In the spring of 2020, as the world grappled with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the globe found themselves trapped in a new reality. Lives were upended, daily routines disrupted. Being constantly homebound, the pursuit of physical and mental wellbeing became a paramount concern. In the bustling metropolis of Karachi, Dr Asad Mian, a dedicated front-line emergency physician, felt the weight of this new world on his shoulders.
Long hours and a demanding work routine took a toll on his physical and mental health. The closure of gyms and fitness centres due to lockdown measures left a void in his life. Determined to find a way to stay active and keep his spirits high, Dr. Mian embarked on a journey that would lead to the birth of a unique wellness routine – Zalsa.
The birth of Zalsa
Driven by his love for dance and exercising to music, Dr. Mian began developing the rudiments of what would later become Zalsa. Dr. Mian, reflecting on his inspiration to create Zalsa and how it addresses the limitations of traditional workout routines, stated, "Burnout is a state of mental/physical/emotional exhaustion. As an ER doctor, I suffered from that because of COVID-19." The pandemic had disrupted his access to the gym, prompting him to embark on a personal workout journey at home.
Initially, he admits, "I did not give much thought to the safety of it." This lack of caution resulted in a severe ankle injury that required surgery, coinciding with the rising curve of COVID-19 cases.
Following several months of post-surgical recovery, Dr. Mian resumed his workouts with a renewed focus on safety and careful design. He recalled, "I started including people from my innovation/incubation hub at Aga Khan University since they were most accepting of something novel." This initial acceptance served as a stepping stone to introducing Zalsa to others across the AKU campus, whether face-to-face or virtually.
By blending elements of Zumba, Salsa, and other dance styles, Zalsa offers a captivating and inclusive workout experience. Dr Mian’s regimen accommodated varying fitness levels, embraced mixed-gender classes, and provided couples with an enjoyable opportunity to prioritise their collective wellness.
The Zalsa experience
The uniqueness of Zalsa lies not only in its integration of Zumba and Salsa but also in the process it takes participants through. Dr Mian explains, "The Zalsa experience begins with meditative deep breathing, stretching, and warm-up exercises. This is followed by a rapid increase in heart rate through high-impact cardio, representing the Zumba component. Next, the focus shifts to coordination-centric, low-impact movements inspired by Salsa, engaging the mind and the body. The routine concludes with a cooling-down period, deep breathing, stretching, and a gentle end to the session.”
Zalsa's uniqueness also stems from the sense of community and camaraderie fostered among its practitioners. Dr. Mian emphasizes, "when done with a 'cool group of fellow practitioners’” Zalsa creates a “uniquely personal experience." Such a supportive environment and sense of community enhances the overall workout experience, making it more enjoyable and motivating.
One of the remarkable aspects of Zalsa is its inclusivity, catering to individuals of all ages, genders, and fitness levels. “Zalsa's training approach accommodates people with varying fitness levels and abilities,” he explains. “The classes start at a manageable pace, gradually building up intensity, with plenty of repetition and revision.”
Fostering Community and Collective Wellbeing
Zalsa distinguishes itself from traditional workout disciplines like Zumba, Yoga, and Pilates by cultivating a mindset that connects an individual's physical, mental, and spiritual fitness with that of a like-minded community. “By adhering to the schedule and demonstrating progression in the skill set, participants experience a sense of achievement and growth, particularly in mastering the footwork and turns of Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata,” discusses Dr. Mian.
He further added that Zalsa incorporates unique features that promote a collective sense of wellness and wellbeing. “The encouragement of partners and the presence of a milestone-based roadmap create a supportive and motivating environment. These elements foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among participants, promoting collective wellbeing,” he said.
Developed and refined at AKU since 2020, Zalsa is a comprehensive whole-body workout that provides an effective cardiovascular workout. Learning salsa, in particular, contributes to improved coordination, akin to acquiring a new skill set.
Beyond physical fitness, Zalsa emphasises mindfulness and overall wellness as part of a like-minded group. The routine serves as a social hangout where individuals can let go of inhibitions through creative movement and positive socialization.
The unique rhythm of Zalsa
The carefully curated playlist in Zalsa plays a significant role in enhancing the overall experience. While Zumba classes predominantly feature Latin music, Dr. Mian decided to incorporate a fusion of Bhangra/Desi, Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, and Freestyle. By deviating from the usual Latin music associated with Zumba, Zalsa creates a distinct musical identity.
He also includes Bollywood beats with Latin rhythms. This unique blend of music creates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, encouraging participants to let loose, express themselves, and fully immerse themselves in the Zalsa experience. “The playlist not only complements the dance movements but also contributes to the overall enjoyment and engagement of the participants,’ explains Dr Mian.
By embracing various genres, Zalsa provides a refreshing and dynamic experience that appeals to a broader range of participants. Dr. Mian intentionally decided to exclude Latin music from the Zumba portion and instead prioritize "desi" music. He explains, "Through contextual creativity, I demonstrated the positive impact on the overall experience because people were able to relate better that way." By tailoring the music selection to resonate with the cultural backgrounds and preferences of the participants, Zalsa enhances the connection and engagement of individuals. Dr. Mian further attests that this positive impact has been observed consistently in all the Zalsa courses conducted to date.
Gender inclusivity
Zalsa embodies the values of parity, inclusion, and diversity by being open to individuals of all ages and genders, regardless of their fitness level or ability. It breaks away from traditional dance class norms by promoting fluidity in partnering and learning, transcending rigid gender boundaries.
Dr. Mian explains that in the Salsa part of the routine, participants may have the opportunity to learn from and partner with someone of the same gender. “Mixed gender couples, traditionally perceived as binary gender, are not the norm in Zalsa classes. You need to be okay with that level of gender fluidity and transcendence," he said.
He further adds that throughout the dance, there are moments when participants perform both "salsa male lead" moves and "salsa female follow through" moves. This fluidity in transitioning between different roles enhances participants' skill sets and comfort levels when dancing with individuals of various genders or non-binary identities.
Dr. Mian draws from his own experience with Salsa and Merengue in Houston, where he learned to appreciate the beauty of partner dances that helped him see beyond rigid gender identities. “Zalsa carries forward this ethos, challenging traditional dance class norms and creating an inclusive space where individuals can embrace gender fluidity and dance with people of different genders without hesitation,” he shares. However, his classes have consistently seen significantly more women enrolled than men.
It is worth noting that Dr. Mian emphasizes that Zalsa is not solely focused on choreographed dancing. While it is enjoyable, the primary objective is not simply to dance for the sake of dancing.
The role of medical expertise
As an emergency medicine doctor, Dr. Mian recognizes the significance of incorporating his medical expertise to ensure safe workouts. Reflecting on his own injury, he says, "I had to incorporate my professional training into Zalsa's safety." Fracturing his ankle only reinforced the need for safety precautions in the routine.
With formal training in Salsa from Houston, Texas, and successful leadership of cohorts in Karachi, Dr. Mian brings a combination of expertise and practical knowledge to the development and instruction of Zalsa. "Because of my passion for physical wellbeing, I gained several years' worth of experience of Salsa and other types of workouts such as Zumba,” he explains.
All sessions start off with “a dedication, gratitude, and safety disclaimer statement” which helps put the participants in a safe space, mentally and physically," he shares, adding that by setting the tone for a safe environment, participants can engage in Zalsa with confidence.
Through the integration of his medical expertise and commitment to participant well-being, Dr. Mian has established a track record of safety within Zalsa. “Cumulatively, Zalsa has enrolled and successfully certified dozens of people so far. There have been no untoward injury-related outcomes, touch wood,” he says.
The transformative power of movement
The profound benefits of movement, from philosophical and spiritual perspectives, trace back to ancient times. Dr. Mian beautifully elucidates, "Zooming out of those characteristics of Zalsa that have personally benefitted me or the health/fitness of others, if you consider the benefits of 'movement,' there are many since time immemorial." This recognition highlights the timeless nature of movement's impact on the human experience.
Referencing Aristotle's philosophy, Dr. Mian explains, "Aristotle's philosophy on movement and the resultant peripatetic school of thought have made people indulge in walking and actively link that to creativity, critical thinking, and reflection per se. This profound connection between movement and cognitive processes reveals the transformative potential of incorporating intentional movement into our lives.”
Drawing inspiration from Rumi's approach, Dr. Mian notes: "Their circular movements to music were and are considered fundamental to their Sufic practice. By acknowledging the spiritual link to movement, particularly in creative and intentional forms, Zalsa embraces the opportunity to tap into a deeper sense of self and connection with the universe.
As Dr. Mian aptly describes, Zalsa embodies these philosophical and spiritual perspectives through its diverse repertoire of activities, stating, "Zalsa epitomises that, with the diverse repertoire of deep breathing, stretching, dance-like movement, mindful meditation, etc. – collectively called 'vibing' - you can demonstrate your happiness with and engagement in contemporary culture and society in alignment with the universe."
Intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial thinking
As the founder of Zalsa, Dr. Mian exemplifies both intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial thinking in his approach. He explains, "For years, I have been propagating an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial mindset, both for myself as well as for my peers and students at the Aga Khan University." This mindset embodies a problem-solving orientation rather than a focus solely on financial gain.
By creating Zalsa, Dr. Mian has established a cohesive platform that prioritises wellness and wellbeing through physical activity. He emphasizes that his motivation lies in problem-solving and engagement rather than monetary rewards. "To me, that mindset is really one of problem-solving versus money-making," he says. This highlights his dedication to offering a valuable service that goes beyond traditional profit-driven ventures.
His choice to provide Zalsa as a pro bono service further exemplifies his intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial mindset. He shares, "I am doing pro bono work because I am not only enthusiastic about the creative process, but it also gives me an opportunity to engage with my human fellow travellers in a different manner."
The personal fulfilment he derives as a Zalsa teacher stems from the joy of the creative process and the meaningful connections formed with others.
Envisioning the future of Zalsa
Zalsa garnered significant attention within the fitness industry, receiving accolades for its innovative approach to fitness and community building. Dr. Mian envisions a promising future for Zalsa and its impact on the community. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability and the need for resources, stating, "That sustainability requires both human and financial capital."
He also recognizes the potential for positive community impact, especially in addressing cardiac-related risk factors. "Although improving cardiac health in the community is a long-term aspiration of mine, it all starts with a single step,” he said.
Regarding expansion, Dr. Mian highlights the multi-pronged approach of securing grants and training more instructors. "Through small grants, organizations are offering monetary compensation. I am also actively engaged in training more people in the basic specs of Zalsa through a 'Train the Trainer' program."
He acknowledges the significance of scaling the start-up and involving more individuals as champions of Zalsa who support the 'movement' that way.
His journey from a burnt-out healthcare professional to the creator of Zalsa showcases the power of innovation, and a deep commitment to holistic well-being. With its focus on physical fitness, mindfulness, creative expression, and collective well-being, Zalsa has touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring them to prioritize their health and connect with others in a meaningful way.
As Zalsa continues to expand its reach, it has the potential to transform the way we approach fitness and well-being, bringing joy, connection, and personal growth to communities around the world.