Yoga melts physical, mental tensions away

Sundar Pratap Singh, a yoga and meditation instructor, said fitness isn't about being physically strong and flexible, but having a healthy mind too.

Just building mirror muscles is not enough, ensuring a healthy mind is equally vital to lead a happy life, a fitness enthusiast has said.
Sundar Pratap Singh, a yoga and meditation instructor, said fitness isn't about being physically strong and flexible, but having a healthy mind too.
"People become stiff when they are tensed. Physical tension is created when you sit for hours and your muscles become taxed, while mental tension happens when a person isn't allowing his body to express emotions. When we stretch in yoga postures, these tensions are released along with its memory. That's how yoga works on your mind," said Singh, who runs Open Circle in the Capital.
"Yoga builds physical strength along with peace and happiness, which improves one's quality of life. Yoga isn't a workout but work-in. Human body has five layers - physical, energy, mental, intelligent and bliss. Once all these layers are purified, a person will naturally become happy. This can be achieved through stretching and strengthening muscles, breathing exercises, removing toxic thoughts and doing meditation.
"Most of the problems our generation has are psychological. Working on physical body can be a remedy to release frustration, but doing yoga can resolve issues of your mind. Yoga is a powerful exercise, which uses body as a tool to become healthy," he added.
Science of healthy mind
Philip Evan Cowlishaw, who religiously practises spirituality and meditation, said that daily exercises help a person become happier in life.
"Fitness is about having a healthy mind, body and spirit. I am a big believer in neuroscience. We have neuro-pathways in our brain. Every time we do something, it creates a pathway. So, conditioning and reconditioning is very important. When we are exercising the body or the mind, we are releasing toxins, past pain and trauma. We are also creating positive pathways in the brain. This is how we become happier. We are releasing endorphins every time we exercise. Those chemicals spread throughout the body, making us happier."
For Cowlishaw, life is all about growth and expansion. "If you look at trees and grass, everything is growing and expanding. Exercise is like that too. It's a doing that comes out of "being". It helps us grow, expand, achieve goals and go beyond our current state," he added.
FOUR THINGS TO DO 
1-FOCUSED EFFORT
Get into your 30-day workout groove along the shores of Kite Beach this Dubai Fitness Challenge
What: Spartan Bodyweight Exercises
Where: Bridgestone Open Beach Gym
Time: 3pm to 4pm
Cost: Free
2-SHORT AND FAST
Whatever your age, ability or interests, you just have to get moving and challenge your friends too
What: HIIT Mudder Training Preparation
Where: ENOC Mudder Village
Time: 5pm to 6pm
Cost: Free
3-SKILL-BASED FUN
Experts are here to help you get into the exercise groove with group classes
What: Low Impact Full Body Workout by Boho Bungalow
Where: Festival City Mall Fitness Village
Time: 8pm to 9pm
Cost: Free
4-PUSH YOUR LIMITS
Take advantage of a running track that takes you through the breathtaking park's tree-lined avenues
What: Run at the open-air playground
Where: Quranic Park Fitness Hub
Time: 4pm to 11pm
Cost: Free
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi