There was no avoiding the Y-word on Sunday, June 21. It was the day for all flexible people to show off their skills and encourage less flexible friends to join the game. International Yoga Day in association with t2 underlined the need for a fitness regimen, even if there isn’t enough time in the day, at Taj Bengal.

Healthy Billions, a company looking to be India’s emergency healthline support, had young yoga experts demonstrate various complex asanas in an inspiring sequence. This segued into a skit by professionals that established how easy it is to fit some basic exercises into one’s daily routine. That ‘healthy’ was the keyword that evening was evident from the grilled fish, chicken stew and steamed vegetables  that were part of the light dinner spread. 

t2 stretched itself for a taste of the healthy life. 

 

The four tenets of healthy living — Hena Nafis , nutritionist

DIET — Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up what you like. Eat a variety of food and control your portions. Moderation is a must. 

ACTIVE LIVING — There is more to an active life than going to the gym. Build activity into your work life. Take the stairs, walk a block to your office, etc.

STRESS — When stress becomes ‘distress’, it’s harmful. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.  

SLEEP — Adequate sleep, which means six to eight hours, prepares you for the next day and rejuvenates your cells and repairs your body.

Quick fitness tips — Harsha Banthia, yoga instructor 

Eyes — Look straight ahead. Look to the right and then to the left. Look up and down. Look ahead and concentrate on a point. Repeat. Do this twice sitting at your desk. 

Neck — Turn your head to the left as far as it will stretch. Turn your neck to the right. Then look up and look down. Do this twice when at your desk. 

Shoulder — Place your hand on the shoulder and rotate the elbow, clockwise and anti-clockwise. Do this 10 times sitting at your desk.

Torso — Stretch both hands up above your head. Now keeping the hands straight, bend to the right and then to the left. Can be done standing or sitting.  Do this four times.

Arms — Put your palms on either side of your hips on the chair you’re sitting on. Stretch your legs out in front of you in the squat position. Slowly lower your hips off the chair and support your body with your palms. Keep your elbows straight and move up and down. Repeat 10 times. 

Leg Extension — Sit straight on your chair and extend one leg in front of you pulling your toe towards you. Hold the extension for a few seconds then release and repeat the same with the other leg. Do this 10 times.

Pictures: Sayantan Ghosh