wwellbeing- Yoga and more

The exercise fad is spreading everywhere. Everyone wants to be fit and healthy. But to each, their fitness regimen is different. High-intensity interval training, strength training, group personal training and body weight training are all in vogue. But there are some people who will resort to yoga for that holistic balance in life. And for a reason.

Based on ancient tradition, yoga utilises a series of specific bodily postures practised for health and relaxation. It includes power yoga, yogalates, Bikram, ashtanga, vinyasa, kripalu, anusara, kundalini, sivananda and others. Yoga styles such as ashtanga and power yoga are very physical and help you to improve muscle tone. If done right, nearly all poses and postures build core strength in the deep abdominal muscles.

Yogalates is a new trend, which combines flexibility and spirituality of yoga and the rigorous body movements of pilates. A regular yogalates session includes exercises and poses (asanas) to cultivate strength, stamina, stability and flexibility with particular attention paid to building tone in the deeper postural core muscles.

These protect the spine against injury, support the internal organs and foster pelvic and spinal awareness to promote good posture. Equipment such as blocks, resistance bands (which replicate the resistance training of the pilates machines), weights, fit balls and foam rollers may also be utilised to further enhance strength and balance.

Today, not only does fitness target towards giving you a fit and toned body, but works at giving you the associated benefits of a strong body, greater stamina and a chance to fit right into your favourite fitness space. So choose the one that works best for you and get started on your fitness plan.

(The author is chairman & MD, Cardio Fitness Pvt Ltd)