What's your fitness mantra?

Today, more and more youngsters are joining the race to get that perfect physique or figure. They integrate ancient philosophies and natural practices to stay healthy. Holistic health is a philosophy of medical care that views physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment.
Veda Nagpurkar, a 24-year-old graphic designer from Mumbai has been practicing yoga and a satvik diet for a while now. She says, "This is the best way to attain the divine trinity of mind, body and soul. I have personally experienced this as I follow the preachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The energy it generates helps me achieve the best. No amount of money or fame can provide you with the satisfaction of a healthy body and a calm state of mind. It has helped me develop a strong mind to not get influenced by TV shows and make my own decisions."

Madhuri Bapat, 38, electrical engineer, has been practicing yoga and Suryanamaskar for over 10 years now. She had a delicate health with low immunity susceptible to even slight weather change. She says, "My fitness mantra includes basic yoga techniques with more emphasis on Pranayam and Suryanamaskar and a simple vegetarian diet with fresh fruits and sprouts.

By practicing this on a daily basis, my immunity has increased leaps and bounds. I look forward to each day with energy and enthusiasm. Today, I feel as fit as a fiddle with confidence to face any challenge that life throws at me. I have been practicing the Art of Living and it has changed my outlook towards life itself."

Holistic health guru Mickey Mehta feels Zen, Buddhism, Tao, Vedas, etc. are all parallel with commonalities, maybe various roots, but a definitive common destination. These are the paths of transformation and transcendence which lead to ultimate evolution of mankind; what we simply call salvation and liberation.

"From time to time, Mother Nature has had revelations of truth through various forms of energies which could be Lord Krishna, Buddha, Lao-Tsu (Zen Master). Every individual has a different path of evolution, the very word individual means indivisible human being, and he is a complete epitome of totality. He is the immeasurable potential of all that was, is and will be. Since energy is indestructible and he is merely a form of it, refinement of this energy is the only goal. This refinement can be achieved with a multi-prong approach treating the gross and subtle both. Natural and cosmic nutrition, productive physical exercise, regulated conscious breathing discipline, deep resting and relaxation processes, prayers, meditation, etc, to put all these into practice one could say, in a nutshell, are good quality thoughts, words and deeds," says Mehta.

Health encompasses five dimensions of wellness - physical, physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual. "Good health and fitness is not a fad. It is a pre-requisite for a healthy life. One has to stop the constant chase for unrealistic goals that cause great harm to one's physical and mental health. These not only deteriorate the quality of our existence, but also lead to degeneration, disintegration and erosion. To counter this, one must begin to heal oneself with an integrated approach. Good nutrition, appropriate foods, regular moderate exercises, yoga, meditation and good rest are essential to remove all energy blocks," says Dr Rachna K Singh, holistic consultant and lifestyle management expert, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon.

Stress and inactivity can leave youngsters feeling drained. This can result in a weakened immune system, disturbed sleep and weight gain. "A holistic approach plays a vital role in relaxing the mind, boosting energy levels and improving the quality of life. Today, youngsters realise that through physical exercise alone, they will not achieve what they are looking for. But in fact a holistic approach, which includes yoga and spirituality, is the perfect solution to a fit body in a fit mind. This combination results in an appearance of youthful energy and vitality; and calmness that the restless mind so often craves for," maintains Namita Jain, clinical exercise specialist.

Any fitness activity performed mindfully and with full awareness is bound to give you spiritual dividends. "An exercise performed without passion becomes an exertion and can have negative connotations. When you stretch your muscle, let your mind be completely focused on the muscle being stretched. The stretch performed mindfully ensures that is done smoothly and chances of injury are minimized. Most aerobic exercises can attain the status of dynamic meditation, if performed with awareness. You could focus your attention on your breathing or on your striding rhythm while running and you will be completely in the present, devoid of any worry or tension. The right kind of music, while you workout, can have complementary effects on your workouts," concludes orthopedic surgeon Dr Dilip Nadkarni.