Festivals give us plenty to smile about. It is a time for celebration, merriment and with all that comes indulgence. Therefore, it is of primary importance that you remain healthy and fit during the festive season. With some workout discipline and diet control you can continue to rock, during the festive season and beyond with ease. Here’s a little help from Bengaluru’s fitness gurus that you can include in your daily workouts.
BY NAMITA GUPTA
YOGA – Good health is equal to good mood, and to put you in that harmonious state of being, here are a few amazing sequences and asanas for you. Practice them to gain the benefits of health, peace and bliss. Grand Master Akshar of Akshar Yoga shows some asanas that you can try at home.
Surya Namaskar – As a salutation to Lord Sun, Surya Namaskar always starts with the right side. This is because the Surya Nadi or the Sun channel runs along the right side, so you begin the Surya Namaskar with your right leg. Surya Namaskar must be practiced at dawn, facing the sun. 12 noon and 6pm are also recommended hours to begin the practice of this namaskar. Deepened state of practice takes the body to a higher plane of strength. 12 Steps make half the cycle. Repeat the 12 steps with the left leg moving in and out second to make 1 complete cycle. Total cycle is made of 24 counts.
Chandra Namaskar – The Chandra Namaskar is a salutation to the moon. The moon represents emotions, emotional intelligence and taste. As the Chandra Nadi or Moon Channel runs along the left side, you begin the Chandra Namaskar with your left leg first. Chandra Namaskar must be practiced at 6 pm facing the moon. Performing this namaskar during full moon nights is extremely nourishing to the body and spirit. 14 steps make half the cycle. Repeat the 14 steps with the right leg to make it 1 complete cycle with a total of 28 counts.
Naukasana – Lie down on your back. Lift up your upper and lower body to balance on your sitting bones. Your toes must be aligned with your eyes. Keep your knees and back straight. Keep your arms parallel to the ground and pointing forward. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Straighten your back. Inhale and exhale normally. This helps strengthen lower back, stomach and leg muscles, improves the functioning of the digestive system, tones the waist and promotes weight loss, removes gastro-intestinal discomfort, eliminates lethargy, builds abdominal muscles and stimulates circulatory, nervous and hormonal systems.
Chakrasana – Lie down on your back. Fold your legs at your knees and ensure that your feet are placed firmly on the floor. Bend your arms at the elbows with your palms facing the sky. Rotate your arms at the shoulders and place your palms on the floor on either side beside your head. Inhale, put pressure on your palms and legs and lift your entire body up to form an arch. Relax your neck and allow your head to fall gently behind. The chest expands and the lungs get more oxygen. It reduces the stress and tension in the body and the eye sight becomes sharp. This asana helps to strengthen the back and increases the elasticity of the spine. It reduces the fat in abdominal area and tones the digestive and reproductive organs. It strengthens the muscles of hands and the legs. It enhances the purification and circulation of blood and gives peace and clarity of thoughts.
