A ‘blue movement’ is gradually catching up with the residents of Chennai. Like the colour blue, which signifies coolness and freshness, the said movement is an initiative to induce a fresh and cool approach to fitness. The brainchild of Mrinalini Sekar, Blue Movement Circle (BMC) is a fitness centre, which believes in being fit rather than running after losing weight.
“Weight loss is just one of the several outcomes of becoming fit; it’s not the whole of it. At BMC, we don’t believe in the age-old boring techniques to get fit. We try to evolve new and fun methods to achieve not just physical but emotional and intellectual fitness,” says the trim and fit looking Mrinalini, who has been a fitness consultant for 10 years now.
The fitness centre stands out from the rest because it looks at every aspect of fitness, rather than just following a structured syllabus to losing weight. “We use the body’s natural aspects to achieve fitness. It is about the joy of moving and being alive,” she says. Indeed, Mrinalini and her team of fitness experts have come up with original and fun ways of reaching one’s fitness goals. “Depending on the need of the person, we choose the workout methods. It is usually a mix and match of gym equipment, the Bosu ball, stretchy bands and other indoor and outdoor exercises.”
This fitness centre has something for everyone, their session for mothers and babies as young as six-months-old is something unique. “These sessions help the mother and child bond. Six-month-old babies begin to move their bodies, learning along the way to control their limbs and balance themselves. Our sessions help them enhance their motor skills and brain development,” says Mrinalini. She adds, “Usually the mother has a lot of work to do at home, this gives her an opportunity to spend time with the baby, without getting bothered about the household chores and other issues.”
The fitness centre gets trained professionals from abroad for martial art workshops. Their most recent was the Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art form that combines dance and music. They also had workshops on Muay Thai, a Thai combat sport, which has now become a popular fitness regimen after being endorsed by celebrities from Hollywood. The centre also trains on exotic martial art form like Kalaripaiyutta from Kerala and the Israeli self-defence sport, Krav Maga.“Martial arts give you both physical and mental confidence and you are able to handle problems better,” says Mrinalini.
The motto of the fitness centre is to make the sessions as much fun as possible, especially for teenagers and children. “If you have a boring workout for a teenager, they would most probably not come back. Hence for children and teenagers we have both indoor and outdoor training. We have group activities and games which will help them increase their stamina and strengthen their bodies, without making it boring.”
This summer the centre is planning more outdoor activities to stay healthy. “We want people to get off their couches and go outdoors and enjoy exercising.”
Address: Blue Movement Circle
33/15, Eldams Road, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 044-42013604