THE FITNESS FIX
Yoga asanas that will keep you hale and hearty
Yoga continues to be the hottest fitness trend amongst health enthusiasts, with people across age-groups immersing themselves in this ancient Indian healing science. Its widespread popularity can be attributed to the fact that not only does it lead to a physical metamorphosis, but is also instrumental in lowering stress levels, something which everyone in the contemporary times desperately needs. Think carefully, we contract diseases when we ignore the body and mind. The practice of yoga is all about focussing one’s attention on his/her body and ensuring that the inner self starts taking care of the external and vice-versa.
For centuries, regular practitioners of yoga have been speaking about its ability to make body flexible and we all know that a flexible body is inherently attentive and can therefore carry out important functions like breathing, sleeping and walking more effectively.
When it comes to yoga, there is no pre-condition of age or gender. All you need is a yoga mat, loose clothes and a well-ventilated environment. Remember, an experienced and passionate teacher can inspire dedication and discipline, something that can be of enormous benefit to anyone wishing to tread this path. India, like the rest of the world is witnessing a great boom in yoga studios, not just in metros but also in smaller towns. However, one does not really need a huge wad of cash to understand and practice this form. Commitment and honesty are the key. If you prefer the privacy of your home, there are several asanas you can do on your own. Regularly practicing the below mentioned ones will not only increase your flexibility but also help maintain weight, lower blood pressure, normalise heart beat and calm the nerves. Tadasana Stand upright. Feel your weight on both legs. Keep your chest open and raise your arms, interlocking the fingers and allowing yourself to stretch to one side. Repeat on the other side.
Gomukh Sit in a simple cross-legged position feeling the weight of your torso on the legs. Raise one arm over the shoulder and the other under. Hold and repeat with the other arm. Konasana Stretch your legs as wide as possible. Rest your hands on them and allow the head to drop forward. Do not push forward. Hold, relax and repeat. Sethu Bandha Lie on your back creating as much evenness as possible between your left and right side. Stay until you feel comfortable. Now bend your knees, and with feet firmly pressed, raise your hips off the floor. Repeat as many times as possible. Bhujang Lie on your belly and make yourself comfortable. Place your hands mid-chest with forehead on the ground. Now raise your head and chest off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and slowly take your head back to the floor.