Health and Me

Ishita Roy

How To Safely Exercise Outdoors This Summer?

With longer days and sunnier skies, summer is the perfect time to take your workout outdoors. Activities like walking, running, hiking, and cycling not only boost physical <span>fitness</span> but also offer mental health benefits thanks to fresh air and natural surroundings. But as temperatures rise, so do the risks of injuries and heat-related issues. Whether you're just starting a routine or stepping up your fitness game, taking a few precautions can make your summer workouts safer and more effective.

<h4>Aim for Consistency Over Intensity</h4>

Health guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as <span>brisk walking</span>, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity like running. Breaking this into manageable sessions — say, 30 minutes five times a week — can help improve cardiovascular health, support weight management, and enhance overall well-being.

However, jumping into intense workouts after a period of inactivity can backfire. Sudden changes in exercise habits often lead to soreness, injury, and burnout. Sports medicine experts advise starting slow and steady. Begin with a 15-minute daily walk and increase duration or intensity by no more than 10% per week. This gradual build-up helps your muscles, tendons, and joints adapt to new demands.

<h4>Don’t Skip Foot and Ankle Prep</h4>

Many outdoor exercisers underestimate how much stress is placed on the feet and ankles — especially on uneven terrain. Overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and shin splints are common during summer, when people return to outdoor running or hiking after a break.

Simple stretches can reduce the risk of these injuries. A towel stretch, where you sit with your legs extended and pull your toes toward you using a towel or resistance band, can improve flexibility in your calves, heels, and arches. Repeat this two to three times a day, especially before and after workouts.

There’s no universal “best” shoe for walking or running. The right pair depends on your foot shape, arch type, gait, and the terrain you’re on. Comfort is key. Shoes should offer good arch support, shock absorption, and a snug — not tight — fit. If you’re not sure what suits you, visit a store that specializes in running or hiking gear for a gait analysis or professional fitting.

If you’re sharing roads or trails with vehicles or cyclists, being visible is non-negotiable. Wear bright, reflective clothing — especially in low light. Neon colors like yellow, green, and orange stand out during the day, while reflective vests, shoe strips, or LED bands can increase visibility at night. Always walk or run against traffic so you can see what’s coming.

<span>Outdoor exercise</span> brings you closer to nature — but that also means unpredictable surfaces, tree roots, loose gravel, or broken sidewalks. Experts recommend scanning 15–20 feet ahead while walking or running to spot potential hazards. If you notice something tricky approaching, slow down, focus on your footing, and proceed with caution to avoid sprains or falls.

If you prefer solo hikes or runs, always tell someone your route and estimated return time. In case of injury or getting lost, this information could be critical. Carry a fully charged phone, and consider using GPS tracking apps or wearable fitness devices that share your location in real-time. If you do get injured and need to move, try hopping or using a stick as a crutch to reach help.

Post-exercise soreness is normal, especially when trying a new route or increasing your activity. But pain that lingers for more than a few days, or feels sharp and localized, may need medical attention. A good rule of thumb: If your pain is above a 3 out of 10, or you notice swelling, limping, or limited range of motion, consult a healthcare provider. Applying ice, taking rest days, and using over-the-counter pain relievers may help with minor aches.

<h4>Science-Backed Benefits of Outdoor Exercise</h4>

Studies have shown that green exercise — physical activity performed in natural environments — enhances mood and reduces anxiety more than indoor workouts. Research published in Environmental Science &amp; Technology found that just five minutes of activity in nature improves self-esteem and mood. Being outdoors also increases vitamin D exposure, which supports bone health and immunity.

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muscle tension

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With longer days and sunnier skies, summer is the perfect time to take your workout outdoors. Activities like walking, running, hiking, and cycling not only boost physical fitness but also offer mental health benefits thanks to fresh air and natural surroundings. But as temperatures rise, so do the risks of injuries and heat-related issues. Whether you're just starting a routine or stepping up your fitness game, taking a few precautions can make your summer workouts safer and more effective.Aim for Consistency Over IntensityHealth guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity like running. Breaking this into manageable sessions — say, 30 minutes five times a week — can help improve cardiovascular health, support weight management, and enhance overall well-being.However, jumping into intense workouts after a period of inactivity can backfire. Sudden changes in exercise habits often lead to soreness, injury, and burnout. Sports medicine experts advise starting slow and steady. Begin with a 15-minute daily walk and increase duration or intensity by no more than 10% per week. This gradual build-up helps your muscles, tendons, and joints adapt to new demands.Don’t Skip Foot and Ankle PrepMany outdoor exercisers underestimate how much stress is placed on the feet and ankles — especially on uneven terrain. Overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and shin splints are common during summer, when people return to outdoor running or hiking after a break.Simple stretches can reduce the risk of these injuries. A towel stretch, where you sit with your legs extended and pull your toes toward you using a towel or resistance band, can improve flexibility in your calves, heels, and arches. Repeat this two to three times a day, especially before and after workouts.Choose the Right FootwearThere’s no universal “best” shoe for walking or running. The right pair depends on your foot shape, arch type, gait, and the terrain you’re on. Comfort is key. Shoes should offer good arch support, shock absorption, and a snug — not tight — fit. If you’re not sure what suits you, visit a store that specializes in running or hiking gear for a gait analysis or professional fitting.Visibility Can Be a LifesaverIf you’re sharing roads or trails with vehicles or cyclists, being visible is non-negotiable. Wear bright, reflective clothing — especially in low light. Neon colors like yellow, green, and orange stand out during the day, while reflective vests, shoe strips, or LED bands can increase visibility at night. Always walk or run against traffic so you can see what’s coming.Be Mindful of Your SurroundingsOutdoor exercise brings you closer to nature — but that also means unpredictable surfaces, tree roots, loose gravel, or broken sidewalks. Experts recommend scanning 15–20 feet ahead while walking or running to spot potential hazards. If you notice something tricky approaching, slow down, focus on your footing, and proceed with caution to avoid sprains or falls.Don’t Go Off the Grid AloneIf you prefer solo hikes or runs, always tell someone your route and estimated return time. In case of injury or getting lost, this information could be critical. Carry a fully charged phone, and consider using GPS tracking apps or wearable fitness devices that share your location in real-time. If you do get injured and need to move, try hopping or using a stick as a crutch to reach help.Listen to Your BodyPost-exercise soreness is normal, especially when trying a new route or increasing your activity. But pain that lingers for more than a few days, or feels sharp and localized, may need medical attention. A good rule of thumb: If your pain is above a 3 out of 10, or you notice swelling, limping, or limited range of motion, consult a healthcare provider. Applying ice, taking rest days, and using over-the-counter pain relievers may help with minor aches.Science-Backed Benefits of Outdoor ExerciseStudies have shown that green exercise — physical activity performed in natural environments — enhances mood and reduces anxiety more than indoor workouts. Research published in Environmental Science & Technology found that just five minutes of activity in nature improves self-esteem and mood. Being outdoors also increases vitamin D exposure, which supports bone health and immunity.

how to safely exercise outdoors this summer?

'Grateful For Second Life', Says Ankur Warikoo As He Shares His Fitness Journey With His Followers

Ankur Warikoo's fitness journey

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A diagnosis that changed everything. It started with a note—just two words, hastily scribbled on a prescription slip: “Stop walking.” For most, this would mark a full stop. 

For <span>Ankur Warikoo</span>, entrepreneur and content creator, it became a comma—a pause that would eventually lead to a new chapter. In 2012, at the age of 33, Warikoo was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis, a rare condition in which the hip bone begins to die due to poor blood supply. There was no accident, no clear cause. He fell into the 10% of patients for whom the disease seems to strike without warning.

Life, quite literally, came to a standstill. He was bedridden for three months, followed by five months of crutches. Though he regained the ability to walk, he couldn't shake the feeling that something inside him had changed permanently. It wasn't just about the physical toll—it was the emotional stillness, the inertia of purpose, that took the heaviest toll. Warikoo later admitted that it felt as if life had pressed pause.

<h4>A Marathon That Didn’t Move the Mind</h4>

When he finally got back on his feet, he set his sights on an ambitious goal: running a marathon. Over ten months, he trained hard, pushing his body through discomfort and doubt. He completed the marathon, crossing the finish line with pride—but not the triumph he expected.

“I thought I would feel great about it,” he said later. “But I felt the opposite. I felt I had cheated.”

He had run just 14 km before race day. He believed he could have completed 21 km on any given day without the marathon preparation. This victory felt hollow, not because it lacked effort, but because it lacked a deeper purpose. And so, he asked himself a question: What would truly test my limits, every single day?

<h4>The Six-Pack Dream That Transformed a Life</h4>

The answer came in the form of an unlikely goal—six-pack abs. At first glance, it may have seemed like a vanity project. But for Warikoo, it was anything but. At 26% body fat, he knew this wouldn’t be an easy transformation. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution or a 30-day challenge. It was about radical discipline.

He began rewiring his life from the inside out. Sleep, food, workouts—every aspect of his lifestyle was examined and rebuilt. Over time, he brought his body fat down to below 10%, watching his abs emerge not just as a marker of <span>fitness</span>, but as a badge of endurance. For Warikoo, each muscle told a story—of pain, of persistence, and of reclaiming agency over his own life.

In 2024, at the age of 44, Warikoo took on the same challenge again. This time, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to. On May 31, he revealed his latest transformation on Instagram—lean, chiseled, and stronger than ever. But the message wasn’t about the aesthetics. “I know this routine and mindset will stay with me for life,” he wrote, calling it his “second life.”

This second act wasn’t about revenge on his old self—it was about respect for his new one. It was a declaration that age is just a number, and that discipline is ageless.

fitness journey

six pack abs

ankur warikoo

ankur warikoo fitness

A diagnosis that changed everything. It started with a note—just two words, hastily scribbled on a prescription slip: “Stop walking.” For most, this would mark a full stop. For Ankur Warikoo, entrepreneur and content creator, it became a comma—a pause that would eventually lead to a new chapter. In 2012, at the age of 33, Warikoo was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis, a rare condition in which the hip bone begins to die due to poor blood supply. There was no accident, no clear cause. He fell into the 10% of patients for whom the disease seems to strike without warning.            View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Ankur Warikoo (@ankurwarikoo)]]>Life, quite literally, came to a standstill. He was bedridden for three months, followed by five months of crutches. Though he regained the ability to walk, he couldn't shake the feeling that something inside him had changed permanently. It wasn't just about the physical toll—it was the emotional stillness, the inertia of purpose, that took the heaviest toll. Warikoo later admitted that it felt as if life had pressed pause.A Marathon That Didn’t Move the MindWhen he finally got back on his feet, he set his sights on an ambitious goal: running a marathon. Over ten months, he trained hard, pushing his body through discomfort and doubt. He completed the marathon, crossing the finish line with pride—but not the triumph he expected.“I thought I would feel great about it,” he said later. “But I felt the opposite. I felt I had cheated.”He had run just 14 km before race day. He believed he could have completed 21 km on any given day without the marathon preparation. This victory felt hollow, not because it lacked effort, but because it lacked a deeper purpose. And so, he asked himself a question: What would truly test my limits, every single day?The Six-Pack Dream That Transformed a LifeThe answer came in the form of an unlikely goal—six-pack abs. At first glance, it may have seemed like a vanity project. But for Warikoo, it was anything but. At 26% body fat, he knew this wouldn’t be an easy transformation. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution or a 30-day challenge. It was about radical discipline.He began rewiring his life from the inside out. Sleep, food, workouts—every aspect of his lifestyle was examined and rebuilt. Over time, he brought his body fat down to below 10%, watching his abs emerge not just as a marker of fitness, but as a badge of endurance. For Warikoo, each muscle told a story—of pain, of persistence, and of reclaiming agency over his own life.At 44, A Comeback by ChoiceIn 2024, at the age of 44, Warikoo took on the same challenge again. This time, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to. On May 31, he revealed his latest transformation on Instagram—lean, chiseled, and stronger than ever. But the message wasn’t about the aesthetics. “I know this routine and mindset will stay with me for life,” he wrote, calling it his “second life.”This second act wasn’t about revenge on his old self—it was about respect for his new one. It was a declaration that age is just a number, and that discipline is ageless.

'grateful for second life', says ankur warikoo as he shares his fitness journey with his followers

Tanya Dutt

Take This 10-Second Test To Predict How Long You’ll Live, Study Suggests

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Would you believe that the way you sit and stand from the floor using only your legs might determine how long you might live? That's what a recent study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology predicts. While <span>longevity</span> tests for many involve complicated diagnostics or lengthy lab work, this low-aerobic test is deceptively simple yet potentially a powerful indicator of your overall health and future likelihood of death, particularly of heart-related causes.

<h2>What is the Sitting-Rising Test (SRT)?</h2>

The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) sounds easy, sit down on the ground and stand up again, with the minimum amount of help from your hands, knees, or other appendages. But doing it successfully involves a subtle mix of balance, muscle power, flexibility, and coordination—each of which is important for healthy aging.

The participants begin in a standing position and are asked to sit cross-legged on the floor and then stand up. Points are lost each time a hand, elbow, knee, or any other part of the body is used for support. Losing balance or not being steady costs half a point. The test has a maximum score of 10 points.

<h2>How the Test Connects to Longevity?</h2>

Researchers from the Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro tested 4,282 adults between 46 and 75 years of age over a 12-year duration. A majority were male, and all were given a baseline health assessment prior to being invited to respond to the SRT.

The findings were striking. Patients who scored lower on the test—0 to 4 points—had six times higher mortality from cardiovascular causes than those who scored a score of 10. Fifty percent of those with a score of zero had died within 12 years, compared with only 4% of those with a score of 10.

Notably, for each one-point lower SRT score, there was a 31% increased risk of cardiovascular disease or other natural cause death, such as cancer. In participants with an established diagnosis of coronary artery disease, death risk was three times greater if they had a low SRT score.

Cardiovascular fitness has long been associated with aerobic capacity, like VO₂ max and endurance. But according to Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo, lead author on the study, other areas of fitness—muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and body composition—are just as vital in aging well.

The SRT is unique because it simultaneously measures all these components. Unlike isolated balance or grip strength tests, the SRT reflects full-body coordination and muscular control, serving as a proxy for overall physical health.

"Although this test doesn't always specifically forecast how many years a person has left," states Dr. Araújo, "a higher score is plainly linked with a lower risk of death, so it's a useful, cost-effective test of functional fitness."

The SRT is part of a increasing arsenal of functional tests that have been found to be predictive of longevity. Research in 2022 discovered that individuals who were not able to stand on one foot for 10 seconds had almost twice the risk of dying over the next decade.

<strong>Six-minute walk test</strong>: Tests cardiovascular endurance by monitoring how far an individual can walk in six minutes.

<strong>Sit-to-stand test</strong>: Measures lower body strength and balance by recording the number of times a person can stand up from a sitting position within 30 seconds.

<h2>How Muscle and Flexibility Affect Longevity?</h2>

Why is the capacity to stand alone significant? Scientists think it has to do with a number of physiological mechanisms. Proper muscle strength and flexibility are linked to lower blood pressure, lower inflammation, healthier resting heart rate, and healthier insulin sensitivity. These combined factors decrease the risk of chronic disease, including diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive impairment.

Before you go ahead and test the SRT, precautions need to be taken. According to Dr. Araújo, follow these:

<ul><li>Only take the test if you do not have any joint pain or mobility problems.</li><li>Utilize a soft pad or mat on a non-slippery area.</li><li>Have someone around to help or support you if necessary.</li><li>Wear loose clothing and remove shoes and socks.</li></ul>

To do it at home: Stand with one leg crossed over the other and lower yourself to the ground without holding onto anything or using knees. Then come back up in the same manner. Count your score on how many parts of your body you needed to use for support.

Like all research, this study has its limitations. All participants were recruited from a private clinic in Brazil, raising questions about generalizability across different ethnicities, economic groups, and healthcare systems. The researchers also lacked data on smoking status—an important variable in cardiovascular and cancer-related deaths.

Nevertheless, the consequences are significant. The research confirms the increasing realization that healthy aging is not only about appearance, but about preserving the type of whole-body functionality that allows individuals to be active and independent well into old age.

The SRT points to a crucial truth about health and well-being: lifespan and healthspan are not identical. Although most individuals desire to live longer, the aspiration should be to live healthier, with autonomy, mobility, and energy.

This 10-second test won't substitute annual check-ups or diagnostic tests, but it provides a shocking glimpse into how your body is aging and what you might need to improve.

Your SRT score is not set in stone. You can increase flexibility, balance, and muscle tone with strength training, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and mobility exercises, all of which can lead to a better score—and maybe a longer, healthier lifespan.

Next time you're wondering about your long-term health, skip the palm reader and try this scientifically-proven test. It might only take a few seconds, but what you learn could last a lifetime.

longevity

sitting rising test

longevity predictor

balance test lifespan

simple longevity test

cardiovascular death risk

how to live longer

fitness and mortality

Would you believe that the way you sit and stand from the floor using only your legs might determine how long you might live? That's what a recent study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology predicts. While longevity tests for many involve complicated diagnostics or lengthy lab work, this low-aerobic test is deceptively simple yet potentially a powerful indicator of your overall health and future likelihood of death, particularly of heart-related causes.What is the Sitting-Rising Test (SRT)?The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) sounds easy, sit down on the ground and stand up again, with the minimum amount of help from your hands, knees, or other appendages. But doing it successfully involves a subtle mix of balance, muscle power, flexibility, and coordination—each of which is important for healthy aging.The participants begin in a standing position and are asked to sit cross-legged on the floor and then stand up. Points are lost each time a hand, elbow, knee, or any other part of the body is used for support. Losing balance or not being steady costs half a point. The test has a maximum score of 10 points.How the Test Connects to Longevity?Researchers from the Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro tested 4,282 adults between 46 and 75 years of age over a 12-year duration. A majority were male, and all were given a baseline health assessment prior to being invited to respond to the SRT.The findings were striking. Patients who scored lower on the test—0 to 4 points—had six times higher mortality from cardiovascular causes than those who scored a score of 10. Fifty percent of those with a score of zero had died within 12 years, compared with only 4% of those with a score of 10.Notably, for each one-point lower SRT score, there was a 31% increased risk of cardiovascular disease or other natural cause death, such as cancer. In participants with an established diagnosis of coronary artery disease, death risk was three times greater if they had a low SRT score.Cardiovascular fitness has long been associated with aerobic capacity, like VO₂ max and endurance. But according to Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo, lead author on the study, other areas of fitness—muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and body composition—are just as vital in aging well.The SRT is unique because it simultaneously measures all these components. Unlike isolated balance or grip strength tests, the SRT reflects full-body coordination and muscular control, serving as a proxy for overall physical health."Although this test doesn't always specifically forecast how many years a person has left," states Dr. Araújo, "a higher score is plainly linked with a lower risk of death, so it's a useful, cost-effective test of functional fitness."The SRT is part of a increasing arsenal of functional tests that have been found to be predictive of longevity. Research in 2022 discovered that individuals who were not able to stand on one foot for 10 seconds had almost twice the risk of dying over the next decade.Other trendy evaluations are:Six-minute walk test: Tests cardiovascular endurance by monitoring how far an individual can walk in six minutes.Sit-to-stand test: Measures lower body strength and balance by recording the number of times a person can stand up from a sitting position within 30 seconds.How Muscle and Flexibility Affect Longevity?Why is the capacity to stand alone significant? Scientists think it has to do with a number of physiological mechanisms. Proper muscle strength and flexibility are linked to lower blood pressure, lower inflammation, healthier resting heart rate, and healthier insulin sensitivity. These combined factors decrease the risk of chronic disease, including diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive impairment.Before you go ahead and test the SRT, precautions need to be taken. According to Dr. Araújo, follow these:Only take the test if you do not have any joint pain or mobility problems.Utilize a soft pad or mat on a non-slippery area.Have someone around to help or support you if necessary.Wear loose clothing and remove shoes and socks.To do it at home: Stand with one leg crossed over the other and lower yourself to the ground without holding onto anything or using knees. Then come back up in the same manner. Count your score on how many parts of your body you needed to use for support.Like all research, this study has its limitations. All participants were recruited from a private clinic in Brazil, raising questions about generalizability across different ethnicities, economic groups, and healthcare systems. The researchers also lacked data on smoking status—an important variable in cardiovascular and cancer-related deaths.Nevertheless, the consequences are significant. The research confirms the increasing realization that healthy aging is not only about appearance, but about preserving the type of whole-body functionality that allows individuals to be active and independent well into old age.The SRT points to a crucial truth about health and well-being: lifespan and healthspan are not identical. Although most individuals desire to live longer, the aspiration should be to live healthier, with autonomy, mobility, and energy.This 10-second test won't substitute annual check-ups or diagnostic tests, but it provides a shocking glimpse into how your body is aging and what you might need to improve.Your SRT score is not set in stone. You can increase flexibility, balance, and muscle tone with strength training, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and mobility exercises, all of which can lead to a better score—and maybe a longer, healthier lifespan.Next time you're wondering about your long-term health, skip the palm reader and try this scientifically-proven test. It might only take a few seconds, but what you learn could last a lifetime.

take this 10-second test to predict how long you’ll live, study suggests

Aarushi Bhadury

Yoga Poses Inspired From Animals That You Can Try

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As you may know, <span>yoga poses</span> are often inspired by nature. There are poses like mountain pose, tree pose etc., as that is because <span>yoga</span> is about connecting with nature and healing from within. 

 Yoga has always found inspiration in nature and the animal kingdom. Many yoga positions look like natural ways animals stretch or rest. For example, the "downward-facing dog" pose is just like how a dog stretches when it wakes up, and the "cat-cow" pose mimics how cats arch and round their backs. These are not mere coincidences, these poses were designed in a way that helps you gain the same attributes we applaud these animals for. 

For example, the mountain pose or tadasana involves stretching ourselves upwards with our hands together and lengthening our spine as much as possible. The attribute we gain from doing this pose is strengthening our core and building our balance so that we stand as firm and tall as a mountain. Similarly, the animal inspired poses help us gain the same level of strength and flexibility as the animal in question 

Here, we'll show you how to do some common animal-inspired yoga poses and explain the great benefits they have for your health and well-being. 

<h4>Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana) </h4>

Start on hands and knees, then lift your hips high, forming a triangle with your body. Push through your hands and feet, keeping your spine long and head in line. Gently straighten your legs without arching your back. Hold with deep breaths. This pose boosts blood flow to your brain and spine, clears lungs, and sharpens focus. 

Lie on your stomach, hands under shoulders. Press your pubic bone down and engage your core to protect your back. Push up with your arms, lifting your chest in an arch, keeping elbows close. Tilt your head back slightly without crunching your neck. Hold for 12 seconds, repeating three times. Cobra strengthens your back, arms, and pelvic muscles while boosting confidence. 

<h4>The Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana) </h4>

From hands and knees, flow between two positions. Exhale, rounding your spine like a cat, tucking your chin. Inhale, arching your spine downwards like a cow, lifting your head and engaging your core. This gentle movement makes your spine more flexible, strengthens back muscles, and helps release everyday tension. Repeat this flow three times. 

Sit on the floor, bringing the soles of your feet together with knees falling open. Hold your feet and sit tall with a straight spine. Hold for up to three minutes, breathing deeply. This pose stretches your inner thighs and hips, making them more flexible. It also helps your abdominal organs and improves blood flow, symbolizing personal growth and renewal. 

<h4>The Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) </h4>

Start on hands and knees, bringing one lower leg forward between your hands (or sit on your heel). Stretch the other leg straight back. Lift your upper body upright to feel a deep stretch in your groin and thigh. Gently arch your back, look slightly up, and open your chest. This pose deeply opens your hips and stimulates abdominal organs, while also activating and awakening your mind. 

Kneel firmly on the floor, engaging your core. Lean back, keeping thighs straight, reaching for your heels or crossing hands behind your back. Lift and stretch your chest, breathing deeply. This pose balances your body, greatly enhances flexibility, and specifically stretches your chest. Camel pose also helps open your mind and inspires a strong zest for life. 

yoga

animal inspired yoga poses

animal based yoga poses

Yoga poses

yoga & Asanas

Yoga Poses Inspired From Animals

As you may know, yoga poses are often inspired by nature. There are poses like mountain pose, tree pose etc., as that is because yoga is about connecting with nature and healing from within.  Yoga has always found inspiration in nature and the animal kingdom. Many yoga positions look like natural ways animals stretch or rest. For example, the "downward-facing dog" pose is just like how a dog stretches when it wakes up, and the "cat-cow" pose mimics how cats arch and round their backs. These are not mere coincidences, these poses were designed in a way that helps you gain the same attributes we applaud these animals for. For example, the mountain pose or tadasana involves stretching ourselves upwards with our hands together and lengthening our spine as much as possible. The attribute we gain from doing this pose is strengthening our core and building our balance so that we stand as firm and tall as a mountain. Similarly, the animal inspired poses help us gain the same level of strength and flexibility as the animal in question Animal-Inspired Yoga Poses Here, we'll show you how to do some common animal-inspired yoga poses and explain the great benefits they have for your health and well-being. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana) Start on hands and knees, then lift your hips high, forming a triangle with your body. Push through your hands and feet, keeping your spine long and head in line. Gently straighten your legs without arching your back. Hold with deep breaths. This pose boosts blood flow to your brain and spine, clears lungs, and sharpens focus. The Cobra (Bhujangasana) Lie on your stomach, hands under shoulders. Press your pubic bone down and engage your core to protect your back. Push up with your arms, lifting your chest in an arch, keeping elbows close. Tilt your head back slightly without crunching your neck. Hold for 12 seconds, repeating three times. Cobra strengthens your back, arms, and pelvic muscles while boosting confidence. The Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana) From hands and knees, flow between two positions. Exhale, rounding your spine like a cat, tucking your chin. Inhale, arching your spine downwards like a cow, lifting your head and engaging your core. This gentle movement makes your spine more flexible, strengthens back muscles, and helps release everyday tension. Repeat this flow three times. The Butterfly (Bhadrasana) Sit on the floor, bringing the soles of your feet together with knees falling open. Hold your feet and sit tall with a straight spine. Hold for up to three minutes, breathing deeply. This pose stretches your inner thighs and hips, making them more flexible. It also helps your abdominal organs and improves blood flow, symbolizing personal growth and renewal. The Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) Start on hands and knees, bringing one lower leg forward between your hands (or sit on your heel). Stretch the other leg straight back. Lift your upper body upright to feel a deep stretch in your groin and thigh. Gently arch your back, look slightly up, and open your chest. This pose deeply opens your hips and stimulates abdominal organs, while also activating and awakening your mind. The Camel Pose (Ustrasana) Kneel firmly on the floor, engaging your core. Lean back, keeping thighs straight, reaching for your heels or crossing hands behind your back. Lift and stretch your chest, breathing deeply. This pose balances your body, greatly enhances flexibility, and specifically stretches your chest. Camel pose also helps open your mind and inspires a strong zest for life. 

yoga poses inspired from animals that you can try

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