Benefits of Surya Namaskar for Runners
Yoga is about improving balance, flexibility and strength among other things, and running is dynamic and is more about strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular fitness. One doesn't have to choose between practicing yoga and running; they are complementary. Sun salutation is that one asana that can help you better your training.
Surya Namaskar or Sun salutation is considered to be the 'Ultimate Asana’. It consists of 12 yoga postures. A complete round of these 12 poses is counted as one Surya Namaskar. Some people count 12 poses on both legs as one which means 24 poses (12 on each leg) overall.
There are many benefits of doing Surya Namaskar but the ones that will help with training for running are toning the muscles, improving balance and blood circulation. Practicing this will strengthen the hamstrings, back, shoulders, and chest, as well as release tension. It also helps in strengthening and stretching glutes, core and lower legs.
Whether you do it only before you run or on daily basis, this is a perfect way to warm up and stretch your whole body. Just a few minutes of these poses, and you are set for a great training session. Below are the 12 steps of doing Sun salutation –
- Pranamasana (Prayer pose)
- Hastauttanasana (Raised arms pose)
- Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend)
- AshwaSanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
- Dandasana (Stick pose)
- AshtangaNamaskara (Salute with eight points)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
- Adho MukhaSvanasana (Downward facing dog pose)
- AshwaSanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
- Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend)
- Hastauttanasana (Raised arms pose)
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
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