‘No fad diets, quick fixes — just consistent discipline’: Mallika Sherawat finally reveals secret behind her ‘fit body’

Anadi Sharma, yoga expert and alternative healer, told indianexpress.com that Iyengar Yoga is a style of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. It is different from the fast, flow-based classes, like Vinyasa. Iyenger practice focuses on getting each posture right, alignment, the way your body feels, as well as the tiny details we usually miss. Props like belts, blocks, bolsters, and ropes are often used not as shortcuts, but as tools to help one get into correct form and avoid injury.

“Think of it as the engineering approach to yoga, every pose is broken down, studied, and held long enough to let the body learn alignment from the inside out,” he added.

According to the expert, this yoga style helps fix the posture and alignment by bringing awareness to how you stand, sit, and move. It also improves strength and flexibility, and as you hold poses, it builds endurance, while props make flexibility accessible at all levels. Since this yoga style is gentle, careful, and precise, it is often suggested for people with back pain, joint issues, or stress.

Mallika Sherawat flaunts her abs (Source: Instagram/@mallikasherawat)

“Since you stay in poses longer, the practice develops patience, focus, and internal observation. Alignment and breath work together regulate the nervous system and calm the mind, relieving the stress,” Sharma told indianexpress.com.

Do’s and Don’ts to follow

Here’s a rough guide to help you ace Iyengar yoga:

• Start with a teacher, as alignment needs guidance.
• Listen to your body, respect injuries and limitations – Iyengar encourages modification.
• Be consistent, regular, and mindful. Remember, practice matters more than intensity.
• Engage breath awareness. Breath is the subtle teacher guiding the body deeper.

When it comes to precautions, Sharma warned against rushing. Holding poses is the whole point. “If you want quick flows, this isn’t the right style. Don’t overextend or compare as two bodies are not the same,” he warned, adding that you should not skip props, as they are for safety and learning.

Most of all, Sharma reiterated not to think of this as merely an exercise. “Iyengar is a way of re-educating your body and mind to work together, not just a workout routine,” he concluded.