SHIPlA SHETTY speaks with Sangeeta Yadav about why she took up yoga and her fitness mantra
What’s the new fad in fitnessIJ
A healthy gut microbiome has come in the forefront. A recent study says that our body is made up of many cells and each cell has a mind. A billion minds in cells are thinking for you, you have to nourish them. You have to keep your body going and healthy. Most importantly, you need to be in a better frame of mind and maintain mental health. Eating the right kind of food that changes your moods makes a big difference.
What is your daily health routine likeIJ
I have made a few modifications. I eat a heavy breakfast, heavy lunch and a lighter dinner. You only need energy in the day that is why we need to keep the carbs low at night. I take a high-protein fibre diet. It is important to choose the right carbs. I eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits that have fibre and minerals.
What kind of workout do you followIJ
I make sure that I concentrate on my breathing for at least 15 minutes a day. If I can’t do my entire workout regime, I follow my fitness schedule thrice a week. There are days when I call my trainer to help me. Once you are over 35, you lose a lot of muscle mass and bone density. You need to work on strength and agility. There are different kinds of workout that help you target different problems and different body part. There is rope workout. High-intensity training is in these days.
What made you opt for yogaIJ
I was suffering from cervical spondylosis and my physiotherapist advised me to do yoga. That is how I got into this and realised that it not only healed my neck but had strengthened it as well. The most important thing about the injury is you need to strengthen it back again from the core. And yoga helps you do that.
You love yoga...
Yes, it is about body balance and building core strength. It not only strengthens your body but also your mind and bones and the alignment of these three aspects of your life make you far more centered, energetic and stronger.
What are some asanas that you are doing these daysIJ
I’m learning an advanced form of ashtanga yoga. I start with 10 minutes of warm-up, 12-15 minutes of breathing and do eight surya namaskars, stretching and then go on to do difficult asanas like kapotasana, veerabhadra, chakra asana and my favourite is bhujanga asana. I am also learning mayur asana these days.
What about other outdoor activitiesIJ
I don’t need to do any outdoor fitness activities because I have my son who keeps me on my toes. Whenever we get time, we go down to our garden and play cricket. The best way to enjoy your workout is the ‘want’ it and not forced to do it.
What do you drink the entire dayIJ
I have at least two liters of water, that is, eight to 10 glasses of water. It may not necessarily be just water. It can be lime water with mint. I always carry a glass bottle that has mint, sauf (fennel seed) and jeera (black cumin).
What do you avoid in your dietIJ
I try to avoid refined things like white sugar, white bread and fine flour. Not so much rice though. I try and stick to red rice and brown rice. A few times, if I like to have naan with butter or biryani, I do indulge in it.