India, June 12 -- While modern gyms remain popular, akhadas (traditional wrestling grounds) are emerging as a summer fitness option for some Indians. Akhada workouts follow time-honoured, rustic routines that build physical strength, flexibility, mobility, and better cardiovascular health with consistent practice. Even actor Vicky Kaushal used akhada workouts for his Chhaava transformation, his trainer Tejas Lalwani had revealed earlier this year. Actor Kranti Prakash Jha, known for films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) and Batla House (2019), is a devoted follower of akhada workouts. "The akhada isn't just a place to build muscle; it's where the body, mind, and spirit come together. Exercises like the mudgar have been part of Indian heritage for centuries. Unlike gym machines that isolate specific muscles, akhada workouts involve your entire body and mind. There's a rhythm and flow to it that feels more organic. I always hit the akhada in the morning," he says Kunal Vaishnav, a fitness and gada/mudgar expert from Mumbai, explains that the ideal time for these workouts is early mornings, around 6am to 8am. "This time aligns with the Ayurvedic concept of the Kapha time of day, which can be beneficial for physical activity. We also have some people coming in before 6am," he says, adding that hydration is also emphasised in the fitness sessions, especially during the summer months....