Staying inside, snuggled up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot coco sounds like a great way to stay warm on a cold, snowy day like this. But that’s not the only way to keep warm! Why not warm up with some Sun Salutations?
Sun Salutations are known as surya namaskar in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It consists of a series of 12 poses, or asanas, that flow continuously and are linked with the breath. Poses that involves extension or stretching are done on the inhale and poses that involve folding or contracting are done on the exhale.
Here is a helpful video from Yoga Journal that demonstrates how to do a beginner friendly sun salutation: Sun Salutations
It is important to note that there are many different styles of yoga, and each has its own variation of sun salutations. Regardless of which style you practice, the foundation remains the same, and learning the sequence of a basic sun salutation will help prepare you for other versions.
The benefits of Sun Salutations are endless! Here are just a few:
- Brings heat to the body, warming up the muscles – perfect for cold Jersey snow storms!
- Improve balance & coordination,
-Strengthens all the major muscle groups in the body.
-Improves posture
-Increases flexibility
- Stimulates cardiovascular system
- Oxygenates the blood and strengthens the heart.
-Relaxing, rejuvenating, and reduces stress.
Happy Saluting!
* Moving Surya Namaskar picture courtesy of www.yogasite.com *
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