Alternative places to sweat in Mumbai

We all want to be fit and healthy, but let's face it, hitting the gym can get a bit tiresome. But in a city like Mumbai, which is cramped for space, there aren't too many other options. Or are there? Here are some fun alternatives you can explore for your daily dose of exercise. 

Morning jog at Patwardhan Park.

Jogging, yoga and juice at Patwardhan Park

Bored of going to Joggers’ Park every single time you want to walk? Behind the crowds that throng Linking Road in Bandra is nestled a patch of green that goes by the name of Patwardhan Park. Maintained by the Raheja group, this handy exercise space comes equipped with the usual lawn, walking track, and play spaces for children, with swings, slides and the like. But the extra services are what make it special; a separate covered yoga space, picnics arranged for tiny tots, and regular neem/tulsi leaves kept handy for public use. The friendly atmosphere and people also work wonders. But my personal favorite is the herbs-and-juices stall that provides the extra fillip to a healthy day. Finding such a nice little park tucked away in such a crowded area never fails to delight me to this day. A charge of Rs 2 per adult is all one has to pay. There are also monthly passes (Rs 50) and half-yearly passes (Rs 250) available. 

There are many more parks in Mumbai that are not very well known but are perfect places for a stroll. Try Madhu Park near Khar Station, Rotary Park on 16th Road Khar, Bajaj Park on Pali Hill and Priyadarshini Park on Napean Sea Road for some more examples of your own private walking spaces. 

Belly dancing classes at Organized Chaos.

Belly dance, hip hop and kickbox at Organized Chaos

But what do you do when you get bored of walking too? You visit Organized Chaos on 14th Road Khar. Because this studio has some amazingly varied options that not only exercise your body but also let you learn new art forms while having fun in the process. For women, the belly dancing classes held by Veronica Simas de Souza are the perfect way to feel the power of the feminine while also toning that tummy. The sensual music is an added bonus. You will learn to move in ways you never thought possible. And the best part is that belly dancing originated to assist the female body perform the tasks it was meant for. What this means is that you end up getting multiple anatomical advantages that will help your body stay healthy throughout life. And all this by just learning a dance form! At Rs 3,600 for 12 hours of classes (held twice a week), this is a steal. 

Men, don’t worry; Organized Chaos also holds classes which both sexes can attend. You can sign up for the funky hip hop or the powerful kickboxing classes which are also held there.

Do yoga next to the lake.

Lakeside yoga at Bhavan’s Yoga Bharati

Imagine yourself doing yoga in a shack between the trees, amidst the sights and sounds of nature. What's more, it is situated next to a lake. Beautiful scene, but only a dream in aamchi Mumbai, you say? Not really. The Bhavan’s Yoga Bharati in the Bhavan’s College campus in Andheri West provides just such an atmosphere. Every morning and evening, experienced instructors will make sure you do the yogasanas correctly, and you can also focus on the beauty of nature in the background. So go stock up on pure oxygen and the serenity of nature while learning yoga. Different courses are charged differently: regular yoga classes (1 hour a day) are at Rs 2,000 for 3 months. Certified teachers courses are also available (6 months Yoga Shastri - Rs 8,000, 1 year Yogacharya – Rs 15,000).

Service information

Patwardhan Park (Near National College):
Bandra West, Mumbai:
Open Timings: 5:30-10am; 4-9pm
Healthy juices and herbs stall: 7-10am

Veve Belly Dance Classes:
Tel: +91 (0) 98 2066 4266, 98 2094 2372
Timings differ with levels and batches.
Held at 2 locations:

• Organized Chaos (behind Intensity Gym):
   14th Road Khar (West), Mumbai

• Arts in Motion:
   T.V. Chidambaram Building, Plot No. 39, Sion East, Mumbai, www.artsinmotiononline.com

Bhavan’s Yoga Bharati:
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri (West), Mumbai, tel: +91 (0) 3293 8305 www.bcca.in