Diya Kumari's Fitness Formula: Pilates and Yoga for a Busy Life
Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister, Princess Diya Kumari, maintains a demanding schedule filled with campaigns and meetings. She relies on a simple fitness routine to stay alert and active throughout her packed days.
In a recent chat with Curly Tales, Kumari shared her approach. "My fitness and eating routines aren't perfectly regular these days," she admitted. "But I make an effort to exercise at least two or three times each week. Whenever I find some time, I practice Pilates and yoga. These activities bring me mental peace."
Finding Inspiration in Friends
The minister explained her choice of exercises. "I noticed many of my friends doing Pilates and yoga," she said. "The people I observed were flexible, healthy, and very fit. That made me think, why not try it myself? It turned out to suit me perfectly."
Beyond Pilates and yoga, Diya Kumari enjoys other physical activities. She likes going for walks, swimming, and playing sports like badminton and basketball.
Expert Insight: The Real Benefits of Pilates
Personal fitness expert Deepika Sharma clarified the purpose of Pilates. She emphasized it is not about intense sweating or performing complex moves. Instead, Pilates focuses on core principles.
- Building Strength: It develops muscular endurance.
- Improving Posture: Exercises promote better alignment.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Movements increase the body's range of motion.
- Controlled Breathing: It teaches mindful breathing techniques.
Sharma described the practice as involving slow, precise movements that can be surprisingly grounding.
She also highlighted the importance of regular stretching. "Whether through Pilates or yoga, consistent stretching maintains muscle flexibility," Sharma noted. "This significantly reduces injury risk, which is crucial for anyone with frequent workouts where muscles can become stiff."
For safety, Sharma advised using proper equipment and maintaining correct posture. She strongly recommended starting any new stretching routine under a trainer's supervision. "A fitness trainer can guide you through correct exercise forms," she mentioned. "They monitor your progress to prevent strain or potential injuries."
Getting Started: Practical Tips for Beginners
Fitness expert Garima Goyal suggests committing to two or three Pilates sessions weekly. This frequency balances recovery time with consistent practice.
Here are her key tips for those beginning their Pilates journey:
- Prioritize Recovery: Pilates engages multiple muscle groups. Allowing at least one day between sessions helps muscles repair and grow. This prevents overtraining and lowers injury risk.
- Focus on Consistency: Regular practice is essential for skill development. Performing exercises several times a week reinforces proper form, refines movements, and boosts overall proficiency.
- Allow for Adaptation: The body improves through stress, recovery, and adaptation. Training two to three times weekly provides enough stimulus for progress while letting the body adapt and strengthen between workouts.
- Balance with Other Activities: Pilates complements other exercises. If you engage in various workouts, spacing out Pilates sessions creates a well-rounded fitness routine addressing different aspects of physical health.
Diya Kumari's routine demonstrates how manageable practices like Pilates and yoga can support a high-energy lifestyle, even amidst the pressures of political office.
