NEW YEAR RESOLUTION AND FITNESS

No one's ever achieved fitness with a January resolution that's abandoned by February."

The "New year, new me" resolution that everyone chalks out on New Year's Eve is inspiring but tough to go through beyond the paper. Fitness is a go-to goal for a lot of individuals, starting with avoiding those delicious carbs and sweets to taking out those dusty running shoes for the gym. So why not start something simple which can transform your lifestyle? The solution is Yoga! 

It is tempting to pick up trending fitness challenges to reduce your weight (well, who doesn't want to be in a picture-perfect shape!) or build those abs you have always fantasized about. But it is intimidating to use fancy gym equipment and to continue a series of rigorous workouts (sigh!). The solution to all your apprehensions is Yoga. 

Yoga helps build both the body and mind. It helps you evolve into a wiser and calmer person. Do not be intimidated by yoga terminologies, fancy yoga studios, and complicated poses. Yoga is for everyone; here are some yoga poses for you to start with: 

1. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) 



The word 'Paschim' means west and 'Uttana' means stretched out. Here the word Paschim (west) does not mean the west side rather it indicates the back of the body. Paschimottanasana is a classic pose from Hatha Yoga. 



STEPS 

• Sit up with the legs stretched out straight in front of you on the floor. 

• Keep the spine erect and toes flexed towards you. 

• Breathing in, slowly raise both the arms straight above your head and stretch up. 

• Slowly breathe out and bend forward from the hip joint, chin moving toward the toes keeping the spine erect. 

• Place your hands on your legs, wherever they reach, without putting much effort. 

• If possible, hold your toes and pull on them to help you go forward. 

• After the exertion limit has reached inhale, and raise, stretching your arms straight above your head. 

• Breathe out and bring your arms down placing the palms on the ground.


BENEFITS 

• It improves blood circulation. 

• It activates the spinal nerves. 


PRECAUTIONS 

• Avoid this asana if you suffer from a back injury. 

• If you are suffering from severe asthma avoid Paschimottanasana.

 

2. Mountain Pose (Tadasana) 

A very simple yoga pose which is regarded as the "mother of asanas" is like the base from which all other poses emerge. The word 'Tada' means mountain. Tadasana serves as the neutral pose between all standing poses. 

STEPS 

• Stand straight and keep your feet some distance apart, on a flat surface. 

• Keep your hands hanging alongside your body and keep your body straight. 

• Take a deep breath, raise your toes stretch your body gently upwards and balance yourself on your heels. 

• Be in this position for 10 to 30 seconds or as long as you can. 

• Come back to the starting position gently while exhaling. 


BENEFITS 

• Tadasana improves your posture. 

• Great for increasing your height. 


PRECAUTIONS 

• Avoid this if your blood pressure is low.

• Do not over-strain yourself. 


3. Raised Hands Pose (Urdhva Hastasana)


 

Urdhva Hastasana is derived from the combination of the Sanskrit words Urdhva(Upward), Hasta (hand), and asana (posture or pose). It is called an Upward Salute. 


STEPS 

• On a flat surface start with Tadasana(Mountain Pose). 

• Keep your hands straight by your side. 

• Straighten your legs as much as possible. 

• Now slowly raise your hands over your head. 

• Try to form the salutation pose by touching both hands. 

• Slightly slope the head towards the back and look upwards. 

• Exit the pose by coming back to the mountain pose. 


BENEFITS 

• Helps to reduce Asthma. 

• Improve the sense of balance. 


PRECAUTIONS 

• Avoid this if you have a shoulder or neck injury. 

• Do not overstretch beyond your comfortable limit. 


These are some Yoga poses to start with. There are a lot of other asanas for your mental and physical well-being. You can pass through another year, coasting on cruise control. Or you can step out of your comfort zone, try things you have never done before, & make this year that you elevate from where you are & soar high. Make it happen with Yoga!

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