Today we have BollyX class participant, Michael, sharing his stories on body empowerment and BollyX! One of the most rewarding experiences of BollyX is to see how it empowers people to try something new and push their limits.

I lived a sedentary lifestyle for 10 years, and BollyX changed my life.

My office job requires me to sit at a desk staring at a computer all day. I got tired of my back hurting and body not moving like it used to, so I joined a local gym that happened to have BollyX classes. I’ve never been much of a dancer, but I went to one class because it looked like fun, and since then, I’ve never stopped going.

I’d never done this type of dancing before so I was a little nervous about my first class. Within 5 minutes I realized everybody else was there to do the same thing I was doing and learning just like I was. New people come in every class and are welcomed with open arms. By my fourth class I felt like a pro!

My favorite moments come on the days where I just want to forget the stresses of work and everyday life, get into the music and be present. Getting lost in the music, smiling, and “unleashing my inner rockstar” is therapeutic and allows me to forget my problems for that one hour.

Moving your body to music is an indescribable feeling, especially for a desk jockey like me. It’s even better with a group of people all smiling and enjoying it at the same time. I get to exercise, have fun, meet new people, learn to dance and spend time with friends.

Every Wednesday, I look forward to leaving work at 6pm to get to the gym for my 6:30 class. I do weights and treadmill as an obligation, and that has changed my life for the better.

But once a week, I get to show up to BollyX, get a workout and feel like a rockstar. Once a week, I get a little bit of silly and a little bit of serious, in an accepting and encouraging atmosphere. Once a week, I get to pretend I am in a Bollywood movie, feel the joy of moving to the music, all while getting a great workout and forgetting my daily problems.