Celeb Yoga instructor Payal Gidwani once revealed that the secret of Kareena Kapoor’s svelte body is a minimum of 50 suryanamaskars in one yoga session. So, is the Surya Namaskar just a new-age bollywood fad or is there something more to it? We bring some answers to the oft asked questions on the topic:
What is the Surya Namaskar?
The practice of Suryanamaskar (or salutation of the sun) has been propogated for centuries by our ancestors. It is a sequence of 12 yogasanas.
How is the Surya Namaskar good for health?
- Unlike many other forms of exercise, the Surya Namaskar involves almost 90-95% of our body and organs, activating and energizing them. The alternating backward and forward bending actions flex and stretch the internal organs, increasing their oxygen supply thus detoxifying them.
- It also improves flexibility, strength and endurance.
- It helps lose weight the right way by activating the internal organs and improving metabolism.
- It also give a sense of mental peace and calm.
- As per our ancestors, each asana activates a particular chakra (force centres) in the body.
When and how should one perform the Surya Namaskar?
You can practice it anytime, anywhere. However, our ancestors have suggested that it is best done early in the morning facing the sun (east). Since all you need is a mat, you can perform it practically anywhere.
The basic instruction for breathing is to inhale during backward bending and exhale during forward bending exercises. An ideal set would be 12, covering the right and left legs in one set, adding up to a total of 24 rounds.
Can I start practising the Surya Namaskar on my own?
No, start with a good instructor. It is highly important to learn the correct postures. Many people who’ve watched TV or read books and performed asanas often complain of aches and pains and give up the Yoga practice.
A good instructor would also ensure that you perform the asanas as per your capacity and body type while keeping your medical problems in mind, if any.
Watch the entire Surya Namaskar sequence here:
First Published: Apr 20, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Sir/Madam,
Thanks for sharing
[...] not only about the diet and the actress did regular yoga up to 40 minutes of asanas and 50 surya namaskars. She exercised twice a [...]
[...] not only about the diet and the actress did regular yoga up to 40 minutes of asanas and 50 surya namaskars. She exercised twice a [...]
[...] not only about the diet and the actress did regular yoga up to 40 minutes of asanas and 50 surya namaskars. She exercised twice a [...]
Nice article shared.Thanks !