SOLAR ENERGY….Surya Namaskar. The ancient exercise is best done at sunrise, facing the sun, but you may also do it anytime.
Surya Namaskar literally salutation to the sun-is a sequence of some of Yoga’s basic asnas (postures). Accompanied by pranayam and the chanting of mantras, it’s regarded as a comprehensive form of exercise that is invaluable for our mind and body. The mantras are in praise of the Sun. our prime source of energy. Surya namaskar are found beneficial as modern-day exercises for improving the body’s strength, endurance and flexibility. “Modern exercises tend to be goal specific; they are developed specially for strength, endurance or flexibility. But just by changing the frequency of each asana in the Surya Namaskar sequence, any or all of these goals can be achieved.
A modern sports science recognizes the importance of a strong core: the part of the body between the spine muscles of the back and abdominal muscles in the front. A strong core means a stable foundation for arms & legs, which improves the range and power of their motion. Surya Namaskar targets the core, stimulating the enclosed organs: liver, pancreas, kidneys and intestines. The accompanying pranayam stimulates the diaphragm, improving respiration and heart health.
Lack of flexibility is often a big issue for sports injuries, which can be often prevented with preliminary warm-up. Surya Namaskar best done before breakfast is the perfect warm up because it stretches the chest and back muscles, the cervical spine, muscles of arms, hands, legs, and feet. Performing 108 Surya Namaskars in 30 minutes can burn about the same number of calories as running at a slow pace for 30 minutes.
As with all kinds of exercise, how you perform it is very important. Breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling based on which asana you are in. move slowly & feel each asana stretching your muscles. Ask partner to guide you, using the pictures of each asana as a guide or better seek a yoga teacher’s guidance.
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