Pregnant Deepika Padukone Sets Massive Goals While Performing Viparita Karani Asana: Take A Look

"I love a good workout. I don't work out to 'look good' but to 'feel fit'. Exercise has been part of my lifestyle..." said Padukone, who is all set to welcome her first child with husband Ranveer Singh this September.

Ever since she announced her pregnancy, Deepika Padukone has been scrutinised quite a bit, and even trolled whenever she has been spotted in public. From her walking mannerisms to her weight gain (or lack thereof), and even her attire, netizens have commented on every aspect of her pregnancy, but the actor has only managed to shine and stay mum (pun intended). Padukone has never openly addressed any kind of scrutiny, and it seems she is in no mood to give her critics any attention. She has also been spotted wearing stilettos while promoting her latest movie 'Kalki' and, despite the uproar, the actor has only shown us her unperturbed and unabashed side.

Now, the 38-year-old, who is going to be a mother for the first time in September 2024, posted a photograph on her official social media account, in which she was seen doing a yoga asana. On the occasion of 'self-care month', the actor -- who has been a sportsperson and a model -- impressed her followers by performing the Viparita Karani asana. Take a look here.

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Padukone, who is married to actor Ranveer Singh, was seen in an all-black look. She wore a tank-top that she paired with stretchy yoga pants and a pair of white socks. She placed her hands on her growing belly while stretching her legs up on -- what appeared to be -- her closet doors. In the accompanying caption, the Bollywood A-lister wrote that it is important to care for yourself every day by practising certain simple acts.

"I love a good workout. I don't work out to 'look good' but to 'feel fit'. Exercise has been part of my lifestyle for as long as I can remember," Padukone admitted, adding: "...when I can't fit in a workout, I practise this simple 5-minute routine. I do this every day, whether I work out or not. It's especially useful after a long flight or just to decompress."

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Viparita Karani Asana

Also known as Legs Up The Wall Pose, Viparita Karani asana is known to combat stress and help a person sleep better at night. The actor explained that in Sanskrit, 'viparita' means 'inverted' and 'karani' translates to 'in action'. "This active inversion position is also called the restful inversion," she stated.

"Lying with your legs up against the wall can benefit your mental and physical health. From calming the nervous system to strengthening immune health, this ancient posture offers so much, especially in our stressful and busy world," the 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' actor said.

Benefits Of Doing This Asana

She also stated that this asana can be practised in the morning after waking up. Its benefits include:

• It supports lymphatic and glymphatic systems, boosting our immune system.
• It promotes the flow of oxygenated blood to the upper body, stimulating lymphatic fluid flow.
• It can detoxify the body and help with lymphatic drainage.
• It gently opens the hips and hamstrings.

Padukone said that for those looking to practise this asana at night, its benefits are as follows:

• It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing rest and digestion for better sleep quality.
• It eases restless legs for improved sleep.

Should Pregnant Women Be Practising This Asana?

While you need to check with your doctor before practising certain asanas, yoga is advisable during pregnancy. In fact, doctors promote physical activities during pregnancy, to make the process of childbirth smooth and stress-free. It can also calm the mind and help the woman truly enjoy this phase.

Having said that, Viparita Karani is a harmless pose, and five minutes of it can be good for you. Do check with your gynaecologist. Padukone made the following crucial points about how to achieve this form towards the end of your pregnancy period:

• When pregnant, use a bolster or cushion for support.
• It can relieve you of muscle and joint aches, and swollen ankles and feet.
• It reduces pressure on the lower back and relieves feelings of heaviness and fatigue in the legs and hips.
• It alleviates water retention.
• It helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the ankles and feet.

Check with your yoga instructor and avoid doing it if you suffer from high blood pressure.