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Surya Namaskar Framework

The Surya Namaskar Framework is a comprehensive yoga practice that involves 12 poses, designed to...

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Men who want to improve their flexibility, balance, and overall well-being through a structured yoga practice.

Not ideal for

Those who are severely injured or have chronic health conditions that may be exacerbated by physical activity.

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Surya Namaskar Framework is a comprehensive yoga practice that involves 12 poses, designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a dynamic sequence of postures that combines movement, breathing, and meditation to create a holistic practice. By following this framework, individuals can improve their flexibility, balance, strength, and overall health. The practice is typically performed in the morning on an empty stomach and can be modified to suit different levels of ability and experience.

Core principles

4 total
  1. Combine movement, breathing, and meditation to create a holistic practice.
  2. Start with a foundation of physical postures to build strength, flexibility, and balance.
  3. Incorporate breathing techniques to calm the mind and promote relaxation.
  4. Modify the practice to suit individual needs and abilities.

Steps

12 steps
  1. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)
    Stand at the edge of your mat with your legs placed close together, inhale through your nose, and lift your arms above your head. Exhale slowly through your nose and bring your palms together in front of your chest.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid bending or twisting if you have any back or neck injuries.
  2. Hasta Uttansana (Raised Arms Pose)
    Inhale through your nose and lift your arms up, slowly moving them backward. Ensure your biceps are close to your ears and stretch your body.
    Pro tipKeep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
    WarningAvoid overstretching if you have any shoulder or arm injuries.
  3. Hastapaadasana (Hand to Foot Pose)
    Exhale through your nose and bend your body forward, keeping your palms facing downward and your fingertips aligned with your toes. Bend your knees slightly if you feel any discomfort.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid bending or twisting if you have any back or neck injuries.
  4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
    Inhale and push your left leg back slowly, stretching it as far as you can. Bring your right foot forward and place it between your hands.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid overstretching if you have any hip or leg injuries.
  5. Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose)
    Don't exhale after the previous step, and stretch your left leg backward slowly. Support your body weight with your toes and hands, keeping your body perfectly aligned.
    Pro tipKeep your core engaged and your body straight.
    WarningAvoid putting too much weight on your wrists or shoulders.
  6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with 8 Parts)
    Slowly move your knees towards the floor while exhaling, bending your knees towards the floor. Lower your chest and chin towards the floor, keeping eight parts of your body touching the floor.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid bending or twisting if you have any back or neck injuries.
  7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
    Place yourself on all fours, keeping your arms shoulder-width apart and your knees almost touching. Slowly lower your body while keeping your upper torso elevated, looking upwards if possible.
    Pro tipKeep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
    WarningAvoid overstretching if you have any back or neck injuries.
  8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
    Exhale slowly through your nose and curl up your toes. Slowly raise your hips and pivot them, forming an inverted V shape with your body. Push your heels outward and arch your shoulders back.
    Pro tipKeep your core engaged and your body straight.
    WarningAvoid putting too much weight on your wrists or shoulders.
  9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
    Inhale and push your left leg back slowly, stretching it as far as you can. Bring your right foot forward and place it between your hands.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid overstretching if you have any hip or leg injuries.
  10. Hastapaadasana (Hand to Foot Pose)
    Exhale through your nose and bend your body forward, keeping your palms facing downward and your fingertips aligned with your toes. Bend your knees slightly if you feel any discomfort.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid bending or twisting if you have any back or neck injuries.
  11. Hasta Uttansana (Raised Arms Pose)
    Inhale through your nose and lift your arms up, slowly moving them backward. Ensure your biceps are close to your ears and stretch your body.
    Pro tipKeep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
    WarningAvoid overstretching if you have any shoulder or arm injuries.
  12. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)
    Stand at the edge of your mat with your legs placed close together, inhale through your nose, and lift your arms above your head. Exhale slowly through your nose and bring your palms together in front of your chest.
    Pro tipKeep your back straight and engage your core to maintain balance.
    WarningAvoid bending or twisting if you have any back or neck injuries.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Surya Namaskar for Beginners

A beginner starts with 5-10 repetitions of Surya Namaskar and gradually increases the number as they build strength, flexibility, and endurance. They focus on proper alignment, breathing, and movement, and modify the practice according to their needs and abilities.

OutcomeThe beginner experiences improved flexibility, balance, and overall well-being, and is able to progress to more advanced practices.
Yoga for Men Beginner’s Step by Step Guide to a Stronger
Surya Namaskar for Advanced Practitioners

An advanced practitioner incorporates Surya Namaskar into their daily routine, using it as a warm-up for more advanced practices. They focus on precision, control, and fluid movement, and explore variations and modifications to deepen their practice.

OutcomeThe advanced practitioner experiences improved strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, and is able to take their practice to the next level.
Yoga for Men Beginner’s Step by Step Guide to a Stronger

Common mistakes

5 traps
Insufficient Warm-up
Not warming up properly before starting the Surya Namaskar practice can lead to injuries or discomfort. It's essential to prepare your body with some light cardio and stretching exercises before beginning the practice.
Poor Alignment
Not maintaining proper alignment during the practice can lead to injuries or discomfort. It's crucial to focus on your posture and engage your core to maintain balance and stability throughout the practice.
Overexertion
Pushing yourself too hard during the practice can lead to exhaustion, injury, or burnout. It's essential to listen to your body and modify the practice according to your needs and abilities.
Inconsistent Breathing
Not maintaining a consistent breathing pattern during the practice can lead to discomfort, anxiety, or stress. It's crucial to focus on your breath and synchronize it with your movements to get the most out of the practice.
Lack of Focus
Not maintaining focus during the practice can lead to a lack of progress, frustration, or disappointment. It's essential to stay present, focused, and mindful throughout the practice to get the most out of it.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Surya Namaskar Framework has its roots in ancient Indian yoga traditions, where it was practiced as a way to honor the sun and promote physical and spiritual well-being. The practice has been popularized in modern times through various yoga styles and schools, and is now widely recognized as a beneficial practice for overall health and wellness.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Yoga For Men Beginner’s Step by Step Guide to a Stronger
Michael Williams · 2018
Open source →

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