Shilpa Shetty recommends this yoga asana to improve reproductive health

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra is a fitness freak apart from being a yoga enthusiast. On her social media platforms, she is often seen posting her fitness videos and to say the least, her Instagram feed is much better than that of a fitness influencer. Even at the age of 47, she maintains a healthy regime and is one of the most fit actresses in tinsel town.

Now in her latest Instagram post, Shetty is seen practicing Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana or The Raised Leg Pose along with her sister and fellow actress, Shamita Shetty. The video has the Shetty sisters doing the yoga asana in a park during their holiday in London. She captioned the post as, “Today’s agenda on our #PartnerFitnessRoutineis Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana,” and thanked the celebrity trainer Ben Coleman for the workout.

What is Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana?

Also known as the Raised Leg Pose, it is a combination of Sanskrit words Uttan means raised, Pad means leg and Asana means pose. Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana is when you keep moving your legs back and forth while your legs are raised in the air.

According to Shetty, “It is one of the best exercises for the lower abdomen because it tones and strengthens the pelvis, hips, legs, and also the perineum muscles. It is very beneficial for women, as it improves the function of the reproductive organs and strengthens the walls of the uterus.”

How to do Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana or the Raised Leg pose?

Here’s how you can do it:

1. To start this yoga pose, lie flat on your back and breathe normally. Keep both your hands alongside of your body and with your palms facing down.
2. Inhale slowly as you try to lift your leg from the floor. Next, keep your legs straight at a 45-60 degree angle from the floor with your upper body parallel to the floor.
3. Hold this position for some time and you will feel pressure in the lower abdomen.
4. If you want to do Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana, keep moving your legs back and forth between 45 and 60 degree angles.
5. To release this position, breathe out and slowly lower down your legs towards the floor. Finally, take a deep breath and relax.

Also, read: Shilpa Shetty’s self love lesson is all you need to ward off mid-week blues

Health benefits of this yoga pose:

Gatyatmak Uttanpadasana has umpteen benefits:

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1. It prevents acidity, indigestion and even aids in removing toxins from your body.
2. Regular practice of Uttanpadasana can help to improve the flexibility of the spine and hence, prevents back pain.
3. It improves the strength of the abdomen organ and betters the blood flow to that region.
4. Practicing Uttanpadasana on a regular basis can aid the functioning of reproductive organs, thereby enhancing sexual performance as well.
5. Uttanpadasana helps to stretch the back, hip and thigh muscles.

Who shouldn’t practice this yoga asana?

“One shouldn’t practice this during pregnancy and menstruation. Also, anyone suffering from back pain, slip-disc, and cervical issues must avoid it,” Shetty signs off.