Celeb Fitness: Sshivada Nair challenges to do 109 surya namaskars

Chennai

The two important asanas that worked for me big time are matsyasana (fish pose) and setu bandhasana (bridge pose). Fish pose is good for strengthening the upper body. I do it for 2 minutes. Bridge pose was something my yoga instructor asked me to do. After pregnancy, I had severe back pain, these asanas helped reduce it. The asana stretches the chest, neck, spine, and hips and strengthens the back. It also improves digestion and circulation of blood.

Apart from this, I do regular asanas like makarasana or crocodile pose, marjariasana or cat pose and so on. And like any other yoga enthusiast, I do love surya namaskar. A few years ago, in my yoga class, I used to do 109 rounds of surya namaskar at a go. But stopped it in between. After the lockdown, I have restarted it again. Now, I am doing 60 rounds of surya namaskar once in two weeks. It activates our major chakras and strengthens different parts of the body. It strengthens back, muscles and brings down blood sugar levels. It also improves metabolism and blood circulation and you will feel energetic after doing it. I also try and squeeze in planks and squats into my fitness routine. Planks strengthen your spine and work on your core. It is also good for tightening your abdomen. I end each session with breathing exercises like nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) for 10 minutes. Once in a while, I practice Bharatanatyam as well.

 — As told to Merin James