in class and am on a track to a healthier life style.

I emphasize BollyX because I decided to start working out everyday to be able get through the entire hour with grace and energy. I became a lot keener to hit the gym so that I would not miss BollyX class and so that I could improve my stamina to get through that hour. The best part about being a part of this community is that I have started to stretch myself beyond what I thought I ever could. I never thought that I would look forward to going to the gym. I never thought that I would want to get up on a Sunday morning without wanting to sleep in on a weekend or that I would want to travel to the other side of the city after a work day only to forget the stress that surrounds my mind. I never knew that I would look at a fitter and healthier version of mine as I danced through a Mundian to Bach Ke or Nagada Sang Dhol. BollyX makes me want to eat healthy, sleep enough, and workout and that’s why I am so grateful.

Today I’m happy to say that I am not only BollyX certified, but I can get through an hour of class, squat through an entire song, and go to the gym consistently – all while enjoying it like crazy. It has not only inspired me to do BollyX regularly but also be brave enough to try new workouts and see what works for me and what does not.

I have always been content with who I am and happy with how I look – but in the last 10 months I have gone a step further. I am now proud of having worked consciously on improving my eating, ensuring that not a single day passes without hitting the gym, and I have that feeling of accomplishment when I can dance longer or with more energy. I am a foodie and can never cut down on meals but every healthy and home cooked foods have become my new best friends. I’ve noticed small differences: I can climb the station stairs without feeling tired.

So for those of you who are just starting your journeys towards body empowerment – I would say just go for it. Don’t miss a single chance to take control your life and the chance to have a pizza totally guilt free 😛 I know I have a long long way to go for the world to see the difference in my body, but I see it enriching my life every single day and that is what body empowerment truly means to me!