February 2019 – For Healthista

An interview with yoga instructor Harish . k

“Go from a human being doing yoga to a human being yoga. –Baron Baptiste”

Harish .K , an alumnus from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandana Samsthana [S- VYASA], Bengaluru, holds a bachelor’s degree in yoga exploring new dimensions . He is currently working as a yoga instructor at Your Day yoga studio in Wilson garden, Bengaluru

Let’s look into his journey!!!

How long have you been practicing Yoga?

I have been practicing yoga for 15 years

How many types of yoga are there?

There are two types of yoga :Astanga yoga and Hata yoga.I prefer Hata yoga.it is a form of yoga that is primarily concerned with breathing regulation through exercises consisting of different postures designed to keep the body healthy and to induce mental calm. It removes toxins from your body and activates all the energy points in our body system.

Do you practice a specific style of yoga?

Yes, I love alignment, I love simple, effective sequencing, which does not mean being pretty , but creating accessibility and therefore freedom in body and mind.

I always mix Hatayoga with Astanga yoga with many variations

What are the latest trends in the Yoga industry?

The current trends have literally changed our way of looking at yoga. It is more interactive and focused on solving an individual’s fitness and health related issues.

Latest trends in this industry include power yoga, Aerial yoga, Acro yoga etc.

Which one do you prefer:traditional or modern yoga practice?

Both are good. But the modern practice works only on a physical level and the traditional kind works on all levels ;physical, mental and spiritual.

***Harish practicing different Asanas***

What is your goal as a yoga instructor?

My task is to teach people how to heal themselves. Many live in a very stressful environment and do not realize that we have tools, such as yoga, to relieve everyday stressors instantly. I’m still facing challenges. Yoga tools like mantra, meditation, asana, etc. help us to identify lifestyle imprints and patterns. This information helps us recognize our tendencies, adapt and move towards a more balanced lifestyle. Hence my goal is to impart that.

Who is your role model in this industry?

My true inspiration is my guru, Devanand.

What is your advice for Beginners?

The idea of yoga is to take care of our physical limitations and overcome our self – obsession. My advice to beginners is to find a teacher who inspires you to feel alive and gives you a sense of great potential, beyond reaching your knees.

If you are a fitness junkie, you are definitely aware of your eating habits also. Today, most people are fighting cancer only because of their unhealthy eating patterns.

Eating healthy means be sure to add vegetables, fruits, salads,Protein-rich foods etc to your diet plan. Adding more healthy food means giving less room for diseases.

Recent studies show that regular consumption of fried food linked to an increased risk of death from any cause and heart- related death among postmenopausal women. Researchers suggest that reducing consumption of fried foods, especially fried chicken and fried fish, could have a positive impact on public health. Reducing the consumption of fried foods, especially fried chicken and fried fish, can have a clinically significant impact across the public health spectrum.

These are some foods that help to build a balanced diet

1. Flaxseed fiber

Flax seed fiber changes the microbiota to improve metabolic health and protect against dietary obesity.it increases glucose tolerance. Fiber helps to lose weight and maintaining a healthy weight. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer. Flaxseed contains essential components, such as Omega 3 fatty acids, Lignans, and fiber.

2. Beans

Adding beans to your diet has a number of health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol, decreasing blood sugar levels, etc. It is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins that are essential for our body.

3. Egg

Eggs are highly nutritious and its yolk-rich in Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Phosphorus, Calcium, Thiamine, Riboflavin.it is a low calorie,fat- free food. Cholesterol in egg yolk is good for our health.

4. Avocados

Many people avoid avocado because of their high- fat content, but these fats are actually healthy component .it contains abundant nutrients like vitamin k, Folate, vitamin-C, Potassium, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E etc.This is the best fruit to gain healthy weight , it contains less sugar and high amount of nutrients.

Avocados are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect our eyesight.it contains carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin., which are important for eye health