Rakul Preet nails paschimottanasana, shows how dedication in fitness goes a long way. Here’s how you can do it

It looks like the celebrities get it easy, but what we don’t realise is the hard work and dedication they all put in getting their fabulous bodies! Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh recently put out an Instagram post, and it’s certainly a testimony of what we are saying!

When you start your fitness journey or anything in general, it doesn’t come easy. It requires patience, consistency, hard work and a lot of time to achieve that. But the most important thing that you must keep in mind is to not to give up. The journey might not be easy, but it will be beautiful and worth it.

Here’s what Rakul Preet Singh says, when she talks about her achievement of doing seated forward bend or paschimottanasana with ease now, after a lot of practice.

Here’s how you can go about this pose:

1. Sit down on the floor or yoga mat, and stretch your legs straight in front of you.
2. Keep your spine straight, and stretch your arms, inhale and reach toward the ceiling.
3. Now while exhaling, bend forward.
4. Keeping your spine straight, extend your torso over your legs.
5. If you cannot do it at once, try lengthening your spine and then try to bend.
6. Rest your head on your knees and your hands either on toes or floor.
7. Make sure you are not stretching your neck excessively.
8. Stay in this position for as long as you can. 

   Also, read: This yoga asana, suggested by Shilpa Shetty Kundra, is the perfect way to start the day

And how does it help?

1. It is a very calming pose, and therefore, it can be used to release stress, anxiety or fatigue from the body, lightening your mood and making you feel better!
2. It is an excellent pose for runners, as it stretches the hamstrings.
3. It tones abdominal muscles and stimulates internal organs such as liver, kidney, and uterus.
4. It can also improve digestion.
5. It can also ease the symptoms of insomnia.

Please note…

Make sure your knees are aligned, and your back is straight. Avoid this pose if you have an injury either on your arms, hips, ankles, or shoulders. Also, don’t ever force yourself in this pose, as you might end up with muscle injuries.