Surya Namaskar For Weight Loss: The 12 Magical Yoga Asanas for a Fitter You
Published on 18 Jun 2021
Yoga has been a rock-solid choice of exercise by school teachers to doctors since time immemorial. Yoga is not only a prodigious form of exercise but also an optimum method to keep your mental and spiritual well-being hale and hearty.
Surya namaskar has been the topmost choice for many yoga practitioners to begin their day. And why would it not be? From soaking Vitamin D at its finest to waking up your muscles, the benefits of Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar are too many to miss out on!
The Sun shines to fill us up with energy and life, so a series of yoga asana saluting our Sun might be your first step towards gratitude and a healthier way of life.
Let us list down 7 benefits of Surya Namaskar to get you going!
Tones muscles and enhances flexibility
Mode of cardio training and hormonal balance
Improves digestion and promotes weight loss
Focuses on raising energy and awareness levels
Improves absorption of nutrients
Alleviates moods swings to bring emotional stability
Leads to a glowing skin
How to do Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)?
Follow these step-by-step instructions of performing Sun Salutation.
Tips to keep in mind before and after Sun Salutation
Kudos to you if you practice early morning yoga while you soak the Vitamin D from early morning sun rays!
Be mindful of your breathing pattern.
Synchronize your inhale and exhale with each movement
2-5 mins of meditation before and after Surya Namaskar will provide you seamless and serene yoga practice.
Hold each Surya Namaskar yoga asanas for at least 5 seconds.
Try to increase your practice to 12 rounds of Sun Salutation in one go for faster and better results.
Begin by standing tall on your yoga mat with your shoulder back and hands by your side.
Take a deep breath in to raise your arms towards the ceiling.
Exhale to bring your palms together in Namaskar mudra or Prayer pose.
Mindful Tip
Keep your back straight and shoulders broadened at all times to avoid pressure on your lower back.
Asana 2- Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)
Now we transition to Hastauttanasana or a backbend.
Inhale to straighten your back as you raise your arms once again.
Dig your heels on the yoga mat and start bending back till you feel the stretch.
Mindful Tip
Remember to push down on all corners of your feet and aim your hands towards the ceiling as you start your backbend.
Asana 3- Hastapadasana (Hand to Foot Pose)
Take a deep breath in while you hold the Raised arms pose.
With your exhale, keep your back straight as you began bending down from your waist.
Keep bending forward till your palms reach the floor.
Modification
If you are a yoga beginners, then keep a soft bend in your knees.
Remember the crux of Hastapadasana is not meeting the hand to foot rather keeping a straight as you bend forward.
Asana 4- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
Inhale and bring you left leg back while placing your right leg in the middle of your palms.
Gently rest your left knee on the ground.
Stare straight ahead as you focus to push your pelvis towards the mat. Keep your back straight while you hold the pose.
Keep your movements in sync with each inhale and exhale to feel the Equestrian Pose.
Mindful Tip
As you become a frequent practitioner you will begin breathing through your core. That would activate your core and work wonders for your weight loss journey through Surya namaskar.