India, Oct. 2 -- The festive season calls for colourful chaniya cholis, upbeat dhol beats and circles that seem to go on forever. But between the claps, turns and repeated footwork, Garba can also make for a surprisingly energetic workout. Here's how to dance your way through the celebrations while looking after your stamina, joints and mental well-being.

Those endless garba circles do more than test your memory for steps. "Repeated stepping, lateral movements, turns, clapping and coordinated arm movements can keep the heart rate elevated, particularly when performed continuously at moderate to vigorous intensity," says physiotherapist Lakshya Bhaktyani of PSRI Hospital.

She estimates an average adult may burn around 350-600 calories in...