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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Riddhima Kapoor Sahni spills fitness secrets, lessons learnt from mother Neetu: ‘I have forgotten how to run on a treadmill'
Riddhima Kapoor Sahni recently revealed her fitness secrets, sharing that she has been consistent with her workouts, which her mother, Neetu Kapoor, has always advised her about. 'My mother always tells me, no matter what you do, just be consistent. Don't skip a workout. That's very important. Dedication. Do something that you enjoy, and stick to it. Like in my case, yoga works for me. Someone else may enjoy something else. So do that,' said Riddhima. She also opened up about her consistency with yoga. 'Whoever follows me on Instagram knows that I am very particular, very consistent with yoga. So, I try not to skip a workout. I work out 4-5 times a week. Yoga has been a part of my fitness journey since 2004. I wanted a change. When you are much younger, you want to do many things and try new things like going to the gym or swimming. But after Samara was born, I only stuck to yoga. I didn't do anything else. So, it's yoga, yoga, and only yoga for me. I don't even know how many years it's been that I haven't been to the gym. I think I have also forgotten how to run on a treadmill (laughs)! Jokes apart, I only do yoga,' shared Riddhima in a conversation with Fit Tak. She further shared that she incorporates weights along with yoga because that matters. 'It is very important and necessary that I do weight training as well. Usually, I work out with my bodyweight. That also definitely helps,' shared Riddhima. Dr Yogrishi Vishvketu, global yoga educator, author and founder of Akhanda Yoga Institute, stressed that combining strength training and yoga offers a holistic approach that honours both body and mind. The expert noted that strength training builds bone density, metabolic health, and functional power. 'It's essential for preventing age-related muscle loss and boosting long-term vitality. But alone, it can contribute to misalignments in the spine and joints if not counterbalanced,' said Vishvketu. This is where yoga steps in. 'Not to replace strength work, but to balance it. Through breath-led movement, intentional postures, and nervous system regulation, yoga enhances recovery, improves range of motion, and calms the stress response. It trains the practitioner not just to perform, but to listen,' he said. While strength training offers tangible gains, it's worth remembering that asana practices such as arm balances, boat pose, chair pose, and, in fact, any long-held pose, also build strength, he said. 'But in yoga, strength is cultivated alongside awareness, regulation, spine and brain health, and inner stillness,' said Vishvketu. According to him, the integrative approach reduces injury, sharpens focus, and makes fitness more sustainable. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
What is forest bathing? Why this Japanese routine can twin with yoga
Dr Yogrishi Vishvketu In a world dominated by screens, deadlines and constant stimulation, a quiet revolution is taking place — one leaf, one breath and one step at a time. It is a nature immersive experience called forest bathing that lowers our stress hormones like cortisol, lowers blood pressure, improves concentration, and enhances mood. Originating in Japan, Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, refers to the practice of immersing oneself in a natural environment — usually a forest or a green zone — with mindful, slow-paced walking and deep, sensory engagement, particularly with deep breaths. The term doesn't imply actual bathing with water but rather bathing in the forest's atmosphere: its scents, sounds, textures and rhythms. Multiple studies in Japan and South Korea have shown that Shinrin-Yoku helps reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, lower blood pressure, improve concentration and enhance mood. A 2022 study showed that any kind of aerobic activity outdoors had a better impact on cardiovascular health than walking around a manicured lawn. A forest environment also boosts the activity of natural killer cells, vital components of the immune system, especially due to the presence of plant-derived compounds known as phytoncides. Besides, the forest or any green belt has higher oxygen levels compared to the urban or indoor environment. As you inhale oxygen-rich air, your oxygenation improves as does your brain function. Another study compared the health status of 12 men, aged between 37 and 55, after they practised forest bathing in three different forests. Afterwards, the men showed a 50 per cent increase in natural killer cells (which can kill tumor cells) and an increase in the anti-cancer proteins, perforin, granzymes and granulysin. Parks, wooded trails, and eco-retreats around Bengaluru, Pune and Dehradun report more mindful walking groups and yoga-in-nature sessions. Our sages were, in a sense, the original forest bathers. When we spend prolonged time in artificial environments, disconnected from the natural rhythms of the sun, wind, and soil, our elemental harmony is disturbed. This imbalance manifests as fatigue, restlessness, emotional volatility, and even chronic illness. Just 20–30 minutes of walking in a natural setting has been shown to restore attention capacity. Yoga sessions are increasingly held by riversides or under trees, integrating Shinrin-Yoku with breath, movement and meditation. You don't need a dense forest to start, though. Here's how to incorporate the essence of forest bathing into your city routine: (Dr Vishvketu is global yoga educator, author founder of Akhanda Yoga Institute)
