Fitness 101 with Sarina Jain of Masala Bhangra

Masala Bhangra wisdom from Sarina Jain

Sarina Jain, fitness personality and creator of Masala Bhangra® shares her personal thoughts on dating and relationships. She is the pioneer in bringing Indian dance to the fitness industry at a global Level and is celebrating 12 years of Masala Bhangra® being born. Today, she has over 500 MBW Ambassadors that represent what she so passionately created for her father.

I first met Sarina three years ago at my local temple where Sarina spoke about how she became the driven, focused, and career minded individual that she is today. She also taught a Masala Bhangra class for teens and adults there. She is down-to-earth and super funny and recently I caught up with her to ask this some questions for Sex and the Single Desi.

11 Questions for Sarina Jain of Masala Bhangra

1. What is your fitness regiment when getting in shape for the classes you teach?

Eat right. Stay active so I have enough energy to put out in my classes. I also run to get my mind off of things. And I love Bikram Yoga!

2. What is the inspiration behind the Masala Bhangra workout?

My father. My sister and I were born and raised in the US. We were born to parents who were very proud to be Indian and they wanted to make sure that we did not lose our culture, vision of India living here. My parents wanted us to be proud to be Indian and well, I dedicate everything I do to my father to tell him that I am proud to be an Indian desi woman, embracing my culture and sharing it with others around the world! And they get to stay healthy at the same time!

3. What is the motivation of pursuing a non-traditional career path?

I had to do something to get the Indian community up and moving! And why not? I am good at teaching and I am good a representing what we do at Indian weddings. I am not here to teach Pind style Bhangra as I would never have lasted if Iwere to do that. Americans would never understand the Pind style. I want people to embrace my culture through living a long life and through fitness and that is where Masala Bhangra® was born. The biggest hitting point thought is I lost my father to a massive cardiac arrest at 47. Did you hear me? 47! That is way too young!

4. Did your family have any reservations about you creating your own career path?

My mom has always been a conservative type person thinking that a profession is the best secure way to go – like most Indian parents. However, I needed to pursue an inner passion that I knew would do well. It just takes time. And I hope it is now paying off. I passionately love what I do and I love what I have created and now my mom is on board to the point where she is my boss….go figure!

5. Do you find it difficult to date, after having chosen a nontraditional career path?

Yes, I do. But I believe in “the one” and when he comes along, I will know. There is reason why people do what they do and I believe I am fulfilling my destiny. And let me tell you…I am on a high to see how many people have lost weight off of Masala Bhangra, how many women have had their marriages saved because of it! I am on a high to see how many guys! Boys come to my class to learn Bhangra/Bollywood dancing, and don’t tell anyone!

I am on a high to see that what I created out of my garage 12 years ago is a fitness approved program today. I am proud….(tears are starting to come down now as I wish my dad was here…) I wonder what he would have said. I do know he would be standing proud as he was a proud desi man…

6. Do you find that people already have an opinion about you when you meet them?

People will always judge until you get to know them. I say – please take your time to get to know someone for who they are and what they stand for as that will last a life time! My mom introduces me to great people. It is just not the right time….timing is everything no?

7. What kind of man are you looking for?

That is a loaded question….:)

8. Where do you prefer living? California, where you grew up or New York, where you moved to for your career – and why?

I prefer NYC over California. NYC is the capital of everything. It is the Mecca of the world, in my humble opinion. I am glad I get to travel and then come back to NYC to appreciate it. I can see how one can get tired of NYC, however, the energy, the people, the culture, the everything of NYC is what I love! If I had to move abroad – it would be London or Bombay and I love Spain.

9. What do you recommend as good nutrition for single girls? What fitness moves can be done at work or while commuting?

It is about good nutrition but it’s also about working out. Lifting weights as well. Cardio. Building that strength!

Those girls who commute via subway – do silly things like calf raises while checking your BlackBerry. So squeeze your butt cheeks together while waiting for the train or for that person at the bar! People don’t realize this but stretching is also just as equally important as working out! Stretching out your body at your desk or in the bathroom allows your body to go an extra distance.

10. What is the one food item you carry with you or you that always have in your kitchen?

I always have some sort of protein bar on me these days. You got to keep eating small meals – and meals that make sense! So Trader Joe’s has this peanut butter bar that is full of protein and I pull them out when I am feeling hungry. Or I will grab a banana or apple if I am running from place to place. A cute boy once told me – carry protein bars with you as they are the best and well – I guess that stuck…..

11. What tips do you have for the guys about staying fit?

Same as for women – cardio and lifting weights. These are the most obvious things but people don’t do it. Lift weights! I am a big believer in making sure that my bones are strong when I am older! If nothing else, do pushups!

Thanks Sarina! It was a pleasure talking with you

xoxo

Monica Marwah

(Monica Marwah is a 30 something single school psychologist who enjoys living life to the fullest.  She is taking her experience and showing others how to believe in themselves and love themselves completely.  After years of dating and meeting people, she has come into her own.  Spirituality has been a foundation for self improvement for her and she is hoping to encourage people to embark upon a spiritual journey at this age.)

Related Posts:

The Failproof Desi Guide to Relationships
Desi Relationships – Heartbreak Hotel
Desi Girl’s Guide to Living Single and Loving It
Is Living in Sin the New Desi Thing