Yoga day observed: Adopt yoga routine that suits you best: expert

New forms of yoga have become popular across the globe

ISLAMABAD: People should adopt a yoga routine that suits their needs and goals.

This was said by Lotus Yoga and Wellness Institute founder and trainer Aliya Agha, while stressing the importance of yoga for mental and physical relaxation.

At a seminar organised on Sunday in collaboration with the Gun and Country Club to mark the first International Yoga Day, she said that there were all types of yoga routines designed to cater to the needs of different people.

She told the audience that the UN marked 21st June as the International Yoga Day because it was recognised as the longest day of the year. “Hence, known as the day of light, which signifies relationship of light with life,” Agha said.

She said yoga was a Sanskrit word and was practiced religiously in India.

Agha said, “at present, owing to its popularity, yoga has been almost re-contextualised from its origin as lots of new of types of yoga that were never practiced in India have become common practice in different parts of the world.”

She said that yoga was unlike any other exercises as it required a teacher for anyone to learn it.

Agha said, “Yoga positions are very technical and are aimed at enhancing your spinal and muscle movement. One must avoid learning it on their own or from someone who is not an expert.”

She invited three of her students to perform iron and hot body yoga positions, which were designed to lose body weight.

Two of the students also demonstrated lotus position, which helps in keeping the spine straight and ligaments flexible.

Another student demonstrated fish posture, which provides relief from respiratory disorders and stretches and relaxes the neck muscles.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2015.