My theme for this year’s #atozchallenge is – 26 Yogasana. So brace yourself for 26 days of stretching, backbends and inversions, as I take you along my upside down evenings, sincerely hoping that you will find these posts helpful 🙂
I have been working on my splits for over 6 months now. One of the key aspects of attaining flexibility is to relax the muscles while holding the pose. But before we slide into any stretching position, warming up the body is important. Jogging, Running, Butt kicks, jumping jacks, a set Suryanamaskar – you can pick any of your favourite form of warmup.
I start my stretches with Low Lunge or Anjaneyasana, holding it for 10 – 15 breaths before switching the leg. It is advisable to hold the knee in 90 degree angle (knee shouldn’t cross the toes), but for a deeper stretch, as long as there’s not much pressure on the knee, you can bend your leg further so that the pelvis is nearer to the floor.
This is a wonderful hip stretch that also strengthens the supporting muscles for the knees, opens up your shoulders, lungs and chest, improves your balance and builds core awareness. If you have difficulty maintaining balance then please practice it near the wall.
Disclaimer: I am not an Instructor or Yoga teacher, only a regular Hatha Yoga practitioner who is passionate about fitness. I am writing this series to detail my learning and experience during the practice. Please consult a Physician/Doctor before starting any exercise regime as some of the poses might contradict with your existing medical issues, for example injuries related to spinal cord, knee, ankle, wrists, neck, medical conditions like Migraine, Diabetics, Asthma etc.
Stay Strong and Humble! Namaste.
I have always been a yoga lover but being very lazy, I leave it after a week or two. My favorite is Sarvangasana 🙂 Will go through all your posts in good time 🙂
I admire people who can do what you do, mostly because there’s no way I could do it.
John Holton
A to Z Challenge Co-Host
The Sound Of One Hand Typing
I used to be a Yoga enthusiast till other fitness fads like running, cycling and strength training kicked in. I miss yoga. Please inspire me to go back ☺️
Great one Rajalaxmi!
Blog: natashamusing
Theme: Travel Epiphanies
Boisterous Fruit Bats</a
What a lovely theme and start to AtoZ! I love stretching! My knee is giving me a bit of trouble, but your video makes it look so doable! I am going to give this a try 🙂
Good Luck!
oh that one actually looks quite doable!
Debbie
I love your theme. I love the name of Anjaneyana asana. It’s Hanuman ji’s name and the lunge was his way of bowing down I guess 🙂
Great form there, Raji.
I look forward to your lovely Yoga poses and wonder what pose you are going to do for X and Z. I’m finding it difficult to find a fabric or style of fabric for R believe it or not! Good luck with the challenge
I wish I could hit my face into my knee with the ease that you do! Gotta get back in practice
I’m going to love it too. I hope I can at least attempt some of these poses in time. As you say, with a good warm up first.
Maybe we should do a group warm up before visiting any AtoZers each day?
Jemima Pett with a guest Astronaut!
This theme is *so* your forte! I was watching the video you shared on IG earlier today, and I tell you, my jaw had to be scraped off the floor. I was like, “How is she doing this!” Too good!
I love yoga! I’ve only been doing it a year, but I really have noticed a change in my mind and body! Look forward to the next 25 posts!
I’ll probably fall over sideways, to the great amusement of my son and consternation of my husband, but what the heck… adding it to my list of things to try this month. 🙂
You are such an inspiration! Hopefully I’ll be a little more “bendy” by the end of the month following your lead.
this theme is going to rock this season. motivating for everyone to be fit and healthy
well written. Thanks for sharing Amazing Guide to your First Menstrual Period
You completely own this theme! I am such a let down on the other hand! Wonderful as always.
If I ever plan to settle in Aus, you’re going to be yoga instructor. I just love your yoga pics. So perfect they’re. If anytime you thinking of a virtual Yoga class, I’ll be your first join. 🙂
My comment for the entire April posts are going to be “OMG! How?” 😀
Love the theme, Raj! Wish I could do something from the yogasanas you share!
So 26 yoga asans along with a video? That’s sounds like the perfect treat Raj!
Cheers
Very interesting theme. It’s about time for my Yoga class too ☺️
Good luck with challenge…keep inspiring others!
I am so happy you are doing A-Z posts on Yoga asanas. I am going to practice these daily as you post!
I’ve been following your instagram updates on these yoga poses. Some times I wonder if you’re made of flesh and bones or is it just rubber in there? You’re so flexible! Remarkable, really!
Always stretch, yes! I do stretch whenever I wake up from bed every morning, but that’s about it!
I seriously need to get back to fitness now and I’m hoping that your posts will do the trick 🙂
Practicing Yoga has recently featured on my wish list. Your series, am sure will inspire me to take it up sometimes real soon.
The ideal theme for your AtoZ Raj! These days, whenever I see a yogasana, I think of your graceful photos. Anjaneyasana sounds doable. Great for flexibility. Of course, I will invoke Him, too! Hugs!
Love your theme. A big Yoga fan myself having been practising since years. Will bookmark your blog. Look forward. 🙂
I’ve just started Surya Namaskar again. My goal is to shed 27 kgs by my 40th birthday, which is in Jan next year. Long way, I know! 😀
First of all, I find your theme really interesting. This seems similar to Virbhadrasana (a little different though).
I like yoga but am unable to practice it regularly. So, am looking forward to your posts.
Wow, I’m hoping these 26 days will help me well and truly start with yoga already!
That’s really nice, Raj. Is this the warrior pose?
Super impressed that you decided to document this series on your blog through A to Z. I’ve always admired your passion for fitness and this is perfect for the blog this April! I can do suryanmaskar comfortably. Should work on these stretches. Bookmarking.
I recently started working out and I love your theme. It’s going to be helpful 🙂
I doubt I’ll ever be able to do splits, let alone trying to master them. this stance seems doable. 🙂
Going to love your theme. Must admit I’m still looking for a yoga class here that suits my times! Low lunge is something I can actually do unlike some of the other ones you do!