“I remember watching Arnold Schwarzenegger’s documentary Pumping Iron when I was a school boy. The sheer size of his muscles left me wondering if it was humanly possible to achieve anything even close to those huge arms and shoulders. The coming years saw hours spent at the local gym trying to get a good chiseled body. As the scene shifted from classroom to workplace, so did the meaning of a good chiseled body. And what was left of that ambition was to keep the tummy line in check. My arms were never that strong and always had problem doing push-ups and pull ups. Eventually, I started feeling embarrassed every time I was supposed to lift something heavy and couldn’t hold on for long. I don’t even feel like going to a gym anymore due to a hectic work schedule”, says Anish, a blogger from Bangalore.
Many of us have similar desires of strong arms or flat abs or a well-toned body, but our schedules don’t give us that space to squeeze in a one hour gym routine. So how do we get to our goal? Well, if you are willing to take out 20 minutes for yourself, yoga can do wonders for you.
Here’s a list of some yoga postures that will help you gain stronger arms:
1. Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
The Triangle pose stretches the legs, chest, hips and spine and also strengthens them.
2. Poorvottanasana
(Upward plank pose)
The Upward plank pose strengthens the wrist, arms and shoulders.
3. Viparita Shalabhasana (Superman pose)
The Superman pose stretches and strengthens the muscles of the chest, shoulders, arms and lower back. It also tones the abdomen and lower back.
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
The Cobra pose opens the shoulders and neck and also strengthens the arms and shoulders.
5. Adho Mukha Svanasana
(Downward facing dog pose)
The Downward facing dog pose energizes your body and also helps strengthen the shoulders and arms.
6. Shalabhasana (Locust pose)
The Locust pose improves the flexibility of the back and also strengthens the shoulders and arms.
Pallavi, a HR executive with a MNC had this to say, “I was suffering from lower back ache since past 5 years. After I started working, I had to spend almost 8-10 hours sitting and working at one place. Eventually, I became victim of carpel-tunnel syndrome and was in pain. I tried many medicines but none helped. Finally, I started practicing yoga after a friend recommended it. Within just a couple of months, my back-ache and carpel-tunnel pain subsided. I still practice yoga every day and am in a much better shape now.”
The body can be perfectly toned and strengthened by regular practice of yoga. Yoga is an art and requires time and commitment. But, like with any new activity, it is best to learn yoga from a certified teacher before practicing it. Learn the right way of doing yoga during a local Sri Sri Yoga course and experience the simplicity and effectiveness of the ancient practice.
Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find an Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@artoflivingyoga.in
