Trying to Salute the Sun

Published on August 27, 2005 By InBloom In Misc

For a week, I have been trying to salute the sun, and I gotta say, it’s not as easy as it seems.

I just recently bought a book at B&N called Yoga Burns Fat...now, I am aware that it does sound gimmicky--a book that promises muscle gain, weight loss, increase in metabolism, and a better sense of self in seven weeks? Sounds too good to be true, don’t it. But you know what? I am willing to give it a shot.

The type of yoga in this book is hatha yoga...it has you practice 7 different types of routines (a routine a week). You start with routine one, and once you have mastered that routine with a week’s worth of practice, you move on to the next one.

Just having started this program, I am still on Routine 1. After you do a series of stretches you start the main part of the yoga routine called a “Vinyasa” (loosely meaning a sequence of yoga poses). The Vinyasa for this routine is called Salute to the Sun. Ideally, it is meant to do first thing in the morning, but since I get up so early for work, I prefer to do it in the afternoon or evening.

Now, when I read the steps on how to salute the sun, I knew I was going to be in a bit of trouble. For one thing, I am not a very flexible person. I am the girl who couldn’t tumble in gym class, and the one who couldn’t do a split. Secondly, I am not in the best of physical shape. I am not seriously overweight or anything like that, but I am not a featherweight, and obviously, could use to lose a few pounds.

Steps 1 through 3 I have no problem with, but here is the part where I had trouble: Step 4: ‘Inhaling, step your left leg straight back. Bend your right knee forward in a lunge.’ Step 5: ‘Exhaling, extend your right leg straight back and tighten your abdominal muscles while supporting your body weight on locked arms and your toes.’ Step 6: Inhale, then exhale. Hold your breath as you drop to your knees and sit back on your heels. Place your elbows, chin, chest on the floor; keep a strong arch in your lower back.’ Then it goes on to six more

Yikes. I lost my balance a few times the first and second day I attempted it. I even lost my breath and had to stop a few times. My poses were awkward and goofy...a light and airy yoga girl I was not. I wondered to myself, “Gosh...am I gonna be able to do this? Will my hopes of burning fat with wonderfully tranquil yoga go down the tubes? Will I be able to salute the sun without letting its heat wear me down (okay..maybe I’m being a bit dramatic here) ? I had doubts for a few minutes....then cleared my head of them. I was not about to quit so soon.

Day 3 went a bit better. I was able to memorize most of the poses without looking at the book. My balance was better, and I was able to inhale and exhale correctly, without getting too light headed. Day 4 I did mostly without the aid of the book, and although some of my posing was still awkward, I was proud that I went through the whole routine feeling pretty okay. Day 5 I was able to do much quicker, and with more coordination. I think I actually saluted the sun the way it deserved to be saluted!

I am actually glad I came upon this book. I had never tried yoga before, and I have a new respect for it. It actually does work up a sweat and allows you to work parts of your body that need it. Hmmm...maybe I can burn fat with it afterall....we’ll see.

Comments

alison watkins

on Aug 28, 2005

I never realized how difficult yoga was until I tried it myself. My muscles hurt just thinking about it! Enjoy it and have fun!

InBloom

on Aug 28, 2005

~I never realized how difficult yoga was until I tried it myself. My muscles hurt just thinking about it! Enjoy it and have fun!~

I always associated it with meditation and relaxation...doing it for exercise and fat burning is indeed difficult...I'm getting used to it and liking it more and more, though.

dharmagrl

on Aug 28, 2005

It WILL get better, trust me. Daily practice will make even chattaronga (plank)seem like child's play!

Once my back brace comes off I'm going to certify to teach yoga.....if you need any help or advice, LifeHappens teaches yoga. I'm sure she'd be happy to help!

InBloom

on Aug 29, 2005

~It WILL get better, trust me. Daily practice will make even chattaronga (plank)seem like child's play!Once my back brace comes off I'm going to certify to teach yoga.....if you need any help or advice, LifeHappens teaches yoga. I'm sure she'd be happy to help!~

wow...didn't know lifehappens was a yoga teacher...I'll definitely keep her in mind if I have a question.

Also, it'd be awesome if you get your yoga certification...maybe you can give some tips now and then!

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