Thousands may be limbering up around the world in anticipation of the International Day of Yoga, and among them is India's prime minister.
Narendra Modi has shared a series of virtual videos ahead of the annual celebration of all things yoga, held on June 21, which shows an animated likeness of the politician demonstrating a series of poses.
The latest, shared on Modi's Twitter page on Tuesday, offers a guide to the spinal twist pose, known as vakrasana, designed to improve flexibility.
Have you ever practiced Vakrasana? Its advantages are numerous and long lasting.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2019
Watch this video. #YogaDay2019 pic.twitter.com/XllWeXUkSC
"Have you ever practiced Vakrasana? Its advantages are numerous and long lasting," the caption for the two-and-a-half-minute video read, adding that the pose was also beneficial for the liver and sufferers of diabetes.
Modi shared a similar video on Monday, showcasing how to achieve bhadrasana, known as the auspicious pose.
भद्रासन शरीर को दृढ़ रखता है और मस्तिष्क को स्थिर करता है। आइए जानते हैं इस आसन के और कितने सारे फायदे हैं। #YogaDay2019 pic.twitter.com/I9vjtQcgqu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 11, 2019
The pose, which requires yogi to place their feet together and their knees apart while sat down, benefits hip and knee joints and can relieves stress on the stomach, the clip detailed.
The digital figure of Modi also demonstrated ustrasana – the camel pose – on Sunday, suggesting this could be a daily social media initiative from the prime minister until International Yoga Day.
Ustrasana is wonderful for your health.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2019
Practising this Asana regularly will strengthen the back, shoulders and improve flexibility.
Learn this Asana and make it an integral part of your daily Yoga routine. #YogaDay2019 pic.twitter.com/s6btN9wGIj
Modi was a instrumental in establishing the annual celebration of yoga, a day which began in 2015. The day, which encourage people around the world to take part in the practice that first originated in ancient India, was first proposed by Modi in 2014 at the United Nations General Assembly.
"[Yoga] embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being," he told delegates at the time.
"It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature."
The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and is considered an important day in Indian mythology.
Modi's passion for the practice has long been documented, and he has previously shared videos that show him performing a variety of moves.
Last year, in response to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli's fitness challenge, the politician shared his morning workout routine with his 48 million followers.
Here are moments from my morning exercises. Apart from Yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or 5 elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. I also practice
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2018
breathing exercises. #HumFitTohIndiaFit pic.twitter.com/km3345GuV2
"Apart from yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or five elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating," he said at the time.
