
When it comes to celebrity fitness in Bollywood, Malaika Arora tops the charts. Besides being captured every other day in her sporty gear on her way to exercise, the fit and fashionable star also takes to social media to share her wellness expertise and mind-bending contortions when she tries a new asana. As Reebok unveils their new campaign with Malaika Arora in the brand ambassador's seat, NDTV Swirlster speaks to her about her fitness journey, love for yoga and why walking is an integral part of her life.
NDTV Swirlster: How did your yoga journey begin much before it became a celebrity trend?
Malaika Arora: I discovered yoga when I had a leg injury. Yoga didn't just give me mental strength to recover from my injury but also healed me from the inside out. Since then, it has been an inseparable part of my life.
NDTV Swirlster: What are your fitness essentials when you head for a walk?
Malaika Arora: I usually get into my most comfortable look which includes a t-shirt and shorts and wear my Reebok Ever Road DMX before I head for a walk.
(Also Read: Malaika Arora Gives The Mid-Week A Pop Of Colour With Her Spunky Workout Gear)
NDTV Swirlster: Has yoga changed the way you live your life in any way?
Malaika Arora: Yoga is not a religion but it is a way of living that aims towards a healthy mind in a healthy body. The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling an individual's mind, body and soul. It brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve a peaceful state. It helps manage stress, anxiety and stay relaxed. It also helps increase flexibility and muscle strength. It improves respiration, energy and vitality.
NDTV Swirlster: Please share a few of your tips and tricks that make a walk more exciting
Malaika Arora: Some tips and tricks that you can follow to enjoy walking can be choosing the right gear of clothes and shoes which make you feel comfortable. Go for a walk in the morning since it will make you feel fresh and energetic to take on the day. Also listen to your favorite music while walking.
NDTV Swirlster: What are your fitness tips to slowly build flexibility when exercising?
Malaika Arora: Take one step at a time. Understand the strengths and limitations of your body and develop your stamina and flexibility accordingly. Just go with the flow and be consistent. That's the key.
NDTV Swirlster: What is the one asana you haven't attempted yet and why?
Malaika Arora: There are multiple kinds of asanas in yoga that I still haven't attempted and I'm still learning about the practice. I tend to avoid practicing any significantly advanced postures that require deep levels of back bending, balance and strength. I feel I know what's right for my body and till what extent I can push it.
NDTV Swirlster: How does yoga and walking work in sync in your fitness routine?
Malaika Arora: The word 'yoga' means 'unification' and I feel it fits well into my routine with walking. The reason I walk is to get some form of dynamic, movement and active cardio in my daily routine as I do up and low hill walking, flat walking etc. Walking is also a form of focus and concentration for me, and a lot of people don't realize the importance of breathing while walking or running. Yoga has significantly helped me breathe right and to have a certain kind of balance. Also more importantly to have a strong core as that helps me to do uphill and downhill walking as well as backward running.
(Also Read: Trust Malaika Arora And Shilpa Shetty's Yoga Moves To Burn Belly Fat And Stretch The Back)
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