With International Day of Yoga approaching on June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his run-up on Twitter, featuring different Yoga poses. India's Prime Minister's love for yoga has not been hidden. He once said, "Yoga is a passport to health assurance, a key to fitness and wellness," advocating the health benefits of yoga asanas. Yoga is known to increase flexibility, muscle strength and tone. It is also known to improve respiration, energy and vitality. While maintaining a balanced metabolism, yoga has also been known to reduce weight, keep cardio and circulatory health in check and also protect your body from injuries. International Day of Yoga 2018: The Steps and Benefits of Tadasana, The Mountain Pose. 

Today Narendra Modi performed the Tadasana, aka the mountain pose which is known to improve posture, strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles. It works on the core muscles, firming the abdomen and buttocks. It can help relieve sciatica and reduces flat feet.

Steps to Perform Tadasana:

  1. Stand with your legs slightly apart (2 inches) and hands by your side.
  2. Raise your hands till your shoulders with your palms facing upwards.
  3. Interlock your fingers and bend your wrists outwards.
  4. Breathing deeply, lift your hands above your head. Stay in this position.
  5. Now raise your heels and stand on the balls of your feet. Stay in this position for 10-15 seconds. Stay still in this posture.
  6. Try focusing on a single point. This will help you improve your balance.
  7. Slowly let your breath out and come back to the standing position.

Narendra Modi showing how to perform Tadasana:

However, it is also a risky asana to perform because if not done right, you can even suffer from injuries. It is advised to not perform this asana if you suffer from varicose veins, headaches, insomnia, low blood pressure, heart disease and vertigo.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2019 11:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).