Surya Namaskar is a much popular term these days. There are people everywhere who speak about it’s benefits but what is Surya Namaskar really? Does it really help us lose weight? Let’s find out.
Surya Namaskar a Sanskrit term that specifies a particular sequence of twelve Yoga asana. It’s also called sun salutation.
It’s a popularly known yoga practice that is involved in diverse traditions of Yoga such as:
- Hatha
- Vinyasa
- Ashtanga
The term Surya Namaskar is derived from two Sanskrit roots:
- Surya, meaning “Sun”
- Namaskar meaning “greetings” or “salutation”
In Indian cultural roots originated the practice of Surya Namaskar. It means paying respect to the sun, as it is a source of energy to the entire planet Earth. Hence the practice holds great spiritual importance.
Surya Namaskar Explained
Surya Namaskar is ideally considered to be a morning practice, created to harness the prana shakti (life energy) which flows most abundantly at dawn.
The different possess stimulates all muscles, organs, systems and chakras. It also helps in cultivating concentration, calmness and stillness of mind.
Pro Tip: “Best time to do Surya Namaskar is in the morning, on an empty stomach.
It provides an all-around movement for body, mind and spirit. Surya Namaskar is an energizing and efficient way to connect with inner spirit and stillness. Also, it is often used as a warm-up at the start of a longer yoga practice.
Surya Namaskar For Weight Loss consists of 12 poses:
| POSES NAMES | MEANING |
| Prana asana | Prayer Pose |
| Urdhva Hastasana | Upward Salute |
| Uttanasana | Standing Forward Fold |
| Ashwa Sanchalanasana | Equestrian Pose or Long Lunge |
| Chaturanga Dandasana | Plank Pose |
| Ashtanga Namaskar | Eight Limbed Salute |
| Bhujangasana | Cobra Pose |
| Adho Mukha Svanasana | Downward-Facing Dog Pose |
| Ashwa Sanchalanasana | Equestrian Pose or Low Lunge |
| Uttanasana | Standing Forward Fold |
| Urdhva Hastasana | Upward Salute |
| Pranamasana | Prayer Pose |
Though this sequence is widely acknowledged as the traditional version, variations in yoga poses are taught by different schools of yoga, often even incorporating additional yoga postures.
For instance, Ashtanga yoga teaches two sequences, Surya Namaskar A and Surya Namaskar B, both of which consists of different asana to those listed above. In some traditions like Siv Ananda, every step of the sequence is combined with a Sanskrit mantra.
Benefits of Surya Namaskar
Our body is composed up of three elements, and regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps in balancing these three:
- Kapha
- Pitta
- Vata
Some other benefits are:
- Flexibility aids
- Glowing skin
- Strengthens joints and muscles
- Aids digestive system
- Mental health aids
- Detoxifies body
- Blood circulation aids
Does Surya Namaskar Aids in weight loss?
Here comes the best part, YES you can lose weight with Surya Namaskar. You can skip gym and just dedicate to Surya Namaskar. It can show some tremendous results if done regularly. All you need a is mat and you are good to go.
Research suggests that each round of Surya Namaskar burns around 13.90 calories, and the most ideal number of sets should twelve.
Start small and then gradually increase it to 12 sets.
Each round takes around 3.5 to 4 minutes, hence keep at least 45minutes to 1 hour daily.
This is all you need to know and you are good to go.
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Pro Tip: “Try meditating before and after the Surya Namaskar practice for a calmer sense of awareness.”
Conclusion
Surya Namaskar a perfect yoga regime has manifold benefits. It’s an overall healer practice and hence can be a part of anyone easily. It doesn’t demand much space, equipment or expenditure.
It’s a boon to humanity and the best part is that along with skin, metabolism and weight loss benefits it keeps our mind calm. Also, it is a proven practice to increase our concentration and anger levels.
Surya Namaskar if possible must be started under slight guidance if one has any health issues.
Start your day with a sense of gratitude, start it with Surya Namaskar.