Piloxicating those abs

Anju Antony is one of the very few Piloxing trainers in India. The Kochi-based fitness trainer demonstrates the Piloxing fitness regime that is quick and effective. Built on an interdisciplinary system of incorporating boxing, dance and standing pilates principles, Piloxing is aimed at strengthening and toning muscles. Anju recommends that a 30 minute power-packed session of Piloxing, without any break is more effective, with faster calorie burn.

“Piloxing can be done by everyone. Instead of the normal fitness classes, the mix of boxing, dance and standing pilates makes it all the more interesting. We also recommend that people wear a pair of 250 gm Piloxing gloves, an essential workout gear,” says Anju. Each session is done for three to five minutes. Meanwhile, dance in the Piloxing fitness regime is done as a breather to get to the next session.

Upper cut
Upper cut is a punch used in boxing that travels along a vertical line at an imaginary opponent’s chin or solar plexus. Stand tall with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, and  your hips going down while you punch.

Signature Pilates arm sequence
Stand in a plié ballet position, making sure the back is not curved with both hands stretched backwards, and move your arms inward continuously.

Boxing jab
Stand with one leg forward, covering your face and other pressure points, and punch with your arms sourcing power from your latissimus dorsi  (muscles supporting the torso).

High low punches with a squat
At a squat position, simultaneously punch up and down, targeting the imaginary opponents’ forehead and chin.

Pilates — leg lifts
Standing tall, place one leg behind and stretching both arms above your head, using the energy from your glutes, lower abs and hip flexors, bring your knee closer to your chest. Continue with both legs for an effective ab and gluteus workout.

Pilates balancing posture
Stand tall with arms stretched wide apart, focus your body weight on three points of your foot, slowly lift the other leg, and balance in that position for three minutes. Repeat on both sides.