Fitness Wellness

Fitness Expert Prateek Kumar on How You Can Incorporate Yoga into Your Daily Routine

The founder of FitCru shares his experience as a yoga practitioner and how the discipline has helped him in his overall fitness journey

Yoga comes in many shapes and forms. This International yoga Day, we spoke to yoga practitioners from diverse backgrounds to find out more about the various yoga disciplines around the world.

Prateek Kumar, founder of FitCru, simplifies fitness and nutrition for those lacking time and resources, drawing on his education in exercise physiology, nutrition basics, and sports nutrition. His main focus is on helping women in their 30s attain a toned physique without strict workout regimens or restrictive diets, promoting stress-free, evidence-based fitness plans and fostering a healthy relationship with food. Yoga forms an integral part of Kumar’s holistic approach to fitness and nutrition at FitCru, as he incorporates mindfulness and flexibility into his practice, empowering individuals to achieve overall well-being. We sat down with him to find out more about his yoga journey.

Three aspects of yoga that fascinate you and why?

Prateek Kumar: yoga fascinates me with its ability to gradually change the body through diverse asanas that enhance flexibility, strength, and balance. It provides a wonderful space for deep breathing, gentle movements, and relaxation techniques that promote inner peace. The conscious breath control techniques in yoga improves energy levels, provides relaxation, and gives mental clarity.

What are a few ways in which we can bring yoga into our daily routine?

Prateek Kumar: Here are a few techniques for incorporating yoga into your daily life:

    1. Designate a specific time to practice in the morning or evening.

    2. Incorporate mindfulness and yoga into your regular routine.

    3. Take brief yoga breaks when feeling worried or worn out during the day.

    4. Participate in yoga sessions or seek advice from online sources.

When did your journey with yoga start?

Prateek Kumar: My journey with yoga started when I discovered my ankle spondylitis and sought ways to manage my condition and alleviate life stressors.

People often confuse yoga with pilates. What’s the difference?

Prateek Kumar: Yoga’s spiritual roots, emphasis on the mind-body connection, and use of diverse postures and meditation differentiate it from pilates, which focuses on core stability, physical conditioning, and precise movement.

What are a few lifestyle and diet tips for those who practise yoga daily?

Prateek Kumar: Here’s some lifestyle and dietary advice for regular yoga practitioners:

    1. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

    2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

    3. Prioritise rest and get sufficient sleep.

    4. Incorporate mindfulness practices into routine tasks.

    5. Take care of yourself and manage stress effectively.

Some people find yoga intimidating. What do you have to say to them?

Prateek Kumar: Anyone can practise yoga, and it’s important to begin at your own pace without comparing yourself to others. Choose a teacher and style that resonates with you, and remember that yoga is a journey of self-discovery and personal development.

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