Get along with colleagues, live longer

People who have a good peer support system at work may live longer than those who don't.

This effect of peer social support was most pronounced amongst those aged between 38 and 43 years. Yet, similar support from workers' supervisors had no effect on mortality, the researchers found.

Besides, men who felt like they had control and authority to make decisions at work also experienced this "protective effect", according to the study reported in the journal Health Psychology.

Researchers rated peer social support as high if participants reported that their co-workers were helpful in solving problems and that they were friendly.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University looked at the medical records of 820 adults who were followed for 20 years -- from 1988 to 2008.

These workers came from some of Israel's largest firms in finance, insurance, public utilities, health care and manufacturing, according to a Tel Aviv statement.

They reported working on average 8.8 hours a day. One-third of them were women; 80 per cent were married with children; and 45 per cent had at least 12 years of formal education.

Asked why workplace control was positive for men but not women, lead researcher Arie Shirom said that for employees in blue-collar type of jobs, high levels of control were found in jobs typically held by men, rather than jobs typically held by women.

Health benefits of drinking coconut water

The Nutritional Value of Coconut Water

Coconut water is the purest liquid second only to water itself. It is naturally low in carbs, 99% fat free and low in sugar. The sugar content in coconut water is natural and not refined or processed which can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 100 g serving of coconut water provides 19 calories, 0.2 g of fat, 1.1 g of fiber, 0.72 g of protein and 0 mg of cholesterol.

Compared to health and sports drinks, coconut water contains less sodium and considerably more potassium. It also contains smaller amounts of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C. An ounce (around 30 ml) of coconut water contains around 61 mg of potassium, 5.45 mg of sodium and 1.3 g of sugar. Trace elements such as zinc, iodine, sulfur, manganese and selenium are also found in coconut water.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Water

1.     Keeps the Body Hydrated: One of the primary health benefits of coconut water is its ability to hydrate the body. Coconut water contains all five of the same electrolytes that the body has including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes, along with the natural water content of the drink, play an important role in keeping your body hydrated, especially during and after sporting events when sweating can throw off your water levels and electrolyte balance.

2.     Aids in the Weight Loss Process: coconut water is known for its low calorie content. By replacing higher calorie beverages with coconut water, you can save thousands of calories a year, which can help you during the weight loss process to a significant extent. For those who are on a low-fat diet, coconut water can easily be included into your diet plan as it is virtually fat free. This means you can enjoy coconut water before or after workouts without having to worry about the unhealthy saturated fat intake that is a concern with the consumption of milk-based beverages.

3.     Boosts the Immune System: It contains lauric acid, which is also found in mother's milk. This lauric acid is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal. Coconut water thus helps to strengthen the body's immune system against a variety of viruses and other diseases. Many people who live in the Philippines and the Caribbean have lower risks of getting affected with cold because they drink coconut water regularly.

4.     Finds Its Use in Blood Transfusion: Coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma and this makes it easy to be used for blood transfusion. In cases of emergency coconut water can be used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid. During World War II many wounded soldiers were saved in the Pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water as plasma.

5.     Improves Circulation: Coconut water helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to the blood cells and has been shown to raise the metabolism. It also aids in the cleaning of the digestive tract. Poor circulation is improved by drinking coconut water regularly.

6.     Reduces Vomiting Tendencies: Coconut water is great at reducing vomiting. People who have typhoid, malaria, fevers or other ailments, show vomiting tendencies. Drinking coconut water settles the stomach. As such, coconut water is also a good thing to drink during a hangover.

7.     Aids in Digestion: Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA polymerases. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism. Regular consumption of coconut water assists in digestion. Slow sipping of coconut water after main meal helps in curing this digestive discomfort. The lauric acid in coconuts is also used to heal digestive tract disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

8.     Acts as a Beneficial Drink for Cholera Affected Patients: Coconut water contains natural albumen, thus it is a perfect natural SOS drink for cholera affected patients.

9.     Treats Heartburn Problem: Coconut water is an efficient natural remedy for controlling the intensity of acid reflux. It is a good natural antidote for heartburn problem.

10.  Treats Urinary Infections: Coconut water helps in keeping check over urinary infections. It is very effective in treating kidney and urethral stones. Drinking coconut water regularly helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out. Drinking coconut water is a natural treatment of intestinal worms in infants. Coconut water consumption aids in the natural destruction of intestinal worms and it is safe for children to administer this herbal remedy on them.

11.  Acts as a Source of B Vitamins: Coconut water is a source of essential B vitamins that are needed from dietary sources for use. B vitamins provide energy to the body, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, help with muscle functions and increase the immune response.

12.  Maintains the Electrolyte Balance of the Body: Coconut water is a good source of potassium. One serving of coconut water from one coconut contains around 220 mg of potassium. This electrolyte is needed by the body every day. Potassium works with sodium and calcium to conduct electrical impulses. This electrolyte ensures proper contractions of the heart. It also supports normal digestive and muscle function.

13.  Maintains the Functioning of Certain Enzymes: Magnesium is another electrolyte found in coconut water. This mineral is essential for the proper rhythmic contraction of muscles, the transportation and production of energy, the manufacture of protein and the functioning of certain enzymes.

14.  Treats Heatstroke: Coconut water has long been used for the treatment for heatstroke and dehydration. In tropical environments, coconut water is often used to treat dehydration. Its chemical structure makes it effective in treating these symptoms.

15.  Has Anti-Cancer Properties: Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.

16.  Promotes Skin Health: Coconut water acts as a light moisturizer which also decreases excessive oil on the skin. This proves to be beneficial for smoothing out combination skin as well. Add this water to a bath or mix it with liquid shower gel. It can also be added to lotion as well as hair conditioner or shampoo for oily hair. This natural water is best for acne and blackheads also. This is a natural toning and cleansing mask for oily skin.

Nothing can stand in competition with nature or its offerings. Companies may spend a million bucks for research and development to find products or solutions that will resemble nature, but ultimately they will end up incorporating natural elements only!

Papa won't preach

Being a dad can be a daunting task, especially with changing times. While some are stuck playing the stereotypical role, others go overboard doing the I-am-yourfriend act. However, some dads have managed to balance their act. They share their parenting fundas:

From father to friend: With kids being exposed to so much, daddy dearest should know when to make the transition from being a father to a friend. Says Jayesh Bhatia, father of 10-year-old Nirav, "I know that kids today face a lot of peer pressure, so one can't just think that disciplining the child will be enough. Be it about drinking and driving, sex or studies, a father has to be open to talk to his kids about it. Yes, it is easier said than done, but it's something that will make your bond with your kid very strong."

Trust your kids: The best way to instill faith in your kids is to trust them. Says student counsellor, TS Rao, "Parents often keep talking to their teenage kids like they are babies. Most teenagers hate this. They want their parents to give them responsibilities. Parents have to learn to maintain a balance between trusting their children and not being too indulgent. Some parents follow the traditional father-child relationship, while some go overboard being friends to their kids."

Don't force them to follow your dreams: It's great to have big dreams for your kids, but don't force them to realise all of those. Make sure that you understand the choices that your child wants to make. It doesn't mean that he/she doesn't respect you. Don't brush off their choices thinking that he/she is too young to know his/her mind. Nikhil Sen, father of 19-year-old Richa, says, "I always wanted my daughter to be a doctor, but she was very interested in taking up event management as a profession. Initially, I was sceptical about her choice, but when I sat down and spoke to her, I realised that she knew what she was talking about."

Give them space, but also spend time with them: Gone are the days when kids would be expected to holiday with their parents. Now kids don't like hanging out with their parents. Parents should understand and allow their kids freedom to a certain extent.

Express your affection: It's all about loving your kids after all. Make sure your kids know that no matter what they do or where they go wrong, you will always stand by them. It's very important for kids to feel that they have their parents' support. It gives them a huge confidence boost. Says Rao, "Many children hesitate to communicate freely with their dads. It's time that fathers strike a balance between disciplining and loving their child."

Things teen won't tell their parents

A study into today's tweens and teens has revealed that they will not talk to their parents about their innermost fears and turmoil. Social researcher Neer Korn said tweens, aged from about 9 to 12, and teens avoid telling their parents the truth about what's happening at school or online because they often fear their reaction.

Korn, whose company The Korn Group released the study ''The Truth About Teens And Tweens'', said parents need to reassess how they talk to their children if they want them to be more open. Michelle Mitchell, author of ''What Teenage Girls Don't Tell Their Parents'', agrees.

"They think their parents will panic and embarrass them by becoming too involved. Instead of deciding what they think should be done, parents need to ask their children 'what do you want me to do?'" the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying. But if your daughter rolls her eyes whenever you ask her a question or your son simply grunts, here is what might really be going on in your tween or teen's life.

Mitchell and Korn agree that bullying is a bigger part of everyday life for tweens and teens than parents realise. "It happens in the playground and it happens online, it happens every day. It might be low-level like ignoring certain friends or making nasty comments but it can still be hurtful and damaging," Mitchell said.

Korn says tweens have changeable crushes while teens have relationships, which may or may not become sexual. Teenagers don't want to talk to their parents about the details of what goes on in their relationships.

A recent report found 44.2 per cent of 13-year-olds and 84.7 per cent of 17-year-olds had consumed alcohol in the past year. And 8.4 per cent of 13-year-olds and 31.4 per cent of 17-year-olds had smoked.
The Korn Group said drinking alcohol is almost expected at many teenage parties and marijuana is 'easy' to get.

Mitchell says parents need to arm themselves with knowledge about what their teenagers are doing online, to protect them from bullying and also predators. They might say they hate you but that doesn't change the fact tweens and teens enjoy time with their families. Keeping up with who are your teenage daughter's 'best friends' can be almost a full-time job.

"Having friends means being accepted, so teenagers will put up with a lot before leaving a group of friends. That can be difficult for parents," Mitchell said.

Top 10 tips for muscle building

What frustrates you the most as a man? What do you feel when heroes like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger try to grab your girlfriend's attention? Those bulky muscles, toned body and a thin waist line make these heroes earn the status of "secret lovers" in women's minds. Okay, you won't mind that much because, after all they are the stars who can have many such admirers! But what about the normal "Tom, Dick or Harry" who can be your neighbor? A normal guy can assume great looks and build up a great body! What will you feel when he will try to woo your girl? You can be like him and you can preserve the interest in your relationship. Here are the top 10 ways by which you can build up muscles and can be another "Stallone" to your girlfriend:

1.     Select a Suitable Workout: Select a workout that suits you. There are a number of muscle building workouts but what suits others may not suit you. The best workout will involve a customized workout regime which is planned according to your fitness level, health status and your requirements. A fitness expert is the best person who can plan out your muscle building workout.

2.     Divide Your Workout: For an effective workout, divide it. Divide your workout into 3 to 4 sessions and in each session you focus on 2 to 3 muscle groups. By doing so, you can overload your muscles properly. Take adequate rest after this session. Training the same muscle group daily or for 3 to 4 times a week can lead to overtraining and may cause injury. 

3.     Monitor Your Frequency: Strength training on a daily basis for 6 to 7 days a week may not be recommended, especially if you are going for intense strength training. Perform workouts for a maximum of 3 to 4 times a week. Take rest on the remaining days. You can even go for some aerobic exercises or recreational sports to maintain physical activity.

4.     Incorporate Proper Technique: Execution of proper technique not only prevents injury but also allows you to isolate particular muscle actions to get optimal benefit. After learning the proper technique, do each and every movement slowly and in a controlled manner.

5.     Incorporate Proper Breathing Technique: Focus on the rule - "Exhale when you exert". Many people tend to hold their breath during workouts. This raises the internal pressure which can severely affect an individual's cardio-respiratory functions and can cause severe injury. You may also experience a fall in your performance if you do not breathe properly.

6.     Change Your Workout: Your workout should be progressive in nature. This means, you need to change your workout after every 3 to 4 weeks. Working out on the same regime leads to adaptation and the results gradually slow down. Change your workout intensity to keep your body in the muscle building state. Strength training is more of intensity than volume, so the progression should preferably be in terms of increasing the resistance or the intensity. 

7.     Take Adequate Rest: Ensure proper rest after each workout session. To do so, perform strength training on alternate days. Muscles recover and grow during the resting period. Proper rest need to be supplemented with a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep.  Lack of sleep may wash off all your efforts! So pay proper attention to it!

8.     Allow Proper Warm Up and Cool Down: Do proper warm up and cool down. Warm up prepares the body for the workout. It increases blood circulation to target muscle groups. It also increases the muscle temperature, making it efficient for a productive workout. At the end of the workout session, do proper cool down to bring your body back to the resting state. Include proper stretching exercises in your cool down. 

9.     Record Your Advancements: Keep a log of your workout so that you can track your progress. Make a note of the weights that you are lifting, the number of repetitions and the sets that you are doing.  Your logs will be very helpful in making a progression in your workout. 

10.  Take A High Protein Diet: Diet should always be planned according to your workout. Proper nutrition plays a great role in muscle building. Consume sufficient amount of calories. Lack of calories will cause protein break down, which happens to be the ultimate building block of muscles. A high protein diet is very important in building muscles. Muscles are nothing but protein and thus protein plays a vital role. You can also go for protein supplements like whey protein, protein shakes and bars. Take appropriate pre and post workout meals. Keep your body hydrated by consuming sufficient amounts of water throughout the day.

This is just the beginning of a bigger story! You will feel very confident and motivated when you will observe the gradual development of muscles. And of course, you can be your girlfriend's "Rocky"! Let the real Rocky stay back in her dreams only!

What's your doggie style?

Before you adopt a dog, ensure it is compatible with your personality and lifestyle. Our expert tells you how

You may have your eyes on a certain breed of dog but, depending on the lifestyle you lead, it may not be the best choice for you. Certain vital factors need to be accounted for such as the size of your home, your family members and the time you have on hand. Dr Onkar Pawaskar of Pets Clinic lists the various lifestyle factors and the breed best suited in such cases.

You are a fitness junkie
You love the outdoorsand would like your dog to accompany you on jogs and treks.
Dogs for you
Almost every dog loves the outdoors, but not all of them are built for rigorous exercises. A small dog might not be able to keep up with you. Opt for medium to large breeds such as hounds, rottweilers and German shepherds.

You have children
You love your dog, but more i m p o r t a n t l y, you want your dog to love your child. Not to forget, you want the child to be safe in the dog's company.
Dogs for you
Opt for a Great Dane or retriever. These breeds might be big in size but are quite mild by nature. Their laid back attitude will put the child at ease at once. A small child might get intimated by their size but the fear wouldn't last long. Also, opt for the female rather than the male.

You are too busy
You want a pet but also lead a busy lifestyle. You want a dog that doesn't need you around all the time.
Dogs for you
Firstly, owning a dog is a major responsibility. If you cannot take care of your canine friend, you are better off without him. Having said that, owning an Indian pariah will free you of many tasks. This breed has the least health issues, is low on fuss, and also needs minimal grooming.

You have a small house
The bigger the dog, the more space he needs. And considering the matchbox houses we live in, bigger breeds will feel constricted.
Dogs for you
Opt for smaller breeds such as the pugs, Jack Russell terriers and daschunds, or from a host of toy breeds. They don't need rigorous walks and are ideal for apartments.

You have sleep issues
You are a light sleeper and you need a dog that will keep his peace at night and allow you to keep yours. One that won't bark at the slightest provocation. Adopt a breed used to a night life and your sleep pattern will go for a toss.
Dogs for you
Stay away from the Dobermans and bulldogs. While the Doberman is high on decibels, bulldogs have a tendency to snore. A labrador or golden retriever will be ideal.

You have mobility issues
It may be age, health or a handicap. Not everyone can be as active all the time. In that case, adopting dogs that demand you to run (after them) may not be a great idea. It's not like you can shy away from the demands. If you allow the aggression to pile up, the dog may start making a meal of your pillows.
Dogs for you
The Indian pariah is a winner again here. You may also opt for a retriever depending on the mobility problem. Labradors and golden retrievers are known to assist during different forms of therapy and even motivate the patient for physiotherapy.

You want attention and company
You are not looking for a dog but a best friend. You are willing to shower all your attention on someone and want that someone to appreciate and return the gesture.
Dogs for you
Poodle, boxers and pugs like to cuddle. German Shepherds, touted as one-owner dogs, are very loyal.

Skin-smoothing body scrubs

It's that time of year when I'm inundated with press releases fanfaring new wonder cures for cellulite. My love affair with beauty momentarily stalls, my recycling bin overflows. A topical product – whether cream, gel, lotion or serum – can't possibly cure the orange peel dimples that occur naturally on almost every woman.

These indentations are simply the outward manifestation of fat cells. Cream can't dissolve fat, just as miracle bust creams can't produce it. I want to ask why, if a product really has the power to burn or grow fat, it is not being prescribed on the NHS to treat the morbidly obese or save severely premature babies?

In short, I believe cellulite creams are a nonsense. Furthermore, they create an extra neurosis for women where there needn't be one. I have never known a man who would be capable of identifying cellulite if his life depended on it.

The way to treat cellulite is with smoke and mirrors, or at least exfoliant and bronzer. A good body scrub, massaged on to dry skin (damp, if sensitive), then showered off, will remove dead skin cells to give a smoother texture, the illusion of firmness and a more radiant appearance.

Is your diet making you cranky?

Allure : Rejuvenate

One of the things I like least about dieting—besides the obvious fact that I have to give up all the foods that got me in trouble in the first place—is that hours after I decide to be virtuous, I am already a grumpy, snappish mess. I'd always blamed the hunger, but a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research says that's it's actually the effort I'm making to exert my will power that's putting me in such a foul mood. "Research has shown that exerting self-control makes people more likely to behave aggressively toward others and people on diets are known to be irritable and quick to anger," the authors explain. In one experiment, people who choose an apple instead of a chocolate bar were more likely to choose movies with anger and revenge themes than milder movies. And it's not surprising that dieters were particularly irritated by marketing messages that include cajoling language like "you ought to," "need to," and "must." I suspect they'd had enough "musts" for the day and were late for the early showing of Saw VIII: The Atkins Killer.

What about you—does dieting make you cranky?

Where has the sex gone?

There's a kind of hush in the bedroom. The birds aren't chirping enough, and the bees have lost their buzz. The naked truth laid all-bare is that there's little action happening between the sheets. There's a libido crisis in the lives of many a married Indian couple.

Action deficit!
Blame our urban lifestyles for driving the sex away. "Work and home-related stress, lack of time and privacy, and absence of work-life balance, chores, children and commutes all eat away at the desire component vital to sexual relations," says eminent sexologist Dr Prakash Kothari.

Caught up in the hectic whirligig of life in Mumbai, 39-year-old Rashi, a mother of two, can't remember how long ago it was that she last had sex with her husband. "Probably, when I conceived my second child!," she jokes, and adds, "It's not that we are over sex or we don't get aroused, but the two of us are so bushed when we finally hit the sack close to midnight that the hormones just won't oblige. A classic situation of the spirit being willing but the flesh too weak to take part."

"Apart from being squeezed for time, and tiredness, an alarming surge in cases of depression and anxiety is another reason for sex being relegated to the backburner," says psychologist and traumatologist Seema Hingorrany.

"I see at least one case every day where the man or woman confesses that they've lost all interest in sex, or complain that they hardly have it. During the counselling sessions that follow, I invariably find that one of them is suffering from depression or anxiety, which could stem from loneliness and the empty nest syndrome to a lack of selfworth or financial losses. Also, I see many mothers' lives these days solely centred around their kids, so much so that somewhere along the way, they forget to seek pleasure for themselves," she says.

The marriage spot! Television actor, stand-up c o m e d i a n and now entrepreneur, Chennai b a s e d Craig Gallyot, who recently wed his girlfriend of six years VJ Pooja, says, "During our courtship days, we could hardly keep our hands off each other, and we could get down to it anywhere and everywhere, from bedroom and bathroom and once even behind a sari that was being put up to dry!"

"But one-and-a-half-years into marriage," he laments, "and you realise that someone's just come down with this huge club and smashed your balls with things like 'roof-over-head responsibility', 'good husband', 'responsible fatherhood','winning the bread'... it feels like sheer castration! And then when you've to worry about who's going to put the clothes in the machine and who's going to clear the t ab l e, believe me, sex can and does often wait."

Other pastures to graze!
If the action in the bedroom has all but dried up, it's also true that the venue of action has shifted elsewhere. Both men and women are seeking their pleasures outside marriage.

"Men are indiscreet and when they have a fling or a one-night-stand, the woman gets wind of it, but the women do it far more cleverly and skillfully, blending it seamlessly into the regular pattern of their lives, making it tough for anyone to catch them with their hands in the cookie jar. What can't be denied that is no one's taking this ebb in marital sex lying down; they're doing something about it," says advertising guru Prahlad Kakar.

Concurring with that observation, Seema says, "Extra-marital affairs are definitely on the rise. You have attractions and temptations in the work set-up, and when you get back home, you tend to make comparisons."

The gadget intrusion
In her late 20s, Piyali and her husband are the archetypal yuppie DINK couple. And in their case, it isn't stress that's getting in the way of an active sex life. It's the 24x7 dependence on gadgets and gizmos. "Call it Murphy's Law, but just at the moment we're all primed up to get the bed shaking, his Blackberry will beep, and my husband just has to get it!"

And if it's not the gadgets, there's the idiot box temptation. "Football scores far higher than sex with my partner! There's some football match or the other almost every night...and he gets his kicks alright! It's football on top and no woman on top for him," says software engineer Tuhina, tongue-in-cheek.

Talking of the influence of TV, Seema shares, "I've a client who has lost interest in sex because she's obsessed with wanting her marriage to be like Imran Khan and Avantika's. Though I know squat about Imran and Avantika's married life, I tell my client that everything shouldn't be taken at face value, and it's important they work on their relationship issues instead of being taken in by superficial glamour of celebrity life."

The prescription
If passion has gone out of fashion in the bedroom, it's time we got all physical about it!

"Men will do well to not use their partners as sleeping pills. Often, once the man reaches climax and the wife's only half-way there, our man's already off to slumberland," says Dr Kothari.

The Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey Sexual health expert Dr Kevan Wylie said in a survey conducted a couple of years ago that more Indians would like to experience an orgasm every time they've sex, though only 46 per cent managed to actually do so.

"If you want to have an orgasm, it's important that you allow yourself to surrender to the good feelings you are experiencing. Relaxation is crucial - so try to reduce stress and spend time cuddling and touching with your partner. And you need to have a protected and uninterrupted time together, keep the rest of the family at bay and make sure you don't bring your work worries with you into the bedroom."

Prahlad suggests play acting. "Making love should, whenever possible, be a pre-meditated act. During role-play, one can become the lady of the manor and the other the milk boy, or the man can do the Tarzan to the woman's Jane act. It spices up your sex life, which as years go by, can become a lame, tame, something-to-be-gotten-over-with affair."

But what works best, according to Prahlad, is indulging in full-on fantasies. "Fantasising about someone, real or virtual, can render the counsellor redundant," he says.

Foreplay as a build-up to the real thing works wonders, says Dr Kothari, who insists most Indian men fail miserably in this department. He also suggests that couples talk about sex, discuss their likes and dislikes, and identify their erogenous zones and pleasure spots. "Talk, and you'll never need to fake anything be it pleasure or having an orgasm."

Then of course there is the agony aunt wisdom. Flowers; chocolates; music; long drives; unscheduled holidays; a dance in the rain; post-it notes, and more sentimental mush.

But like Craig jokes, "I can't see why I need to spend money just to perk up my sex life with my legally wedded wife!"

"Men are mostly too busy comparing their sizes to even worry about the action that they're missing out on. It's all about size and not the sizzle," laughs Prahlad. Ah, men will be men! And the women are, well, much smarter!

Sex and the country!
27% get it on once a month, or once in two months and 18% never! 57% prefer giving man the top position! 62% like to do it in the night and in the privacy of their bedrooms... talk of being adventurous! 84% of those who experience orgasm feel at ease with themselves sexually Italians, Mexicans, Spanish and South Africans are most likely to climax, with 66% managing to hit the spot each time! But it's the Brazilians who derive the most fun, with 65% usually feeling the earth move when they make love... Lucky them!

Dancercise your way to stay fit

Proud of her newly acquired chiselled midriff, insurance professional Anubhi Jain is all gung-ho about her new passion: dancercise. Having got bored of her monotonous workout routine, Jain had almost decided to abandon exercising, until she was introduced to this interesting new concept of staying fit.

Dancercise is a perfect recipe for those who love dance as well as exercise. Choreographer-dancer Nirali Someshwar says, "Exercise and dance, if looked at individually, tend to get monotonous after a point. That's why this form has become popular. It is also good value for money as you learn two things at one time."

So, what does dancercise include? Someshwar explains, "Basically it is a fusion of choreographed dance steps and exercises. The theory is based on individual exercise for every muscle. For example, isolated belly dance includes 20 minutes of abs and hip exercise, followed by 45 minutes of belly-dancing. The session keeps on evolving from start till the end, with each next step leading to the next one."

Bhangra aerobics incorporates bhangra and hip-hop. Dancer Hrishikesh Pawar says, "We make these packages depending on what part of the body needs to be strengthened. For example, if contemporary dance is being fused with exercise, the areas of concentration are the legs since the dance form involves classical ballet. I usually start my classes with pilates and yoga as they increase flexibility."

Aero-dance workshops that include cardio and floor exercises mixed with western jazz, hip-hop or Bollywood is the current favourite of marketing professional Shraddha Patil. She quips, "It's a lot of fun as it does not feel like exercise at all. And since we dance on the latest Bollywood and Hollywood hits, I feel like a performer."

But are dance styles altered for the purpose? Dancer Purvi Mundada answers, "At times, we simplify the steps. We have to keep in mind that the people opting for these packages do not want to get involved in the intricacies of the dance styles. The idea is not to deprive people of the pleasure of dance and also give them a good workout."

Zumba is another fitness routine that combines aerobics with the Latin-American salsa and meringue. Dance trainer Soonruta Kothadiya says, "This form is also popular in many gyms. As it includes the entire body movements, it helps in losing weight faster. "

Not just dance styles, martial arts too are being merged with exercise. Dance trainer Sanjay Sawant who teaches aero-fitness, a mixed form of martial art stretches and jumps with Bollywood, jazz and funk, says, "It's a complete freestyle fusion devoid of any disciplined moves." So, break free of your regular dance and exercise routines. If you seek change, join the new brigade of dancercisers!