Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Students, teachers take to aerobics at MTT College

WITH AN EYE ON FITNESS: Aerobic class at Mar Theophilus Training College in the city. - Photo: S. Gopakumar

For the students of Mar Theophilus Training (MTT) College, learning the nuances of pedagogy also means staying in shape.

The college, based in Nalanchira, is the only teacher training institute under University of Kerala that offers `aerobics' as an `add-on course' to the students.

Every evening, at 3.30 p.m., the students of the college make a beeline for the `aerobics hall,' located on the top-floor of the two-storied-building. Here, they perform in rapid stepping pattern to the accompaniment of pulsating music before a huge rectangle shaped mirror. The exercise progresses with the help of cues provided by an instructor. The session is vigorous and lasts for half-an hour.

"The significance of aerobics as an enjoyable fitness programme in burning fat is rapidly catching up in the city," said Jose T.P., fitness consultant and physical education instructor of the college. "The steps in aerobics are similar to dance and are designed to exercise a particular group of muscles. A person with good neuro-muscular coordination can perform well in aerobics," he said.

The three-month certificate programme introduced nearly three years ago by the college has 45 students learning the exercise in three separate batches. The classes are held on all days except Saturday and Sunday. And for Sherine Francis, Gihil N., Lijin V.S. and Gayathri C.S., students of the college, aerobics is a sure-fire way to create a positive impression in the minds of their prospective students. According to them, today students evaluate teachers based on his/her physique and personality in addition to teaching skills. Knowing aerobics also gives an added advantage while applying for a job, they said. More than 180 students have completed the training programme in the last three-years at the college.

But if you think aerobics is only for students, think again, the college has a special session for teachers too. A group of 13 teachers led by the principal-in-charge Sr. Mercy kutty today waxes eloquently on the health benefits of aerobics. The teachers have also been provided with a Compact Disc on aerobics by the instructor to practise the steps at the convenience of their home.

Says Laji Varghese, a faculty with the college: "Aerobics has made my body more flexible. It is also an exciting way to shed your flab without injury," he said.

Sangeeth Kurian

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