For Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar, Fitness and Yoga Find A Key Place

It takes two to tango. In this case, make that to stay fit! Milind Soman and wife Ankita Konwar are known to place health and fitness ahead of every game and they inspire a whole lot of people while doing so, too. Milind enjoys running while yoga finds a top spot for Ankita, and she's even done the tough Chakrasana (Wheel Pose) up on a mountainside at 10,000 feet, amidst breathtaking beauty. What's more, Ankita has taken her love for the regimen underwater where she did a yoga-scuba diving session in one of the most scenic spots, to which Milind posted: "scuba & yoga in the Maldives !!! Always amazing to be back🤩 and this time was even more special because @ankita_earthy was conducting yoga sessions."
Ahead of International Yoga Day, we asked Ankita to share why she loves yoga, why it's especially meaningful to busy professionals and three asanas you should start the day with. Over to our quick chat with her, all the way from Wales.

Manifest (M): Would you agree: One of the best ways to stay fit is to follow a good yoga regimen?

Ankita Konwar (AK): Yoga definitely helps you to get healthier. It’s the best way to connect with one’s body. In our busy lives, we often forget that our first home is our body. As we stop spending time with it, we slowly lose the connection to it and the results often lead to many lifestyle diseases.

(M): How has it benefited you, individually, beyond running and other traditional workouts?

AK: Yoga practice guided me in my darkest days. Not a class, not perfect postures, just sitting on my mat by myself and slowly learning how to connect with my body again. Working my way to an asana like it was the path back to myself. Slowly observing where and how I can bend and hold and most importantly breathe comfortably. I started my running journey only after I could find myself again through yoga. So I owe everything to it.

M: You both infuse almost every holiday with running and yoga. Tell us more.
AK: Yes, we do embark on active vacations, and look forward to it. Getting some rest and unwind can also be through a workout or yoga session and they definitely leave me feeling refreshed and energised!

(M): For someone who's been advocating fitness for long, do you feel that sharing a good fitness equation with your partner makes all the difference toward your life?

AK: It definitely helps. I have been doing this over a decade now and Milind has been a big part of my inspiration. We like similar things. Being outdoors, connecting with nature, running barefoot, exploring the oceans, climbing mountains. And a lot of it isn’t actually easy, but when you do hard things together, the bond of your relationship becomes thicker.

(M): Should people always make time for wellness and movement on their holidays and getaways?

AK: To me, fitness isn’t something I make a way for. It’s a lifestyle. By which I mean, it’s almost like eating or drinking water. But it has taken me practice for it to become a lifestyle. So if you’re new at this, try being mindful of your time. Be mindful of your presence, of how things make you feel. And when you do manage to make some time for yourself with yourself, by being on the mat, observing your breath or feeling your breath while running, you will experience how incredible it makes you feel.

(M): What’s your most memorable yoga session in a beautiful, breathtaking location?

AK: I have guided a few scuba divers with yoga in Maldives, this year and the year before, that feels absolutely surreal. It’s just the way we all connect with our bodies and how we sync with the rhythm of the ocean. It’s an incredible experience.

(M): Is there a yoga retreat that’s on your mind to head to? And if so, Why?

AK: I just did one in Maldives, where I guided a couple of scuba divers for almost a week. So maybe something similar to that but I haven’t thought of it yet.

(M): Can busy professionals incorporate yoga into their days without feeling overwhelmed?

AK: Of course! Begin with just 15 minutes. Just sit on your mat, observe your breath, and slowly learn to stretch a little. You will see how it changes you over a period of time. You will want more, learn more and of course do much more!

(M): With people living such sedentary lives in big cities, how important is it to challenge oneself and get out of the comfort zone?

AK: I always say, comfort is overrated. It’s not good for us. It’s important to feel safe but that doesn’t always mean comfort. So I keep challenging myself to check my limits. Of course I respect my limits as well but it’s so important to try and keep pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. This is one of the best ways to understand yourself, your boundaries and your resilience.

(M): Can you share three must-do yoga poses/ asanas that are always in your daily schedule?
AK: Yes, here they are: