The power of Yoga

Yoga, a group of physical, mental and spiritiual practice that originated in ancient India is currently placed among the most effective complimentary therapy against a variety of diseases and common ailments. I have personally witnessed the amount of emphasis people around the globe give to yoga and sometimes we Indians fail to realise its potential and hence is often neglected. Toady I share with you my journey and how Yoga has played a vital role in it.

Flashback to almost an year ago when I realized that I started putting on some weight(OK, quite some weight) but weight gain was not new to me nor was its solution. There was nothing a little control on my diet accompanied by some exercise couldn't fix. But this time something went wrong, I wasn't sure what? My fitness regime included almost 7 miles(11 kms) cycling from home to gym, nearly 1 &1/2 hours in the Gym 5 days a week, having smoothies, salad (I took care it was packed with nutrients) and all kind of healthy food you could imagine needless to say refrained myself from the outside junk food. (A foolproof fitness regime according to me) Followed this regime for almost 3 months and still not even half an inch could I feel the difference.

I can't even express my frustration and the way I started feeling henceforth. I gave up on everything including my fitness activities, didn't feel like sticking to my healthy diet(After all it wasn't making any difference) and stopped dressing up(Something that I love doing eternally). I would just endlessly gaze at my image in the mirror and wonder if I would ever be back in shape or hold the flab of my stomach and curse myself. Life was not easy.

And then gradually I realised the nature of the problem was more mental than physical. The more I cribbed and struggled, the more it was eluding me. So I figured out two things - First, I needed to let go and stop thinking about it 24 X 7. Second, needed to conquer my mind. And the only thing I could resort to, at this time was YOGA. Its been almost 2 months now that I have regularly been practicing it. I cannot claim a lot of weight loss through it.  But I cannot emphasize enough on how effective it has been to get rid of my fickle mind, to focus on all the positiveness and stay away from the negative vibes. I am sharing with you a some of my favorite yoga postures along with their benefits.

Downward facing dog / Adho Mukho Svanasana

Downward facing dog / Adho Mukho Svanasana : Strengthens the upper body, arm, chest and legs. Stretches the whole back body. Calms the mind and stimulates blood circulation. 

Plow pose / Halasana

Plow pose / Halasana : Stretches the spine, shoulders and the back of the legs. Opens the upper back and chest. Balances the thyroid gland and stimulates the abdominal organs. Calms the mind and reduces stress and fatigue. Therapeutic for sinusitis, insomnia, backache and headaches. 

Lotus pose / Padmasana

 Lotus pose / Padmasana : Stretches lower back and hips. Improves spine health and posture.

Seated Forward bend / Paschimottasana

Seated Forward bend / Paschimottasana : Stretches the spine and shoulders and stimulates internal organs. Calms the mind and relieves mild depression. Therapeutic for high blood pressure, sinusitis and insomnia.

Seated Forward bend / Paschimottasana

Child pose / Balasana

Child pose / Balasana : Great for stress, depression and anxiety. Relaxes upper back, neck and arm. Helps sleep better at night.

Now moving on to the warrior poses.Warrior poses are some of the basic foundations of a good, solid asana. From squared hips, to wide stances, to balance; from your core to your legs, these poses have it all.

Warrior 1 /Virabhadrasana 

Warrior 1 / Virabhadrasana 1 : Strengthens the legs, opens the hips and chest and stretches the arms and legs. It develops balance. This pose improves circulation and respiration and energizes the entire body.
 

Warrior 2 / Virabhadrasana II

 Warrior 2 / Virabhadrasana II :  Same as Warrior 1.

  Warrior 3 / Virabhadrasana III

Warrior 3 / Virabhadrasana III :  Improves balance, memory and concentration, and tones and invigorates the whole body.

Reverse Warrior / Viparita Virabhadrasana 

Reverse Warrior / Viparita Virabhadrasana : Stretches the side of the torso and arm, opens the hips and builds lower body strength.

I know it was a real long post but I want to request all of you to take some time (10-15 mins) per day from your busy schedule either in the morning or at night for Yoga and I am sure you will see the difference. Also a gentle reminder "Always love yourself no matter what".

Today I am proud of myself that yoga has become an integral part of my fitness routine which includes running and weightlifting. Now even if I am not loosing much weight(Due to my crippled metabolism), at least I have that sense of satisfaction when I go to bed that I am trying rather than just sitting and crying.

Until next time loadz of love....

XOXO

Vyom