'Essence of yoga lies in sincerity, not commercialisation'

There are so many misconceptions about yoga like doing yoga is boring, takes time to show result and so on.

NEW DELHI: Yoga is not boring and one can do it anywhere - from a construction site to a spiritual environment, says noted exponent Deepika Mehta, clearing myths about the routine, adding that it has transformative powers.

"There are so many misconception about yoga like doing yoga is boring, takes time to show result, meant for older people and is not a form of fitness," Mehta told IANS.

She is currently hosting Yoga City on NDTV Good Times and says that through the show she wants to clear misconceptions about the form.

"I will try my best to inspire people about the transformative powers of yoga as it has given me so much in my own life. I was convinced to do the show because I believe that people in cities need this ancient practice of yoga the most. The concept of the show proves that yoga can also be done at a construction site and not specifically in a spiritual environment," added the 34-year-old.

Quite a few celebrities like Lara Dutta, Shilpa Shetty and Bipsha Basu have launched their yoga DVDs.

Asked whether she also plans to launch a yoga DVD, Mehta said: "I am planning to come up with a book. But it is very important for me to do it with full sincerity and honesty to retain the real essence of yoga and not just make it a commercial thing."

This Mumbai-based yoga trainer has an enviable client list that includes Bollywood celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone, as also industrialists Avanti and Yash Birla and the Kingfisher swimsuit calendar models.

Mehta has spent nearly a decade learning and practicing yoga and has travelled to countries like Bhutan and Mexico to teach and practice yoga.

Her influences range from international renowned yoga guru K. Pattabhi Jois to pop diva Madonna. However, she also enjoyed working with Indian celebrities.

"I enjoyed teaching Indian celebrities. They are so focused that it has been a pleasure teaching them be it Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka or Bipasha," she said.

And finally some health tips

"Practice yoga with a teacher who is connected to the traditional form of the exercise. It is important to focus on your diet because I believe that we are what we eat. So, treat your body like a temple and take nutritious and wholesome food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, sprouts, nuts and healthy fats.

"Drink at least one glass of vegetable juice everyday. It helps in cleansing and alkalising your body. Make sure you walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Last but not the least, make peace, happiness, health and joy your priority. Also, a positive approach towards life will attract success," Mehta said.