By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
There is a new fitness craze sweeping through gyms in the region offering a chance for people of all ages to finally get into shape.
Created by Paul Mavi in South Africa, the fitness regimen allows students to trace letters in their movements while taking part in a cardio workout, according to Bokwa Fitness.
The classes were brought to the region by Monmouth Junction resident Giancarla Pozzo, a certified instructor in the new style.
”It is writing numbers and letters on the ground while taking part in a cardio-vascular routine,” Ms. Pozzo said before starting one of her Thursday morning classes at the New York Sports Club on Route 1. “Children and adults of all fitness levels can take Bowkwa.”
Ms. Pozzo said that Bokwa follows an easy system that makes it more fun and easier to do than similar workout routines.
Members in her class run the gamut from teens to women in their 70s, all following the same routines led by Ms. Pozzo.
Ms. Pozzo said she runs two classes at the club in Monmouth Junction on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
In addition to the adult program, the instructors also contact schools to have Bowkwa sessions for students of all ages through the Bokwa Bounce Foundation, designed to help young people get healthier, according to the organization.
Ms. Pozzo has been a fitness instructor for 19 years and teaches several other programs including the popular Zumba workouts.
Due to its simplicity, however, Ms. Pozzo has found more excitement over the Bokwa workout.
She welcomes potential students to contact her and visit a class to see what all the excitement is about.
Roughly 35 ladies attended a recent class at the club and said they enjoyed the training.
Ntina Rissiotis, 46, of Monmouth Junction said she loves the class.
”It’s fun its easy, it is a great workout,” Ms. Rissiotis said. “(Giancarla) is a great instructor.”
Ms. Rissiotis said that she wants to eventually become an instructor and go into the schools to teach the children.
”They know the letters and numbers and it is fun,” she said.
Another student in her 70s said she loves to dance and the music.
”Giancarla is the best,” Angelea Schnitzlein, 75, of Kendall Park said. “I didn’t think I could do it at first. But dance is my passion.”
Another student said she is hoping to become an instructor and offer her own classes at a studio for people who may not be able to attend the gym classes.
Kesha Tege, 39, of Monmouth Junction has been taking classes since March and said she is now an instructor wants and to bring the workout to others.
People interested in learning more about the classes can look up the style at www.bokwafitness.com or contact Giancarla through the New York Sports Club.
