Aqua Asanas: Mahesh Palta’s Water Yoga

Yoga is a practice many seniors believe in. But few senior citizens decide to practice Water Yoga. Noida’s Mahesh Palta tells us how it has changed his life. By Reshmi Chakraborty

At 72, Mahesh Palta likes to spend his free time underwater, practising Yoga. In fact this young at heart senior is also able to swim 12 ft underwater for a 50 metre distance. Yes, you read that right. Palta indeed practises Yoga, in water and can even do some complicated Asanas.

Palta, who was formerly with the Indian Army and now runs a business, is known around his locality in Noida, Uttar Pradesh for practising Water Yoga. Palta is not new to this 5000 year old practice. In fact, he has been practising Yoga for more than 10 years. But when he learnt how to swim at the age of 60, he decided to combine both.

“I felt a sense of peace and comfort in the water. I had various ailments and realised that after practising Water Yoga, my ailments like diabetes and arthritis had gone,” he says. A firm believer in natural therapies and cure, Palta says he works 12 hours a day, running his own business but seldom feels tired. He attributes it to Yoga and his belief in natural cure.

Palta started off by doing basic exercises and movements in water to get back his health. He gradually realised that “the human body is more supple under water.” The experience also worked like a stress buster for him and gradually, he started performing various Asanas under water. His practice and persistence of over two years paid off. Today, Palta can do Yoga Asanas like the Suryanamashkar, Pawan Muktasana, Shabasana and Shirshasana in the water for almost an hour. “I can also walk on my hands in water for 20 ft,” he adds with a touch of pride.

Palta practises at the Sports Club, Sector 15A, Noida, close to Delhi, for an hour everyday, from 9 am to 10 am. He has also been the inspiration for many senior citizens to get active

and even trains some of them. He cites the example of a gentleman who was wheelchair bound earlier but after doing some basic Water Yoga training with him, is able to walk a few steps on his own. He also teaches a few younger people, who wish to exercise in water and feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

A strong believer in the power of Yoga, Mahesh Palta feels that apart from the obvious fitness factor that Yoga is associated with, it can also help one get over depressions and anxieties. “It is perfect for hectic routines and busy lives,” he adds. Palta attributes his own health and fitness to Water Yoga and a nature inspired diet. He doesn’t believe in allopathic medicines and feels his routine has kept him away from usual age related ailments like high blood pressure, breathlessness, aches and pains, among others.

He is passionate about spreading awareness about Water Yoga and is open to doing a demo for people who know keen interest. Alternatively, you can reach him at +91-9810028040 or visit his website http://maheshpaltayogi.com.