Surya Namaskar: Steps to perform the exercise and health benefits

For those who don't have the time or resources to invest in an elaborate exercise regime, doing the Surya Namaskar daily is a holistic way to stay fit as it involves all major muscle groups and organ systems. This pose is known as the Pranamasanam which helps to relax and calm both body and mind. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Hastauttanasana: Stretches the chest and abdomen, lifts energy up through the body. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

For home makers as well as working women, the benefits of Surya Namaskar for weight loss are well known. This pose is known as Padahastasana which massages abdominal organs, increases the power of digestion and blood flow to the brain and stretches the spine. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Ashwa Sanchalanasana: Stretches the quadriceps, hip muscles and spine, stimulates abdominal organs and increases mental power. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Specific Surya Namaskar poses are known to have a calming effect on the brain and reduces anxiety. Shown here in the picture is the Parvatasana pose which strengthens legs and arms, stretches calf and spine muscles and relieves varicose veins. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Dandasana: Improves posture, strengthens back muscles and spine and stretches shoulders and chest. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Ashtanga Namaskara: Develops the chest and strengthens arms and legs. Not only that, the alternate stretching and compression of the abdominal organs as part of the Surya Namaskar regime can help tackle digestive and stomach related problems. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Bhujangasana: Relieves tension in back and spine and stimulates and expands chest and abdominal organs. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Parvatasana: Strengthens legs and arms, stretches calf and spine muscles and relieves varicose veins. It reduces flab in the back and waist and also helps relieve symptoms of respiratory disorders like asthma. It also increases one’s vital energy and because it combines a large number of muscle groups it warms up the body and elevates one’s heart rate and metabolic rate if sustained for more than 20 minutes in isolation or in sequence with other yogasans. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Ashwa Sanchalanasana: Stretches the quadriceps, hip muscles and spine, stimulates abdominal organs and increases mental power. It is beneficial for indigestion and constipation. Consider, including Surya Namaskar in your daily routine and reap its benefits. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Padahastasana: Massages abdominal organs, increases the power of digestion and blood flow to the brain, relieves female disorders and stretches the spine. It helps to improve spinal posture, making the spine resilient, straight and flexible. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Hastauttanasana: Stretches the chest and abdomen, lifts energy up through the body. It enables full utilisation of lung capacity. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Each Surya Namaskar pose enables a deep, active inhalation and exhalation throughout the 12 poses, making it a great way to detox the body naturally and keep the lungs properly ventilated. Pranamasana: Helps to relax and calm both body and mind. It also promotes balance between both sides of the body, apart from preparing the body for the upcoming cycle of Surya Namaskar. (Source: Thinkstock Images)