Yoga, the ancient and the most rejuvenating form of exercise, has always worked towards bringing tranquility from within. Learn some of the natural forms of yoga exercises to increase height...
Many modernized forms of exercises have been developed and practiced. However, these exercises have always focused on toning the body. Besides wanting a well toned body, many people crave to be taller, and go to extreme lengths to achieve this. In fact, some even undergo surgery to make you taller and include food that increase height. However, all these measure are unhealthy and have adverse side effects on the human body. A healthy life must be composed of a stable mind and body. Yoga, among the oldest and the natural forms of exercise, brings peace from within and also shapes the body. A regular yoga regime can strengthen and stretch all the body parts, and also increases flexibility. Yoga helps in complete body coordination and also keeps the breath in control while performing the exercises. Yoga asanas reduce the risk of injuries and improves the overall body posture as well.
The right posture makes a person look taller and confident. Certain yoga exercises to increase height stretch the spine, which releases the stress or strain and causes it to straighten, making up for an erect posture. The tension created out of daily work pressure contracts the body muscles, which shrinks the actual height of the person. With yoga, this tension can be released, making the person feel more relaxed and fresh. Through this article, we'll be seeing the various forms of yoga exercises that can help you gain those vital extra inches and make you taller.
Trikonasana
Trikonasana is commonly known as the triangle position. It has numerous benefits and proves to be a great form of exercise for increasing the height. Trikonasana increases body flexibility, improves balance, stretches the spine, and corrects the alignment of the shoulders. Other benefits of this yoga asana are that it cures indigestion, acidity, gastritis, and backache. Performing trikonasana can tone the pelvic region and also correct the posture. It relaxes the muscles in the neck, knee and shoulder areas. Baddha trikonasana, baddha parivrtta trikonasana, parivrtta trikonasana and supta trikonasana are some of the variations involved in this particular asana. Following are the steps to perform trikonasana:
* Keep your legs wide apart in a standing position.
* Turn one foot outward at 90 degrees, straightening your leg, and slightly turn the other foot inward, at an angle of 45 degrees.
* Keeping the posture straight, bend your hips and stretch your arms to touch your toes.
* As you stretch one arm downward, stretch the other arm in the opposite direction, right above your head.
* Staying in the bent position, slightly twist from the hips and try to look at the fingertips.
It is important to keep the posture straight while trying to touch the toes and looking back at the fingertips. Breathe normal while performing the exercise. Inhale while getting into position and exhale while getting out of it. Slowly, come back to the original position keeping your breath in control. Repeat this position on both the sides and each time maintain the position for 15-20 seconds.
Sukhasana
Sukhasana, also known as the easy pose, is among the simple yoga exercises. A person is required to sit throughout this asana and focus on their breathing. In case you are about to begin your yoga exercises, sukhasana is a great exercise to start with. This asana improves concentration and leaves you feeling refreshed from the daily work stress. It also relieves you from back pain and reduces anxiety.
* Sit on the floor or a mat.
* Cross your legs, in a way that the heels touch the perineum.
* Rest your both hands on the knees.
* Take a deep breath lifting your chest and head.
* Breathe out, pressing your body weight to the ground.
It is important to keep the spine erect while performing the exercise. A slight incorrect posture can cause a muscle pull and result into severe injuries.
Bhujangasana
This yoga pose is known as the cobra pose. It is a very simple and easy exercise to perform and helps in growing taller. Follow the given tutorial in order to learn bhujangasana.
* Lie flat on your stomach.
* Touch your forehead to the ground and keep your hands on either side of your body.
* Bend from the elbow and firmly place your hands on either side of your chest.
* Take a deep breath and gradually lift your upper body, arching your back.
* Pull your head back and look up to the ceiling.
* Hold the position for 15 secs and exhaling, lie back flat on your stomach.
This asana stretches and relaxes the spine. At the beginning you might feel a little pain and stretch in the lower back due to stiffness.
Chakrasana
This pose is commonly known as the wheel pose. It improves the flexibility of spine as well the hip joints. It not only helps in making you taller but also reduces the waist size. Take up the following steps to perform chakrasana.
* Lie down on your back with a slight gap in between the legs.
* Bend your elbows and rest your hands on either side of your head. Begin lifting your head up and then your back and hips, making an arch like the crescent of the moon.
* Breathe slowly and hold the position for a few seconds.
Gradually come back to your original position
Chakrasana stretches the trunk part of your body and relaxes all the muscles around the abdominal area.
Tadasana
Tadasana, the mountain pose, is a great pose that stretches your spine and increases height. This asana can cure indigestion and improve the menstrual cycle as well. Here's how you can perform tadasana.
* Stand erect with sufficient distance between the feet.
* Inhaling, pull your arms above your head and bring them together.
* Close your hands in a way that your palm is stretched towards the ceiling.
* Slowly lift your feet and stretch your back upwards.
* Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds and exhaling, bring yourself down to the original position.
Repeat this yoga asana 2-3 times and try increase the duration of the pose every time you perform the asana.
Surya Namaskar
Surya namaskar comprises of 12 asanas which are performed one after the other. This yoga exercise is commonly known as Sun Salutation. Pranamasana, hasta uttanasana, hastapadasana, aekpaadprasarnaasana, dandasana, ashtanga namaskara, bhujangasana, adho mukha svanasana, ashwa sanchalanasana, uttanasana, hasta uttanasana and pranamasana together form this yoga exercise. When performed in series, they prove to be extremely beneficial. Surya namaskar can cure many health ailments like blood pressure, diabetes, backache and indigestion. It relaxes the tensed muscles and calms the mind. Following are the steps to perform surya namaskar.
* Stand straight with feet together and bring your hands together in front your chest.
* Breathe in and raise your hands above your head.
* Slowly stretch your arms and bend backwards to make the crescent moon pose.
* Exhaling, bend forward and bend your waist and rest your hands on either side of the toes.
* Firmly placing both the hands on the floor, stretch the right leg behind while you keep the left leg bent.
* Resting the body on the left leg, bend backwards. Lift your head, and neck and look up.
* Through out the position the left leg remains in between the hands.
* Exhaling, lift your hips up and align your head with the arms.
* Bend the left leg and place it between the hands, keeping the right leg behind. Lift the head.
* Bring together both the legs and just lift the hips keeping the upper body bent. Try to touch your head to the knees and hands to the floor.
* Breathe in and raise your arms above your head and bring them together forming the first position.
Surya namaskar drastically improves the body posture and even acts as a great exercise form for all the body parts. Start with minimum 10 counts of surya namaskar and increase the number as per the comfort level of the body.
Yoga has been in practice for many years now. It posses the power of healing many health ailments and also makes the mind calm and composed. Yoga exercises not only increase height, but also increases flexibility of the body. Flexibility releases muscle contractions and tension. A body free of muscle tension can remain healthy and even bring mental peace.
By Amruta Gaikwad
Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/yoga-exercises-to-increase-height.html