India, Sept. 25 -- Alive with vibrant lights and infectious music, Navratri kicked off earlier this week. Dandiya and garba, folk dances from Gujarat, are bringing people together nationwide in celebration, but beyond the fun, these dances offer a solid workout.

The rhythmic steps, turns, and coordinated arm and leg movements engage the whole body. The benefits? A boost in cardiovascular health, muscle coordination, agility, and balance, along with a calm and refreshed mind. But for lasting results, regular activity beyond the nine days of festivity is essential.

"A dedicated hour-long session can burn up to 300-600 calories, which is equivalent to aerobic brisk walking," notes Kushal Pal Singh, fitness and performance expert at Anytime...