Latest news with #Ashtanga
NDTV
an hour ago
- Health
- NDTV
International Yoga Day 2025: Expert Debunks Myths About Yoga
In today's hyper-connected fast-paced world, yoga is often seen as a luxury. Social media doesn't help with the narrative where it's easy to get intimidated by impossibly bendy yoga poses. The biggest barrier to starting yoga isn't physical limitation; it's the myths and misconceptions suggesting that yoga is reserved for a select few. But yoga is much more than that, it is a timeless, inclusive practice, deeply rooted in Indian tradition. It helps harmonize the mind, body, and breath. Let's shatter some illusions and discover the inclusive practice that yoga truly is. Debunking the yoga myths 1. Yoga is too slow or boring People often point out that yoga is slow and boring and hence they don't want to start something like this. They also complain that it's not fast paced to affect the required body parts. The truth is that yoga offers a wide spectrum -from calming practices to dynamic power flows. For some people, yoga is an energizing workout and for others, it's a meditative pause in chaos. 2. You need to be flexible for Yoga Yoga is not done by people who are flexible, rather yoga is done by people who want to achieve flexibility. Yoga is the journey to gradually move from your starting point to pushing the limits. The key here is patience, consistency, and compassion. 3. Yoga isn't a real workout Such myths generally stem from observing only one facet of this diverse discipline. Yoga can be physically demanding as any other gym workout session. Dynamic styles like Ashtanga and Power Yoga build serious strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Holding poses challenges muscles in ways that traditional weightlifting often misses, creating functional strength that translates to everyday activities. Moreover, yoga helps your most important muscle - the heart- while also focusing on your mental health. (Arpan Kushwaha is a Yoga expert at Cult) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
International Day of Yoga: Gen Z turns to yoga for good mental health
Feeling mentally drained, anxious or restless? You're not alone. In today's hyper-connected world, stress levels are at an all-time high, and in response, more and more youngsters are turning to yoga in search of calm. On International Day of Yoga today, we explore how this ancient practice supports mental well-being. Gen Z turns to yoga for good mental health(Photo: Adobe Stock) While yoga is often associated with physical flexibility, research shows it's just as powerful for cultivating mental clarity, emotional balance and inner peace. A recent study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that yoga practitioners — especially those practising Ashtanga — reported significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress compared to non-practitioners. This holistic approach forms the foundation of mental yoga — the integration of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. 'Mental yoga is a powerful, yet often overlooked, dimension of this ancient practice that directly addresses our deepest yearning for mental and emotional well-being,' says Sadguru Madhusudan Sai, a mental yoga expert, adding, 'It is the cultivation of a steady and calm mind. It empowers individuals to reclaim their inner sovereignty, to find joy not in external acquisitions, but in the realisation of their own inherent nature.' Young people, in particular, benefit immensely from slowing down through yoga, notes Meher Munjal, a Delhi-based yoga teacher and sound healer at Yoga Connect. She adds, 'I have observed young adults, particularly in their 20s, who have indulged in yoga for improving their mental health. It balances the energy centres and aligns body, mind and soul. Deep stretching and breathwork promote peace of mind and help regulate endorphins, leading to better decision-making and balanced mental health.' Meher also recommends Surya Namaskar as a simple yet effective daily practice. 'It engages the entire body, includes spinal twists and forward bends, and can be done easily at home,' she adds.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
From high stress to headstands: Hyderabad techies quit corporate jobs to become yoga teachers; here's what they say
HYDERABAD: Even as corporate India grapples with whether to work 70 hours a week or not, many young professionals in Hyderabad are making a mid-career shift and becoming full-time yoga instructors. If it means a pay cut, so be it. Those 15-hour workdays packed with PowerPoint presentations, deadlines and unending meetings have finally got to them. TOI spoke to many techies who have swapped high-pressure jobs for the calm, flexible life of full-time yoga. Mrudula Neelam, 31, was a techie with a major corporate and spent nearly four years buried in spreadsheets and regulatory frameworks at a multinational firm. "My body just couldn't take the 14-15 hour work days any more," she says. "I was constantly sick and stressed. The turning point came during 'Wellness Fridays' at her workplace, where she began teaching yoga to colleagues. Already certified, she started taking it more seriously. A scholarship for an Ashtanga immersion course in Bali sealed the deal. "It all shifted from being a weekend side hustle to a full-time career for me." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Mrudula now runs classes from her online studio, teaches in-person sessions, and even travels to retreats and workshops in other cities. At 25kmph, Hyderabad tops metro cities in traffic speed The city's average traffic speed of 25 kmph is the highest among major metropolitan cities in India, Hyderabad commissioner of police CV Anand said on Friday. He was speaking at the 'Traffic Action Plan' meeting held at the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre, Banjara Hills. "Despite the city adding nearly 1,600 new vehicles to the roads every day, we aim to improve the average speed to 27 kmph," Anand said. "Currently, about 91 lakh vehicles ply on Hyderabad roads daily, which shows a 45% surge since the Covid pandemic. The key to managing this growing volume lies in effective signal management," he added. At the event, Hyderabad city police also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Google to implement Operation Green Light, a collaborative initiative aimed at optimising traffic signals. "Every time someone uses Google Maps for navigation, data is generated about traffic flow and congestion," a senior police official explained. "With this MoU, we will use that real-time data to manage signal timings better. This will not only help reduce waiting time at signals but also cut down on greenhouse gas emissions," he said. Officials said the system will also help monitor sudden incidents or route deviations, allowing quicker alerts and responses by the traffic police. Highlighting other traffic management efforts, the city police commissioner said, "We are currently using two drones and 25 high-rise CCTV cameras for surveillance, and more will be added soon." He also lauded the role of transgender assistants deployed at traffic signals, a govt initiative introduced in Dec 2024. Anand assured that the police are also preparing for the upcoming monsoon season with appropriate precautionary measures.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Times Health+ and The Yoga Institute reshaping Health and Wellness through its Strategic Partnership
A purpose-filled partnership The People behind the Curtains In a wellness industry crowded with flash-in-the-pan trends, a few names still stand as tall and timeless, such as Times Health+'s holistic wellness partner, The Yoga Institute. The institution was founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra Ji, a renowned yogi often hailed as the father of the modern yoga renaissance. The Yoga Institute isn't just a school, for its walls are interwoven with rich history. Now, as the official holistic wellness partner, it is extending its tapestry of yogic tradition into the digital collaboration was beyond a branding move; it is a strategic alliance that celebrates yoga as an art form and mindfulness. It grounds Times Health+ in credibility and depth and a truly holistic approach. Carrying on its back over 105 years of continuous service, 100,000+ certified teachers, and more than 500 publications. The yoga institute has been the anchor for those seeking physical and emotional awakening. This partnership guarantees that the tech-first yoga experiences offered by Times Health+ remain embedded in celebrating science and Yoga Institute's esteemed guidance is accompanied by a handpicked group of senior faculty, all of whom foster deep domain expertise across different facets of top of the list stays Vinita Sakpal, a specialist in holistic nutrition and mindful eating. She has a master's degree in food science and nutrition. She currently works as a senior nutritionist and yoga teacher at the Yoga Institute. She blends scientific nutritional planning and yogic lifestyle practices. Her work spans therapeutic diet consultations, wellness counseling, and conducting impactful health workshops and community the paragraph next to hers stands Vinay Zende, an internationally certified yoga teacher trained at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, through a meticulous 900-hour advanced teacher's training course. He is a yoga teacher and evaluator recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH, GOI, and specializes in teaching Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga, including Kriyas, meditation, and stress management techniques. Since 2019, he has been an integral part of the Yoga Institute's teaching stands Dr. Sneha Rathi, holding a gold medal in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and an internationally certified yoga teacher, also trained at the Yoga Institute, Mumbai, with expertise ranging from joint pain management to postoperative rehabilitation. She seamlessly blends modern physiotherapy with traditional yoga techniques, effectively supporting patients in achieving wellness from a distance as of these guides isn't just there to lead a class; they embody a legacy of practice that has transformed over thousands of lives, and they strive to reach more as days go an age where wellness has turned into a mere aesthetic, this partnership strives to change that narrative and reframe it as a daily discipline. Together with Times Health+, it is ensured that the users wouldn't be only chasing workouts; rather, they would be returning to themselves through mindful movement, breath, and awareness. They shall be reminded that health is not a trend but a need.
