Kids perform asanas at a yoga centre in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, July 21: The age-old practice of yoga performed by rishis and maharishis to attain spiritual enlightenment has suddenly matured as the most trendy way to stay fit. Be it the long and deep breaths of pranayam or the intricate sirsha asana, yoga is now a favourite among both teens and adults.

With the entire world going through the phase of yogic revolution, Bhubaneswar is not lagging behind. The mushrooming yoga schools in most parts of the city is evidence of the city’s growing inclination towards fitness.

Fatigued corporate employees and parents anxious about their child’s health are rushing to the nearest yoga centres to treat themselves with mind-relaxing therapies.

“By working in front of the computer for eight hours together, I’m compelled to sit in the same posture and that leaves me tired. Recently, I developed some nerve problem. But after doing some yoga exercises like kundalini yoga, hatha yoga and anulom vilom pranayam for a few days, I have recovered from the pain,” said 27-year-old Sangeeta Biswal.

The fast and furious lifestyle of today’s generation is a major reason for the growing number of diseases. Most parents prefer to go the ayurvedic and yogic way rather than depending on allopathic medicine. “The most popular yoga exercises among the youth are pranayam and other breathing exercises, especially bhramari and kapalbhaati. Pranayam not only acts as an efficient stressbuster, but helps in strengthening concentration power. Surya pranayam is ideal for children with obesity problems,” said Pravati Sathpathy, who teaches yoga in a yoga school at Budhheshwari Colony.

For corporate and working employees surya namaskar, chandra namaskar, virasana, shavasan are recommended to keep their mind stress-free and calm, she added.

“When we opened this centre a decade ago, our members were mostly adults, seeking relief from workload or trying to get in shape. Bu now, it’s the kids who dominate. We have kids of every age starting from 5-year olds. Children with chronic diseases such as spondylitis, insomnia, obesity, eye-problems are going to yoga clinics for relief,” Satpathy said.