How To Do Surya Namaskar
Sun Salutation – What is Surya Namaskar? - The Perfect Yoga Workout
Sun Salutation is considered a complete body workout. Yoga experts say that doing 12 sets of Surya Namaskar translates into doing 288 powerful yoga poses in a span of 12 to 15 minutes.
If you are pressed for time and looking for a single mantra to stay fit, here’s the answer: a sequence of 12 powerful yoga asanas (postures) that provide a good cardiovascular workout in the form of Surya Namaskar. Literally translating as “Sun Salutation”, Surya Namaskars are a good way to keep the body in shape and the mind calm and healthy.Surya Namaskar is best done early morning on an empty stomach. Let’s begin with these simple yet effective Sun Salutation steps on our way to good health.
Each round of Sun Salutation consists of two sets, and each set is composed of 12 yoga poses. You might find several versions on how to practice Sun Salutation. However, it is best to stick to one particular version and practice it regularly for best results.
Besides good health, Surya Namaskar also provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet, For the next 10 days, start your day with a feeling of grace and gratitude towards the sun energy. Do 12 rounds of Sun Salutation, ollowed by other yoga poses and then rest deeply in yoga nidra. You might just find that this could be your mantra to stay fit, happy and peaceful throughout the day.
12 Steps of Surya Namaskar
1 Pranamasana (Prayer pose)
Expand your chest and relax your shoulders.
As you breathe in, lift both arms up from the sides and as you exhale, bring your palms together in front of the chest in prayer position.
2 Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
You may push the pelvis forward a little bit. Ensure you're reaching up with the fingers rather than trying to bend backwards.to bend backwards.
3 Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
You may bend the knees, if necessary, to bring the palms down to the floor. Now make a gentle effort to straighten the knees.
It's a good idea to keep the hands fixed in this position and not move them henceforth until we finish the sequence.It's a good idea to keep the hands fixed in this position and not move them henceforth until we finish the sequence.
4 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
Ensure that the left foot is exactly in between the palms.
5 Dandasana (Stick pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor.
6Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Parts Or Points)
The two hands, two feet, two knees, chest and chin (eight parts of the body touch the floor).
7 Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
As you inhale, make a gentle effort to push the chest forward; as you exhale, make a gentle effort to push the navel down. Tuck the toes under. Ensure you're stretching just as much as you can; do not force.
8 Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
If possible, try and keep the heels on the ground and make a gentle effort to lift the tailbone up, going deeper into the stretch.
9 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
Place the right foot exactly between the two hands and the right calf perpendicular to the floor. In this position, make a gentle effort to push the hips down towards the floor, to deepen the stretch.
10 Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
Gently straighten the knees and if you can, try and touch your nose to the knees. Keep breathing.
11 Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms pose)
How to deepen this yoga stretch?
Ensure that your biceps are beside your ears. The idea is to stretch up more rather than stretching backwards.