Surya Namaskar: Benefits of Sun Salutations

Surya or the sun is regarded as the provider of our planet. Surya provides us with energy and helps us sustain life. That is why it is beneficial to soak up the morning sun. Since the sun gives us so much, it is only right that we offer our salutations to the sun. with this in mind, Surya namaskar or sun salutations were introduced in Yoga. 

Yoga has been regarded as the way of life for centuries now. It teaches us to synchronize our bodies and be healthy. Yoga shows us that the best way to remain healthy is through food, thoughts, hygiene, and meditation. Surya Namaskar is a well-balanced contribution of Yoga to us. 

It is said that Surya namaskar started in Maharashtra during the reign of King of Aundh. He made it compulsory for everyone to practice Surya namaskar and pay their respects to the sun god every day. Whether it is true or not is not known but hey, something beneficial came out of it all!

There are many benefits to doing Surya Namaskar every morning. In addition to waking up your whole being and energizing you for the day, the benefits include:

• Muscles toning and improving flexibility: All the asanas used during Surya namaskar have different target groups. It targets different chakra points in the body and helps tone many of the core muscle groups. Furthermore, it helps improve flexibility as well. 
• Great for cardio: It acts like a quick workout for the body. If you’re fast enough (once you get the hang of it), it can become a good cardio workout. It also improves your blood circulation and lowers your cholesterol level.
• Improve digestion and aid weight loss: Surya Namaskar helps to improve your metabolism by stimulating your digestive tract. This helps you both detoxify and lose the extra calories. A win-win situation!
• Increases energy and awareness: the asanas and the breathing patters provide deep relaxation throughout your body and mind. It also promotes self-awareness.
• Better absorption of nutrients: Surya Namaskar helps in better metabolism and digestion. This, in turn, leads to better absorption of nutrients into your body. It also helps keep dysfunctions like PCOD, PCOS, thyroid dysfunctions at bay.

There are 9 different asanas which together form 1 round of Surya Namaskar:

1. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)
2. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)
3. Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Posture)
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
5. Chaturanga Dandasana (The Stick Pose)
6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with eight parts or points)
7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
9. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Learn how to do Surya Namaskar: For beginners. 

What you should and shouldn’t do, some tips:

• Maintain correct body postures and  have proper and rhythmic breathing
• Follow the steps in order
• Start these exercises at a slow pace and increase the number of sets gradually
• Train yourself daily
• Be aware while doing each pose
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Stay hydrated
• Never hurry through your repetitions. Be slow and steady!

Now that you know the myriad benefits of Surya namaskar, why not give it a try yourself?