Catch them Young

“Earlier,only professionals used to be interested in yoga. Now,I guide the boys and girls in basic exercises like pranayam,stretching of body muscles,sitting and standing asanas and meditation to help them concentrate on body and mind,” says Meetu Malhan,yoga therapist at the Govt. College for Yoga Education and Health in Sector 23.

Yoga,she says,should be done in early in the morning but can be done in the afternoon “after 10 minutes of intake of food to improve digestion”. Best way of deep breathing is to inhale oxygen for two seconds,hold breath for 4 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds,she further added.

According to yoga trainer Kapil Dev Patel who runs Pranjali Ayurvedic Clinic in Sector 44 says,“People of all ages approach us for yoga classes. No matter what the age,I suggest pranayam,the basic yogic exercise which helps in stability of mind. Stretching exercises and asanas are also useful for youngsters to gain flexibility and height. For the best results,one should exercise in the open,early in the morning between 4.30 to 6 am”.

According to Balvinder Acharya,former lecturer of Ayurveda College,“Students face a lot of stress and as they get consumed by competiton,they don’t bother about their health and fitness resulting in chronic problems like digestion,headache and body ache. To fight these problems,I suggest deep breathing and meditation before sunrise. I also recommend a sequence of 12 body muscles and joint exercises. The services are free at the centre but a home visit is charged at Rs 300 per visit. Under the corporate training programme,we charge Rs 500 per visit.”

According to Dr Jagat Jerath,former chairperson,Department of Psychology,Panjab University,“Yoga and meditation play a vital role but these provide only temporary relief. It is essential to change one’s lifestyle and get relief from hectic work to bring down stress.”

“To tackle stress,I always suggest breathing exercises and meditation. There must also be a change in lifestyle and better time management”,says Punita Vadhera,student counselor,Carmel Convent School. “Meditation and yoga increases oxygen supply and relaxes our mind and body. To get maximum benefits,one has to combine asanas,pranayam and meditation”,says Prof. Nisha Bhatia,child psychologist.

According to yoga trainer Abhishek Rayal who is pursuing a P.hD in yoga,

“People suffering from stress usually

complain about stomach pain due to lack of proper diet. To fight them,one must do exercises like pranayam,kapaal bharti and alom vilom”. “Joint exercises followed by

sudarshan kriya helps in controlling emotions. It increases oxygen supply and circulates blood better,” says another trainer Gauri Rayal.

“Everyday,I begin with pranayam followed by asanas like alom vilom and

kapal bharti and then I go for manduka asana. They help me feel rejuvenated and relaxes my body. It strengthens by immunity and helps me control body fat,” says Vikas Kamboj,a student of Fine Arts Department,Punjab University. “I am doing yoga for the last three years and it has given me mental and physical comfort. It purifies the blood and improves functioning of heart. It helps me remain active,” added Ritika,another student.

“After doing yoga,I feel fresh and active as it imparts energy and stamina to tackle minor ailments,” says Amit Malhotra and Renu Rana,young executives working in different private firms in the city.