Riya’s FB pictures, which read “Feeling Flexy”

Your Facebook pictures are very impressive! What kind of yoga is that?

It’s called AcroYoga, a combination of acrobatics and yoga. I did it for the first time, with master Saumik who has thrice been a world champion. He was in Calcutta for a few days and did a session. It’s very difficult! You have to be extremely agile and careful. It involves intense workout sessions. But the benefits are huge. It improves flexibility and strength.... I am a very yoga person, you can say. Yoga balances the mind, body and soul. It relaxes me like nothing else. It helps you look the way you want to, if done in the right way under professional guidance. I still practise Bikram Hot Yoga. They have centres all over the world, so whenever I am travelling I make it a point to attend a few classes.

Tell us about your fitness regimen...

In Bombay I train with my instructor Melanie, who also teaches Lady Gaga! Melanie is in India for a year and I have enrolled for her classes. She teaches Nuage Hot Yoga. I also love to do spinning occasionally. In Bombay I normally work out for over two hours every day. But I am not very regular with my fitness regimen as I travel a lot. Like I went to Nepal for a holiday and I didn’t follow any diet or routine.

What kind of a diet are you on?

I am a foodie and I eat everything from chicken and mutton to beef. Everyone’s a foodie in my family. And I love cooking. I cook continental, Indian, Thai and Chinese, and obviously I end up eating a lot! That’s why I like to do yoga because it helps me stay in shape and have a healthy skin.

What’s your advice for those who want to try AcroYoga?

Be regular. Yoga has long-term health benefits. If you can continue it for more than five-six years, you will have a solid balance between mind, body and soul. Also, it’s important to start early. AcroYoga is very difficult but with regular practice it gets better. But always do it with a professional and do not try it at home. It may harm you and your health.

Do you ever hit the gym?

Only sometimes. If one does yoga regularly, there’s no need to hit the gym. But it’s an individual choice, whether to do both or stick to one.

Fitness expert Varuna Shunglu on AcroYoga

What is AcroYoga: An amalgamation that brings together yoga, acrobatics and the healing arts such as Thai massage. AcroYoga has an important spiritual element called Metta — giving, loving, kindness. The foundation of AcroYoga is built with three core ingredients — the base (the person helping and supporting the movement on the ground), the person moving on top performing the asanas, who’s known as the ‘flyer’, and the ‘spotter’, the person who stands apart and points out the flaws.

Benefits: AcroYoga builds not only a sound body but also works on steadying the mind. It engages the core muscles and keeps one mindful as the body springs up, turns and twists. One cannot lose focus even for a second. A beginner in yoga can also practise this form. But consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

The BEST BODs in showbiz

Raima Sen in Tollywood. She’s got very toned legs. I don’t see anyone else working out as hard as she does. In Bollywood, it has to be Deepika Padukone. In Hollywood it’s Beyonce. I love her super-toned body

KUSHALI NAG