NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi, whose supporters boast of his physical prowess and indifference to sleep, has shared the secrets to his morning fitness regimen in a video where the Indian premier thrusts a staff, walks backwards and flexes over a boulder.

Modi discussed the “refreshing and rejuvenating” benefits of his exercise workout in a video posted online on Wednesday.

It follows a trend of homemade motivational fitness videos from prominent Indians, including adored cricket captain Virat Kohli, trying to tackle obesity and poor health in the country of 1.25 billion.

In the latest addition Modi, 67, implores Indians to follow his example in a two minute clip shot in the lush garden of his New Delhi residence.

A passionate yoga enthusiast, Modi has touted the benefits of the ancient Indian practice via a cartoon avatar of himself performing sun salutations and downward dogs.

Despite the tranquility depicted in Modi’s backyard, experts often warn Indians against exercising outdoors in New Delhi and other major cities due to terrible air quality.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2018