Traditional strength training has struck a chord with fitness enthusiasts.
Story so far: Rishab Malhotra, the founder of a fitness brand Tagda Raho, is reviving akhada or wrestling workouts by employing traditional equipment using ‘gadas’ and ‘mudgars’ in fitness training. Malhotra conceived the idea while recovering from temporary paralysis of his left arm.
- Tagda Raho has devised a routine involving full-body movements merged into strength training programmes. Malhotra believes everybody can perform the exercise since it requires no prior training.
- City-based cricketer Robin Uthappa is another fan of such training. According to him, the gada training improves his strength, awareness, and overall balance.
Why it matters? Malhotra’s akhada or wrestling workouts may be traditional, but they are a fairly new addition to fitness repertoires. While swinging the gada around targets the whole body, it is exceptionally helpful in building a mind-muscle connection and treating back pain.
- Sheral Pareira, another enthusiast, clarifies that while the exercise may seem daunting, it can be performed by anyone and should not be perceived as a manly sport. The twists and turns involved in akhada training are good for gaining muscles and strength.
(Image credits: Tagda Raho’s website)