On the 12th International Yoga Day, actor and wellness advocate Shilpa Shetty reiterated the concept of fitness, inspiring more people to make yoga a part of their lifestyle. Highlighting the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga, Shetty said, “I want as many people as possible to adopt yoga. Not only as science and exercise, but as a lifestyle. I think I have made it. I just feel that one can understand the benefits of yoga once they start doing it. More than physical fitness, I give more importance to mental fitness. So yoga just keeps you so balanced and so focused. And you will feel very positive as well when you take up yoga,” according to ANI.
Consistency and Discipline Key to Yoga Practice
Shetty emphasized that consistency and discipline are essential for achieving anything in life. She cautioned against practicing yoga merely as a trend, stating that one must continue with consistency and respect the philosophy behind it. She urged people to make yoga a lifestyle rather than a fashion statement.
Special Yoga Session in Gurugram
On Yoga Day, Shetty visited an event in Gurugram where she conducted a special yoga session as part of the International Yoga Day celebration. The fitness enthusiast regularly shares Monday motivation reels on Instagram, offering glimpses of her rigorous yoga sessions. At 51, Shetty has redefined yoga in the era of gym workouts, continuing to inspire fans through her disciplined routine.
Key Yoga Poses Advocated by Shilpa Shetty
Shetty has promoted several yoga postures, each with specific benefits:
Naukasana (Boat Pose)
In an Instagram post, Shetty practiced Naukasana, captioning it as “V sit for victory.” This core-strengthening pose tones abdominal muscles, improves digestion, and strengthens the spine. Commonly practiced in Hatha Yoga, it is part of the Padma Sadhana sequence. The Sanskrit word “nauka” means boat, as the body takes the shape of a boat when performed correctly. Shetty highlighted benefits including increased focus, body awareness, and resilience against injuries.
Vartulasana (Round Pose)
Shetty shared a video practicing Vartulasana, an advanced pose focusing on flexibility, balance, and core strength. She moved smoothly while maintaining control and stability. The pose stimulates the thyroid gland, improving metabolism, strengthens the spine, enhances digestion, and promotes better blood circulation. It also engages shoulder blades and strengthens the upper back, improving posture and stability.
Rajahamshana (Royal Swan Pose)
Rajahamshana involves balancing on one leg while the other leg is bent and lifted, with the torso leaning forward and arms maintaining balance. The name symbolizes purity, wisdom, and the soul’s journey toward liberation. Shetty performed it effortlessly, noting benefits such as improved balance and stability, enhanced hip and hamstring flexibility, and strengthened core, legs, and ankles.
Vakra Hanumanasana (Twisted Hanuman Pose)
In Sanskrit, “Vakra” means twisted, and “Hanumanasana” refers to the deity Hanuman. Shetty demonstrated this challenging pose in a Monday motivation video. It deeply stretches hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, and groin, improves spinal mobility, and strengthens legs, core, and lower back. The pose enhances balance, posture, coordination, and flexibility in the pelvis and lower body.
Parsva Bhuja Dandasana (Side Arm Staff Pose)
Parsva Bhuja Dandasana is an intermediate arm-balancing pose that strengthens arms, shoulders, and core while providing a twist in the lower back. Shetty performed it perfectly in a shared reel. The pose strengthens arms, shoulders, wrists, chest, and core stability, improves balance, coordination, and body control, enhances concentration and mental focus, and increases awareness of body alignment and weight distribution.
