Sigh. Both so important and it was a tough choice.
But let me get on with this….
I had first learnt Surya Namaskar way back from my Dad, did them for some time and slowly forgot the specific steps. The general idea stayed with me. Its only recently that the importance of this exercise has again dawned on me.
It is a combination of 12 asanas (Yoga postures) to be done sequentially preferably in the morning at Sunrise. This link has excellent photos to describe how to do the Surya Namaskar.
The breathing technique is extremely important if you want to do these right else you will only end up getting breathless and give up. Thats what happened with me and I turned to my Father for guidance. Basically it boils down to breathing out when exerting or forward bending.
The Surya Namaskar is a tribute to the Sun so what better way to perform the salutations than by saying the names of the Sun. This is also a good way to count reps. Here is a list of the names of the Sun that my Father gave me. Its in Marathi but I will put those names in English for you. Its for 13 repetitions and those wanting to do more can just start over. I have pasted the paper on the wall where I exercise just in case I forget!
I have added the above names in English at the end of this post for those interested.
When time is at a premium, just do a set of 13 Surya Namaskar and you need not feel guilty about not exercising. It doesn’t need much space and done correctly the 13 reps will be done in a jiffy and get your heart rate up as well!
Different experts will suggest variations of this exercise. Its best to stick to one form and not try to combine them by yourself.
Cheers!
Disclaimer: All
suggestions are general in nature. Readers are advised to exercise
caution before implementing them and seek expert advise about what is
suitable for their specific needs.
Om rham mitrya nmaha
Om rhim ravaye namaha
Om rhum suryay namaha
Om rhaim bhanave namaha
Om rhoum khagaya namaha
Om raha pushpave namaha
Om rham hiranyagarbhaya namaha
Om rhim marichaye namaha
Om rhum adityaya namah
Om rhaim savita namaha
Om rhoum arkaya namaha
Om raha bhaskaraya namaha
Shri Savita suryanarayana namaha.
Adityasya namaskaraye kuruvanti dine dine
Dirghamayur balam veeryam tejas teshamacha jayate.
Glad you wrote bout SuryaNamaskar. Started way back in my Yoga classes and found it a tough calling. But, once you get used, it's fun. I need to get back to SuryaNamaskar:) Love the post:)
Archana. I love it…and I should be doing this at least a few times a day…you've inspired me to…try.
Surya namaskar keeps you fresh and motivated all day long. Every one must do it regularly.
Thank you Vishal, Corinne and Usha. Appreciate your comments. 🙂
Archana, love the postn love surya namaskaars, I do the Hiranmaye na paatrena, mantra in the beginning…
Thank you Sunila!