It’s no surprise Yashika Aannand is so beloved in the entertainment industry--the stunning actress posted a series of photos of herself in a green swimsuit, asking fans “1,2 , 3 or 4 ? 😍.” The star of Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, Paadam, Maniyaar and Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu values wellness. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 7 ways Aannand 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. Aannand Loves Yoga
Aannand has previously posted a video of herself doing yoga, captioning the video “#FlexFriday #BeYourself #yoga #flexibility #stayfit.” “With its emphasis on breathing practices and meditation—both of which help calm and center the mind— it’s hardly surprising that yoga also brings mental benefits, such as reduced anxiety and depression,” says Harvard Health. “What may be more surprising is that it actually makes your brain work better.”
2. Yoga For Flexibility
Aannand is enviably flexible, thanks to her regular yoga workouts. “Yoga uses repetition to create flexibility,” says Yo Yoga! Founder Rebecca Weible. “As your body becomes more supple, the poses build on each other and become deeper and more complex so you can continue to increase flexibility.”
3. Yoga For Heart Health
Not only is Aannand flexible, but research shows that regular yoga sessions are good for the heart. “A large number of studies show that yoga benefits many aspects of cardiovascular health,” says Hugh Calkins, MD, director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at Johns Hopkins. “There’s been a major shift in the last five years or so in the number of cardiologists and other professionals recognizing that these benefits are real.”
4. Yoga for Weight Loss
It’s no surprise Aannand is in such great shape—yoga is a great way to help maintain a healthy weight. “It creates a deeper awareness of your physical and mental state, linking the breath to the movement of the poses (asanas),' says yoga teacher Alexandra Baldi, founder of Compass Chelsea. “This deeper awareness creates mindfulness and a greater intuition with your body, two key factors essential for weight loss; whether it's making healthier eating choices or knowing when to pull back to prevent too much cortisol in the body, a serious detriment to weight loss.”
5. Yoga for Endorphins
Yoga is a great way to boost endorphins, experts say—no wonder Aannand seems so relaxed. “All exercise can boost your mood by lowering levels of stress hormones, increasing the production of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, and bringing more oxygenated blood to your brain,” says Harvard Health. “But yoga may have additional benefits. It can affect mood by elevating levels of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.”
