Actress Bipasha Basu holds on to a fly bar at the launch of Jukari fitness discipline; (below) the workout is a mix of cardio, strength and core training

Fitness junkies, do you think you’ve worked it all out? Now how about this for an exercise: try swinging across a room holding on to a trapeze-like contraption that’s suspended from the ceiling to simulate a flying motion. Say hello to Jukari Fit to Fly, the latest in the line of experimental exercises and a workout routine especially created for women.

Back on terra firma, you may have done a freestyle Bhangra at a good Punjabi wedding, but have you tried it out as a form of cardio exercise? Another unorthodox discipline called Masala Bhangra is doing the rounds in the Capital. And this one promises to pep up your cardiovascular and strength-training regimen with a quirky mix of vigorous Bollywood and Punjabi folk dance moves.

Both these new workouts pack a punch. For starters, Jukari is practised with the help of equipment called the ‘flyset’ that consists of two ropes of adjustable length attached to a swivel point fixed on the ceiling.The flyset also makes use of a fly bar, a 4.5lb neoprene-coated, attachable steel bar, that’s passed through two loops at the end of the two ropes. This steel bar is to be clutched tightly while going about those strenuous workout sessions. The entire operation resembles a refined trapeze.

Introduced in India by fitnesswear brand Reebok in partnership with Montreal-based entertainment major, Cirque du Soleil, Jukari aims to spice up your exercise regimen. According to Subhinder Singh Prem, managing director, Reebok-India, Jukari targets women primarily because women (more than men) tend to get bored of workouts. Jukari is more like a recreational activity that will keep them interested. To begin with, Jukari has been launched at all the Fitness First gyms across India.

Actress Bipasha Basu, now a Jukari fan, says: “The workout gives the sensation of flying, while it tones and strengthens the body.” She adds that it’s believed that Jukari helps gain a strong core and abs.

The workout programme consists of several exercises that are a mix of cardio, strength training, core training as well as balancing routines. In fact, some of the Jukari moves are great stretching acts. “I recommend Jukari to all women, regardless of their fitness levels,” says Basu.

However, women with acute metabolic and orthopaedic disorders are advised to stay away from this regime.

Jukari addresses specific body parts as well. For instance, there are certain signature moves that involve hanging, jumping and more that strengthen the abdominal muscles, the chest, triceps, shoulders and the posterior.

But the other new regimen-on-the-block, Masala Bhangra, created by US-based Indian American fitness trainer Sarina Jain, is safe for all. Conducted at many gyms across the Capital, even those suffering from diabetes and asthma can go for it (though they should stop at the more rigorous routines).

Trainer Sarina Jain demonstrates a mix of Bollywood and Punjabi folk dance moves as part of her Masala Bhangra routine

Jain, who was in the Capital recently to train fitness instructors on Masala Bhangra in a number of gyms, says this is one workout that won’t have the same moves every session. The variety is actually the charm of the routine, she adds. She says gyms can also customise Bhangra routines for different clients depending on their fitness levels.

The regimen, an amalgamation of vigorous Punjabi folk dances and typical Bollywood song gyrations, is also certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

Jain says that Masala Bhangra is a mix of cardiovascular and strength training exercises and that it guarantees weight loss within a short span of time. “Since the dance moves require a person to raise their arms frequently, it results in well-sculpted biceps and triceps. What’s more, both the upper and lower bodies are toned while the midriff gets strong,” says Jain who has also produced and directed six high-intensity workout videos.

Jain also recommends Masala Bhangra followers to practise the routine three to four times a week for 30 minutes to lose weight.

So, exercising needn’t just be about sweating it out — but also about having fun as one flexes those muscles.