9.24.2007
A Daily Ritual
Something that I have always found pretty cool is that many people around the world begin each day with a series of bodyweight exercises called Surya Namaskar.
Literally this translates as "Solute to the Sun" and it is a sequence of two sets of twelve poses, (using the opposite arm or leg on the second go around.)
As you might guess, it is performed at sunrise which many practitioners consider to be the most spiritual time of day.
The movements themselves have a specific sequence designed to bend and flex the spine and are performed in conjunction with certain breathing patterns as well.
(You can see and learn a version of Surya Namaskar on the Physical
Body Indian Physical Culture DVD found here: The Physical Body)
Anyhow, even if you don't follow this specific routine, I think that having a daily sequence of "something" you do each day is a pretty good idea.
Think about it:
Immediately after waking up you might be groggy, your muscles stiff or sore from inactivity and you need to literally and figuratively "wake up."
A few minutes of physical activity and breathing activities will increase blood flow, and help you "kick start" your internal engine, so to speak.
Aside from that, many people believe the proverbial "fountain of youth" resides in keeping your spine loose and flexible.
Their thought is that as your spine and back muscles tighten up, they start to absorb the "shock" of walking and moving (instead of dissipating like a flexible spine would) which, in turn, hastens the aging process.
Can't say whether thats how it is or not but I do think the importance of a few minutes of physical activity to begin the day is a very good idea for the reasons I just stated.
You may follow Surya Namaskar to a "T" or you may come up with your own unique sequence. I generally do a bit of stretching and breathing exercises right after I get out of bed.
I dont have a "set" sequence, just things to get moving, a few back and forth swings, a few pushps etc, this takes about a minute, maybe two.
I think its better than starting the day with a cup of coffee and besides, doing "something" every day is good for the mind, body and soul...
Train hard,
John Wood
Literally this translates as "Solute to the Sun" and it is a sequence of two sets of twelve poses, (using the opposite arm or leg on the second go around.)
As you might guess, it is performed at sunrise which many practitioners consider to be the most spiritual time of day.
The movements themselves have a specific sequence designed to bend and flex the spine and are performed in conjunction with certain breathing patterns as well.
(You can see and learn a version of Surya Namaskar on the Physical
Body Indian Physical Culture DVD found here: The Physical Body)
Anyhow, even if you don't follow this specific routine, I think that having a daily sequence of "something" you do each day is a pretty good idea.
Think about it:
Immediately after waking up you might be groggy, your muscles stiff or sore from inactivity and you need to literally and figuratively "wake up."
A few minutes of physical activity and breathing activities will increase blood flow, and help you "kick start" your internal engine, so to speak.
Aside from that, many people believe the proverbial "fountain of youth" resides in keeping your spine loose and flexible.
Their thought is that as your spine and back muscles tighten up, they start to absorb the "shock" of walking and moving (instead of dissipating like a flexible spine would) which, in turn, hastens the aging process.
Can't say whether thats how it is or not but I do think the importance of a few minutes of physical activity to begin the day is a very good idea for the reasons I just stated.
You may follow Surya Namaskar to a "T" or you may come up with your own unique sequence. I generally do a bit of stretching and breathing exercises right after I get out of bed.
I dont have a "set" sequence, just things to get moving, a few back and forth swings, a few pushps etc, this takes about a minute, maybe two.
I think its better than starting the day with a cup of coffee and besides, doing "something" every day is good for the mind, body and soul...
Train hard,
John Wood
Labels: Surya Namaskar, The Physical Body, Training Ideas, Training Thought
