The sun salutation or the Surya namaskar is a yoga sequence of 12 steps that are performed lengthwise. This practice is known to cultivate solar energy and is warming and energising. Tap to read the health benefits of Surya namaskar.
According to yoga expert Mihir Jogh, Surya namaskar is the yang of yoga. It cultivates solar energy, and as a result, is warming and energising.
Surya namaskar involves several stretches, which help you tone up and strengthen your spine, neck, shoulder, hands, wrists, back and leg muscles.
Mumbai-based The Yoga Institute’s official website states that Surya namaskar may reduce redundant fat near the abdomen, hips, thighs, neck, and chin.
Regular practice of Surya namaskar may improve blood circulation to all parts of the body, thus playing a role in hair and skin health.
Practising surya namaskar every morning on an empty stomach may aid better digestion, which can be a boon for those suffering from constipation. The credit for this goes to the alternate stretching involved in the sequence.
The synchronised breathing and stretching involved in surya namaskar may calm your mind and help improve your memory and concentration.
Surya namaskar is a popular yoga exercise among celebrities – both, Indian and international. Bollywood stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shilpa Shetty, and Rakul Preet Singh swear by Surya namaskar to stay fit and fabulous. In November 2021, Kareena performed an impressive series of 108 Surya namaskars in one go.
Fitness icons and couple Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar also swear by the benefits of Surya namaskar. In late 2021, Milind had shared that he performs 30 Surya namaskars every morning and that it takes him around seven minutes to do so.