Ashwitha Shetty: Exercising her way through stress with Zumba

It suffices to say that Zumba is stepping on the toes of traditional fitness routines. Often grooving to the beats of salsa, flamenco, and merengue music, it feels more like a dance party than a usual workout. That is perhaps what makes Zumba so popular among women of all ages.

What’s more, it is essentially charged with health and wellness benefits, melting the 9-5 office madness and the stresses of every day away with unique rhythms and a lot of energy. Zumba instructor Ashwitha Shetty does not only embody these words while leading her Zumba sessions but also living her life. Undoubtedly, the passion with which the Bangalorean approaches her chosen profession is more than ample evidence that she is truly living her dream life.

Ashwitha Shetty | Source: Instagram

An incredibly efficient stress reliever that gets one in shape, Zumba has expanded significantly since 2001. Losing yourself in the music and being yourself, this high-energy workout routine causes everyone to let loose and dance to catchy tunes that make it impossible to listen and stand still.

“The year 2017 was very tough for me both personally and professionally. That’s how I decided to take up Zumba to combat my stress. It eventually became my passion. I remember how one of the speakers at a talk show said that the meaning of life is to serve the people around you. I realised I should take my passion to the next level,” said Ashwitha.

Ashwitha Shetty | Source: Instagram

The difficult part comes when with any kind of fitness routine, people’s preferences and their choices matter the best. Something might work out for a few but may not click with someone else. However, it becomes imperative that one understands the person and modules the routine in a similar manner. “I am doing my bit to create a positive impact on people’s lives through my Zumba sessions and spread happiness around,” she admits.

Zumba is one of the most fun and versatile fitness crazes to come along in a long time. Though most of it involves high-impact moves like bouncing and jumping, it can be modified to meet one’s needs. Like any other form of workout, it is important to follow the right kind of measures in order to be able to stay fit.

On being asked about the precautions to take before starting Zumba, Ashwitha explained, “it is advisable to practice on good flooring, wearing the right kind of shoes, and always make sure that you have enough space to move around. If you have a serious health issue, it is best to consult a doctor and then begin the workout.”

Ashwitha Shetty | Source: Instagram

Ashwitha, who is also a business analyst, admits on focussing all her energy on her work and workouts. Training is her life, training self and the rest. She strongly believes that fitness is the antidote to the ailments of a modern lifestyle, including long sedentary hours at the workplace and unhealthy eating habits. “Eat smart, exercise regularly, and good sleep. These are the mantras for every woman to stay fit and healthy,” said Ashwitha.

Also read: Fitness instructor and Zumba trainer Padmavati Iyengar says ‘your passion is your power’

However, it is not necessary that you need to find something to call your passion but one needs to be a passionate person and do things with 100% honesty. So, what keeps her going? “Being consistent. Always focussing on the process, and not the end result,” she signed off.

So, next time when you look for a new way to bring the heat back to your daily routine, look no further than one hour of high-intensity Zumba workout!