Saturday, September 24 2005 15:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Yoga, which to a lay person conjures up images of difficult, time-consuming asanas, has been given a new dimension by 'Gopi Formula', a comprehensive book on simple and effective yogic exercises.

The book 'Gopi Formula' by Kumar Anish, a practicing advocate, who teaches yoga to management students at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan here, is derived from his experience.

"Gopi Formula, adopts a user-friendly approach to yoga, including simple body conditioning and strengthening exercises, breathing and asanas, which require maximum 30 minutes and can be done by one and all", Anish told PTI.

The formula not only focuses on fitness but also builds strength and stamina while removing stress.

"The exercises are simple and safe, involving no sudden jerks to bones, joints and muscles and can be done with ease by an eight year-old to a 70 plus person," Anish claimed.

Forty year-old Anish, who suffered serious breathing problems for almost eight years took to yoga and pranayama as a last resort and was completely cured.

It was then that he decided to take up yoga seriously and has been at it for the past 22 years.

Anish's book 'Gopi Formula,' fast topping popularity charts in Bangalore in the realm of health and fitness, is a tribute to his guru late Prof S K Gopal who converted him into a 'yoga buff', he said.

"Gopi is an acronym for Gravitational Overhaul Principles of Invigoration and adopts the 'somato-psychic, from the body to the mind approach", Anish says.

"The formula, a practical programme that integrates the principles of exercises, postures, diet and meditation will knock off fat off your butt, hips and tummy", he promises.

His style of yoga does not exclude physical exercise but incorporates its elements in body conditioning, breathing and relaxation techniques, he said.

"Yogercise is equal to four hours of conventional exercise/sports as far as muscle tone, stretch and stamina is concerned and improves lung capacity", he claims.

Kumar Anish, who has conducted workshops all over the country and in United Kingdom (U K), Dubai and Sri Lanka, recently presented a paper on 'Gopi Formula' as part of Asia Pacific Conference of Young Entrepreneurs in Business in Macau, China.