International Day of Yoga: Bollywood celebs stretch and bend in the quest of fitness

Indian Express

4 hours ago

Yoga remains a favourite form of movement for Bollywood celebrities looking to stay healthy and fit. From Malaika Arora slipping into child's pose to Shilpa Shetty acing the downward dog, our favourite stars have often bent, stretched, and twisted themselves into asanas to strengthen muscles, regulate the nervous system, and improve digestion.
On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, several celebrities took to social media to share their go-to yoga poses and pay tribute to the ancient practice. 'Balance is the key to maintaining the equilibrium between mind, body and soul,' Shilpa Shetty wrote in the caption of her Instagram video, where she is seen gracefully folding forward on her yoga mat.
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Prashant Singh, a certified yoga practitioner based in Bengaluru, says, 'Yoga is a fantastic way to get in shape and take care of your body, mind, and spirit. It's not just about fancy poses; it's about feeling good in your skin and connecting with yourself.'
Here are 5 celeb-approved yoga asanas and their benefits:
Padmasana, or the lotus pose, is widely recognised for promoting both physical and mental stability. This is not merely a belief but a physiological reality. During the posture, sensations from the lower spinal column travel through a group of nadis (energy channels) to the brain, helping calm the nervous system. The resulting mental tranquillity often translates into improved physical health.
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Bhujangasana expands the chest and deepens breathing, making it beneficial for respiratory health. It helps relieve backache and keeps the spine supple. A stiff spine can disrupt the flow of nervous impulses between the brain and the body. By arching the back and improving circulation in the spine, this asana tones the nerves and enhances neural communication. People with a slipped disc or sciatica may benefit from this pose, but it should be practised with caution.
Vajrasana is considered as a higher yogic posture. Unlike cross-legged meditative poses, Vajrasana uniquely influences the vajra nadi, an energy channel believed to carry nervous impulses from the brain to the reproductive and urinary systems. It alters the flow of prana shakti (life force), and is traditionally said to help control sexual energy and redirect it towards spiritual awareness and consciousness development.
Tadasana enhances both physical and mental balance. It stretches the entire spine, helping relieve congestion where spinal nerves exit the vertebral column. It also stretches the rectus abdominis and intestinal muscles. This asana is especially useful during the first six months of pregnancy, as it tones the abdominal muscles and nerves. One of its key benefits is stimulation of the nervous system.
This lateral stretch targets the muscles along the sides of the torso, waist, and hamstrings. It stimulates the nervous system, alleviates nervous tension and depression, and aids digestion. The pose strengthens the pelvic region and tones the reproductive organs. With regular practice, it can help reduce waistline fat and balance pitta dosha in the body.
'Hold each pose for a few breaths at first, then increase the time as you get stronger. Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Yoga is a journey, not a race,' says Prashant Singh.