Significance of Surya Namaskar!

Surya Namaskar is one of the famous yoga poses that strongly helps in preventing memory loss, builds concentration and focus, and improves the functioning of the brain. The yoga pose is also a well-known therapy to cure disorders related to blood pressure and strengthens cardiac muscles.

When and where should you do it?

Surya Namaskar should be practiced every day. One should fix a well-ventilated place or spot to practice the yoga regime. It is wise to fix a specific time of the day to practice it, preferably in the morning, before breakfast or after a bath in an empty stomach.

1. Begin with standing in the prayer pose known as Pranamasana.
2. Then, inhale and lift up your arms and keep your biceps close to the ears.
3. Now, breathe out and simultaneously bend forward keeping your spine erect.
4. Next, breathe in again while pushing the right leg back, with your knees on the floor and take your left leg back bringing it in a stick-straight pose.
5. Now, bring your knees down and exhale keeping your hips and abdomen off the floor.
6. Then, raise your chest and enter into the Cobra pose, with elbows slightly bent.
7. Now, breathe out and get into a downward-facing pose like a dog.
8. Next, bring the right foot forward while breathing in, then breathe out and bring left foot forward too, with your palms on the floor.
9. Then, breathe in and roll your spine behind with your hands raised.
10. Exhale and get into mountain pose.

How many times to do it?

Each round of Surya Namaskar comprises 12 yoga poses or asanas. So, on repeating it 12 times from both sides, 288 poses are practiced which usually takes 20 minutes. Practicing one round of Surya Namaskar burns approximately 13.90 calories.

Beginners are generally advised to start with four rounds of Surya Namaskar that makes you burn near about 55 calories. The rounds should be gradually increased according to the capability of one’s body. 12 sets of Surya Namaskar burn approximately 156 calories which is equivalent to a rigorous exercise in the gym for an hour.

What are the benefits?

Regular practice of Surya Namaskaar or Sun Salutation offers ample of benefits for every part of the body.

1. Improves blood circulation.
2. Strengthens overall body including the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, back, stomach, waist, abdomen, intestines, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.
3. Provides the body a rigorous workout which reduces excess fat.
4. Helps in muscles toning and keep them lean and strong.
5. Helps in mind relaxation and reduces anxiety and restlessness.
6. Improves concentration and brings inner peace.
7. Enhances flexibility of the spine and limbs.
8. Improves body posture and enhance general attractiveness
9. Helps in the effective functioning of all internal organs.
10. Brings calmness mind and improves sleeping habits.

5 YOGA POSES THAT IMPROVES YOUR SLEEP