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Mallika Sherawat Swears by Iyengar Yoga for Strength and Flexibility — Here’s How You Can Master It Too

Actor Mallika Sherawat has revealed the secret of her toned and fit body at 48 – that she keeps active by doing Iyengar yoga. Recently on Instagram, Mallika gave a glimpse of her yoga moves – and she owes

her health and strength to regular yoga and not fad diets or crash programmes. The actor also emphasised that she has been following discipline and consistency to stay healthy. Mallika says she believes in building long-term habits, with Iyengar yoga forming the backbone of her routine. “The secret behind my fit body? Iyengar yoga. No fad diets, no quick fixes — just consistent discipline,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a video of her performing asanas.

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What is Iyengar yoga?

A form of ancient yoga practice – Iyengar yoga was developed over 75 years ago by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, who devoted his life to the evolution of his approach to yoga, based on the traditional eight limbs taught over 2,500 years ago by the sage Patanjali. Iyengar believed that yoga goes beyond a physical discipline, as it is an art, a science, and a philosophy, and he developed his method with this in mind. According to experts, Iyengar yoga is accessible for all ages and all body types and focuses mostly on precision, timing, sequencing, and the use of props that can help you develop awareness in any asana. Since it is a form of hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga stresses more precision and alignment, where you are supposed to hold postures for extended periods, allowing practitioners to develop strength, flexibility, and concentration.

Health benefits of Iyengar yoga

For those who perform Iyengar yoga, they can ensure the quality of each asana over the quantity, ensuring precise alignment and control. Experts believe it integrates pranayama – breath control – with all asanas and helps promote overall well-being. A few health benefits of Iyengar yoga are

Flexibility

Iyengar yoga helps improve and build flexibility, as you need to hold the asanas for a longer period. Regular practice makes your muscles stretch and open faster, providing better joint mobility.

Calms mind

Iyengar yoga helps encourage the practitioner to concentrate on the alignment of the poses and let go of distractions. Regularly practising Iyengar yoga trains and calms your mind on and off the yoga mat.

Weight loss

Iyengar yoga is known to help you lose weight as it focuses primarily on precise alignment, muscle engagement, and controlled movements, which in the long run can help boost your metabolism along with flexibility and strength.