“Yoga did not just help me with my body, I became fitter from within. It helped me to focus better. In the movies, we may look very glamorous and fit, but believe me, not many of us are actually fit from within. Yoga has helped me achieve that,” says the gorgeous actress.
We have listed a few yoga asanas that Shilpa practices which will not only tone your body but also treat your entire body.
Padahastasana: To get a flat tummy
‘Pada’ means foot, ‘hastha’ stands for hands, and ‘asana’ means pose. Also known as a basic Vinyasa style asana, this is a hand to foot pose.
How to do Padahastasana
- Standing straight, inhale and lift your arms above your head.
- While exhaling, gently bend your body forward. Your palms should touch your feet. Initially, you might face difficulty in touching your feet. Do not strain your body and let your arms reach as far as possible.
- Stay in this position for a few seconds. Inhale and stand gently.
- The right posture comes with practice. When you are able to touch your feet and your forehead touches your knee that is when you are doing Padahastasana the right way.
A few benefits of Padahastasana are:
- As you stretch your back and leg muscles, this asana makes your body flexible.
- You get a toned belly.
- Your digestive system gets improved.
- But if you have any back problem, avoid doing this asana. Also people suffering from hypertension, hernia and any heart problem should avoid doing this asana.
Makarasana: To relax the nervous system
‘Makara’ means crocodile, ‘asana’ means pose. An ultimate relaxation pose, Makarasana is a basic yoga pose and is also referred to as Crocodile Pose.
The right way to do Makarasana
- While lying on your stomach, keep your hands crossed under your forehead.
- Stretch your legs as far as possible with your toes pointing outwards and close your eyes.
- Breathe slowly and relax.
- Hold onto this position for two to five minutes.
- Gently bring your legs together.
- This is the best yoga asana that relaxes your entire body. But in case you have a serious back in avoid doing it.
Dhanurasana: To release stress and relief from menstrual cramps
As this asana resembles a bow, it is referred to as Dhanurasana. ‘Dhanur’ means bow and ‘asana’ means pose.
The right way to do Dhanurasana
- While lying on your stomach, keep your feet hip-width apart and your arms beside your body
- Now, slowly fold your knees and hold your ankles.
- Inhale and lift your chest and legs off the ground.
- Pull your legs back.
- Look straight and keep your face stress-free.
- Hold the pose as you concentrate on breathing.
- As you get comfortable in the pose, breathe long and deep.
- Stay in this position for 15-20 seconds, exhale and gently release the pose.
Its benefits include
- This pose helps in strengthening your back and the abdominal muscles.
- This yoga pose also stimulates the reproductive organs.
- You get toned legs and arm muscles and flexible back.
- Considered as a great stress buster, it helps in relieving menstrual cramps.
- This pose is great for people with renal disorders.
But in case you are suffering from hernia, fluctuations in blood pressure, pain in the lower back, migraines, headaches, neck injuries, or any abdominal surgery, do not practice this asana. Pregnant women should also avoid this pose.
Ardha Salabhasana: To strengthen digestive system and autonomic nervous system
This asana is also referred to as grasshopper pose.
How to do Ardha Salabhasana
- Lie on your stomach and rest your chin on the ground
- Place your palms under your thighs.
- Breathe in and raise your right leg as high as possible.
- Hold the position for at least 30 seconds.
- Breathe out and bring your leg down.
- Repeat the same with your left leg.
A few benefits of Ardha Salabhasana are:
- This yoga pose strengthens shoulders and arms.
- The back muscles and the abdominal muscles also get toned.
- This asana stimulates the nervous system and increases your appetite.
- But people suffering from hernia or peptic ulcers should avoid this asana.