Bollywood star Namrata Malla works hard to maintain her toned physique, regularly sharing videos of her dance workouts with fans. Malla posted a video of herself wearing a pink bikini top and white shorts on a boat in Dubai, captioning the post “It’s showtime!” Another video shows her frolicking in the ocean in a red bathing suit. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Malla stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
1. She Loves Dance-Based Workouts
Malla is part of a dance troupe and enjoys many dance-based workouts. “As dance raises your heart rate and works your body, it also releases certain chemicals in the brain," says psychotherapist and professional dancer Raven Gibbs. "It reduces cortisol, the natural stress hormone or what is more commonly known as the fight or flight hormone. Cortisol, in excess, can lead to high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.”
2. She Practices Yoga
Malla loves the health benefits of regular yoga sessions. “The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” explains Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California. “As an osteopathic physician, I focus a lot of my efforts on preventive medicine and practices, and in the body’s ability to heal itself. Yoga is a great tool for staying healthy because it’s based on similar principles.”
3. She Focuses on Abs
Malla is very focused on ab workouts. “Want more-defined stomach muscles? Core exercises are important,” says the Mayo Clinic. “While it takes aerobic activity to burn fat in your stomach, core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles.”
The core muscles, which include the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis, play a vital role in maintaining proper posture, balance, and stability. Here are a few exercises that can help to strengthen your core muscles:
- Planks: Planks are a simple but effective exercise that can help to strengthen your entire core. To perform a plank, start by getting into a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Hold this position for 30 seconds to one minute, keeping your body straight and your core muscles engaged.
- Sit-ups: Sit-ups are a classic exercise that targets the muscles of the abdominal region. To perform a sit-up, lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Lift your upper body off the ground and touch your knees with your elbows, then slowly lower yourself back down.
- Russian twists: Russian twists are a great exercise for the oblique muscles, which are the muscles on the sides of your abdomen. To perform a Russian twist, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground, then twist your upper body from side to side, touching the ground with your hands on each side.
4. She Swims
Malla enjoys swimming as a very fun way to get some cardio in. “Many people say that by simply being in the water they feel more relaxed and less stressed,” says swimming instructor Emily Morrissey. “Regular exercise helps reduce anxiety and depression, as it releases "feel good" hormones and keeps our brains working in a healthy way.'
5. She Is Extremely Flexible
Malla has the toned physique and flexibility of a gymnast. “Everyone's genetics for flexibility are a bit different,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Rather than striving for the flexibility of a dancer or gymnast, focus on having equal flexibility side to side (especially if you have a history of a previous injury). Flexibility that is not equal on both sides may be a risk factor for injury.”