| We live in a sound-byte age where our daily demands | | | | in a big backward step and keep the hands and left |
| leave us with little time for exercise, at least in the | | | | foot firmly on the ground. Bending the head backward |
| mornings when it may perhaps be most efficient. | | | | the left knee should be between the hands. |
| However, Yoga offers a systematic combination of | | | | 5. Inhale and hold the breath. Move the left leg from the |
| poses, deep breathing and meditation that you could | | | | body and, keeping both feet together and the knees of |
| practice in 5-10 minutes-or less depending on your | | | | the floor, rest on the hands (arms straight) and keep |
| choice-and will also leave you invigorated and eager to | | | | the body in a straight line from head to foot. |
| step into the day feeling more energized. | | | | 6. Exhale and lower the body to the floor. In this |
| So what is this quick routine I am talking about? It is | | | | position, only 8 portions of the body come in contact |
| known as the Sun Salutations. | | | | with the floor: the two feet, two knees, two hands, |
| They are very simple to learn and just about anyone, | | | | chest and forehead. |
| regardless of their fitness or flexibility levels can learn | | | | 7. Inhale and bend back as much as possible bending |
| these simple exercises. In actuality, if you are familiar | | | | the spine to the maximum. |
| with "burpies" (the calisthenics exercise), they do derive | | | | 8. Exhale and lift the body of the floor. Keep the feet |
| their origin from them. | | | | and heels on the floor. |
| Besides being an exercise routine, they are quite | | | | 9. Inhale and bring the right foot along the level of the |
| indispensable as they do the following. | | | | hands; left foot and knee should touch the ground. |
| -They alleviate disorders of the skin and waist. | | | | Look up, bending the spine slightly (same position as |
| -They mildly exercise the legs and arms at the same | | | | #4) |
| time increasing the circulation and restoring flexibility to | | | | 10. Exhale and bring the left leg forward. Keep the |
| the limbs. | | | | knees straight and bring the head down to the knees |
| -They are one of the best ways to burn calories and | | | | as in the third position. |
| reduce weight and are often recommended for | | | | 11. Raise the arms overhead and bend backward |
| obesity and depression. | | | | inhaling. As in Position 2. |
| -They are an effective way of loosening up, stretching | | | | 12. Exhale and drop the arms and relax. |
| and massaging all joints and internal organs of the | | | | You have now completed one round. |
| body. | | | | Perform as many rounds as possible in multiples of 3. |
| -They stimulate and balance all the systems of the | | | | Ideally you want to aim for 6 rounds minimum and up |
| body including the endocrine, circulatory, reproductive | | | | to a maximum of 30. It only takes about 5-10 minutes, |
| and digestive system. | | | | depending on your speed and intensity and is best |
| For directions on how to perform them, study, | | | | practiced with as little clothing as possible before an |
| memorize and practice the following: | | | | open air window first thing in the morning. |
| 1. Stand straight with the palms together as in a prayer | | | | So when you've got little time to spare but need to be |
| position. | | | | energized the way perhaps only physical exercise can, |
| 2. Inhale and stretch the arms above the head. | | | | why not try the Sun Salutations. Your body will be glad |
| 3. Exhale and bend forward while touching the toes. | | | | you did and so will your mind. |
| 4. Inhale and stretch the right leg away from the body | | | | |