Malaika Arora Opens Up About Why Yoga Is The Secret Behind Her Ageless Body And Glowing Skin
One of the most amazing things about Yoga is that it can both prevent ailments and help you recover from them.
Bollywood has been synonymous with Yoga ever since celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and Malaika Arora who have sworn by this practice have been sharing their love for it and their experience with it to the public through social media and other outlets.
The super-fit 44-year-old super-fit actress, Malaika Arora who manages to look like a young and exuberant 22-year-old, has been sharing pictures of herself on Instagram hitting yoga postures that are bound to give everyone some major fitness goals.
As one of Bollywood¡¯s fittest, sexiest and stylish actresses, she is adorned for her beautiful body, fitness regime and ageless skin, and has been prepping up to welcome International Yoga day on June 21st as Reebok's Fashionably Fit Influencer.
It comes as no surprise that Arora swears by yoga to keep herself in the best shape of her life, literally at all times, which she also claims is her secret of youth. Considering how she has managed to defy age with time we¡¯re not surprised that she as accredits yoga for her agelessness.
She opens up about how religiously practising yoga and being fit have played an integral part of her life:
1. When did you started doing Yoga? How were you introduced to it?
I was an early adopter of Yoga, I started practicing the form when I was in my early 20¡¯s and through my professional career Yoga has helped me greatly achieve a balance of the spirit and the mind. Yoga represents a lifestyle for me and not just a mere routine I follow each day.
2. How has it changed/enhanced your life? What changes it brought to your persona¡ªinner and outer wellbeing?
Yoga has played a key role in my sense of being, both mentally and physically. With a very strenuous work schedule that can take a toll, being a Yoga practitioner has made experience a sense of equanimity. It has enabled me to push my limits and tap the inner potential, exploring new horizons and boundaries, making a perfect union of the mind, body and soul.
3. Can you tell us your favourite Yoga asanas?
I love to practice all forms of Yoga, but I like the Padmasana because it signifies balance and symmetry. Also, the 12 steps in the Suryanamaskar as it¡¯s an entire body workout, etc.
4. Can you tell us a couple of poses that offer the most health benefits?
Lotus Position (Padmasana)- ¡°Padmasana is my favourite Yoga asana. It requires the focus of mind and concentration power. This asana signifies balance between the mind, body and soul by nurturing your whole self. It stimulates the flow of energy in body and when practised frequently it will build your ability to concentrate in other situations off the mat!¡±
Sun Salutation (Suryanamakar)- ¡°Suryanamaskar is a full body workout as it massages, detoxifies, and stimulates almost every organ of the human body. It improves your blood circulation that aids in bringing back the glow on your face; hence ensuring both physical and mental well-being. It is an incredible link between the warming-up poses and the intense yoga asanas. For me, Suryanamskar is my complete workout package¡±
5. What are the greatest health and overall benefits of Yoga?
Yoga has many faces and is a form that is tailored to everyone¡¯s choices and preferences. It is form that can be practiced by all age groups, adding flexibility, strength and inner glow to the individual.
While I feel that is not as rigorous as other fitness forms, Yoga goes a long way in creating an overall harmony within you, making you meditate, gain perspective and ultimately boost productivity. It is all about challenging yourself, pushing past your comfort zone and accomplishing a great feat.
6. Do buddy Yoga sessions help? Do you have a favourite workout/Yoga partner?
Buddy training is an essential part of training and exercising together keeps one focused and motivated. As you are bonding between the stretches and side bends, your workout time and quality increases, ensuring great results.
The feeling to perform at your optimum best is heightened while working out with friends as elements of both competitiveness and camaraderie are at play. For me it has to be my girl squad¡ªAnshuka Parwani and my sister Amrita.
7. You have been practicing Aerial Yoga alongside your regular Yoga. Do you prefer this fusion of Yoga?
I love Aerial Yoga! It is an exhilarating activity as it needs core-building and focus of the technique of flying and suspension. I believe it is always good to be practicing a fusion as both forms have great benefits for the body and the mind.
8. If you must give one reason to convince someone to take up Yoga, what would it be?
I believe that in today¡¯s world Yoga is extremely essential in giving the right balance that we need, and this form works great on everybody and anybody. Beat the challenge and get fit with Yoga.
9. Yoga can be practiced across age groups. Do you think as compared to other fitness forms Yoga is the key to enjoying a healthy long life?
One of the most amazing things about Yoga is that it can both prevent ailments and help you recover from it. While all fitness forms help one stay fit and build stamina, Yoga does not only help in physical wellbeing but also calms the mind and the nerves.
10. While travelling how do you make time for Yoga, are there any specific exercises that keep you energised throughout your hectic schedule?
Being a fitness enthusiast, I always make time for my workouts whether it¡¯s even through swapping an hour¡¯s sleep for some stretches and meditation. This helps me manage stress and takes me to a state of spiritual peace.
11. Apart from you, is there anyone in the family who practices Yoga? Your sister is also a fitness enthusiast, does she also practice Yoga with you?
I love my Yoga sessions with Amrita, she is equally passionate about her fitness and we love our workout sessions together.
12. Who is your inspiration for Yoga?
There are many names such as Shilpa Shetty, Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor, among others. They continue to be inspiration for me and many others motivating one to be active and push our self-set limits, with Yoga.
13. What are your fitness goals and how do you achieve them?
Fitness is a form of worship for me as it helps me revitalise. Amidst the everyday chaos, fitness has been my constant and through this each day I achieve my mark. My aim has always been to be to be fitter and stronger each year, extending myself beyond the limits and redefining the fitness quotient.
I ensure my workouts are a mix of moderate and vigorous driven training that make me fit physically, socially and mentally. Following my fitness streak, I have been a Reebok fan for long as the brand has been encouraging more and more people, especially women to adopt their ¡®Fitness is Life¡¯ philosophy and nudged them to become better versions of themselves.
14. What is your fitness mantra?
I love practicing different forms of Yoga! Yoga is for everyone and is open to all generations and fitness levels. From increased strength to flexibility to heart health, Yoga has immense benefits.
15. Who is the fittest actor/actress according to you?
She is the talk of the town currently¨CKareena Kapoor Khan. I am extremely inspired with her dedication and commitment to be fit and beautiful.
16. How often do you work out and how do you make the training interesting?
Being in an industry such as ours, you are always rushing from one place to another. Regardless of that, I never give myself an excuse. I have adopted fitness as a way of life. Even when I am traveling out of the country, I make sure I do a quick workout that is rejuvenating and energising.
17. One fitness tip you would like to give to your fans?
Do not take fitness for granted, push yourself harder each day, each moment.
18. Who is the fittest actor/actress according to you?
She is the talk of the town currently¡ªKareena Kapoor Khan. I am extremely inspired with her dedication and commitment to be fit and beautiful.
19. How important is wearing comfortable gear for your workout sessions?
It is absolute necessary to wear the right workout gear that gives you comfort, fit and flexibility. I prefer well fitted apparel that helps me enhance my movement during workouts. Reebok¡¯s new Yoga collection is chic, trendy and increases flexibility while practicing.
20. What is your favourite workout look?
My personal favorite is the Reebok bright coloured sports bra look with graphic tights ¨C that provide me great comfort and fit. I usually pair them with bright colored sneakers especially my Pink ZOKU runners from Reebok!
Regi is the Health Editor of Health Me Up. He believes a fit body and mind are the key to being in the pink of health.