Sarvangapushti: Can one exercise strengthen your whole body?

Know more about the yogic technique of Sarvangapushti, known as the one exercise that strengthens your whole body

New Delhi | October 9, 2023 06:20 PM IST

3 min read

Here's what to consider about Sarvangapushti (Source: Freepik)

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Considering the busy lives that we all lead, it is no surprise that all of us are looking towards easy, quick, and highly effective exercise routines that can be done in the least amount of time possible but duly work. That sounds too good to be true. Yoga experts elucidate that the “one exercise for everything” is Sarvangapushti, a Sthula Vyayam practice that is said to strengthen all body parts and enhance flexibility. “The exercise is called Sarvangapushti. It is a yogic technique with many benefits. You can do 15 clockwise and 15 anticlockwise for best results,” said yoga trainer Juhi Kapoor.

Calling Sarvangapushti, an Ayurvedic concept that promotes the health of the body, mind, and soul, in accordance with Ayurvedic principles of balance and harmony, Dr Vikas Verma, founder, Shashvat Ayurveda, Chandigarh concurred that it emphasises flexibility, strength, and endurance on the physical level. “Yoga postures and stretches exercise all muscle groups, increasing suppleness and muscular growth. These exercises not only improve physical strength but also increase the flow of prana, or life force energy, which improves general vitality,” said Dr Verma.

According to Kapoor, the technique targets the arms, belly, side, hips, back, and thighs.

Yoga has several mindful techniques (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

How to do it with the correct form?

*Stand with your feet wide open such that it is double the shoulder width.
*Close your fists with the thumb inside. Now, raise the arms over the head such that they touch the ears while crossing each other at the wrists.

How does it benefit you?

Kapoor shared that the technique helps bring balance and lends more flexibility.

-Enhances overall body flexibility and strength.
-Improves shoulder, back, and spinal flexibility, alleviating stiffness.
-Increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing mental clarity and nourishing brain cells.
-Promotes improved posture and balance.
-Aids in weight loss and reduces excess waist fat.
-Tones abdominal organs through forward and lateral bendings, aiding in digestive disorders.

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Who is not for?

Kapoor also shared that the technique should not be practiced if you have the following contraindications

– Back pain, lumbar spondylitis, or cervical spondylitis.
– Don’t practice with hernia, as bending can worsen it.
– Consult a physician if you’ve had a past surgical abdominal operation.
– Avoid after recent surgical procedures to protect the healing process.
– Be cautious if you have heart disease or high blood pressure due to potential strain.
– Skip Sarvangapushti during vertigo as it involves forward bending, which is not recommended.

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