While we’re swept away with the stormy adrenaline rush that comes with intense physical activity, Yoga offers the calm after it. As a Yoga lover, I feel extremely proud to see it being revered and practiced around the world. People often mistake it to be slow but the truth couldn’t be farther away. It is intense, works on specific parts of our body and has innumerable health benefits.

Women often ignore their health and workout time while attending to other responsibilities. Yoga comes in handy for them since it just needs a mat, can be easily done at home and is good for all age groups. Most of all, weight issues, reproductive disorders and pre and post natal health can be taken care of with the right asanas.

Sharing some tried-and-tested asanas today which have helped me on my way to getting fitter and healthier. I’m sure they’ll work wonders for you too.

Sarvangasan

Sarvangasan, as the name suggests, works on your entire body. It improves blood circulation and stimulates the thyroid gland. It works on the ears, nose and throat leading to better hearing, olfactory senses and eyesight. Call it your personal spa since it refreshes your skin and reduces signs of wrinkles and ageing. It helps reduce and maintain body weight while curing kidney and urinary disorders. It is a good option for women facing problems in conceiving.

Tip: Build up your stamina slowly and try staying in this position for longer over time.

Halasan

Halasan tests your flexibility and isn’t easy for everyone to perform in the first attempt. It strengthens the abdominal muscles and makes the spinal cord flexible and strong. Diabetic people should perform this regularly since it helps in controlling blood glucose levels. It stimulates reproductive organs and cures menopause symptoms. It helps in weight loss too. Personally, I love this asana as it helped me reduce a lot of abdominal flab.

Tip: Don’t rush into it. Keep your movements slow.

Ushtrasan

Ushtrasan is a wonderful stretch for your quadriceps, chest, abdomen and hips. It improves your blood circulation leading to improved respiratory and nervous systems. It strengthens your shoulder and back muscles and tones the body beautifully. Staying in this position for 30 seconds or more will improve your balance and posture to a great extent. It reduces fatigue and is a great post-workout stretch.

Tip: This asana helps in getting rid of back pain. Try looking up at the ceiling while you’re at it.

Pashchimottanasan

Paschimottanasana stretches the hamstrings, spine and shoulders. It is calming, improves digestion and stimulates the kidney, liver, ovaries and uterus. Women can perform this during menstruation to relieve cramps or discomfort. It helps in relieving stress and calms you down. I do this asana on Abs days, with around 40-50 repetitions. Two weeks of this and you can say ‘Hello, flat abs!’

Tip: Try to go as low as you can without feeling headache or pain.

Malasan

Malasan, also called as garland pose, is a good stretch for your hips, groin, thighs and torso. It increases blood flow to the pelvis which can help in controlling sexual energy. It tones the abdominal muscles and improves your colon health. You can achieve better concentration and focus by performing it regularly. It is especially helpful for pregnant women since later it aids in childbirth.

Tip: Join your hands and breathe normally. Go easy on yourself and feel the difference.

This is my fourth post in the #FitnessWithVarsh series. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with me!

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