8-Minute Cardio Yoga For A Healthy Heart And Mind

Every new year, we think of following new fitness resolutions to stay healthy. However, following one fitness workout or diet for the entire year can become tiresome and monotonous. Presenting #NoQuittingWithActivLiving, a specially curated 14-day health program that you can learn today and follow throughout the year.

This cardio yoga workout by celebrity yoga trainer Rupal Sidhpura Faria will help improve your heart health to cope with the stress and anxiety of modern life. These heart-healthy yoga asanas will also help you stretch your body and breathe more freely.

Which exercise does this include?

• Ardha Chandrasana
• Utkatasana
• Garudasana
• Natarajasana
• Trikonasana

Remember to try and hold each pose for 10 breaths, before moving to the next exercise. If you are a beginner, it is okay to start slow or take a break whenever you need. Here’s why you should practice this yoga for heart health.

1. Ardha Chandrasana

Before starting this exercise, you need to ensure that while standing your body forms a straight line. This stretching asana opens your hip flexors and strengthens the lower body. It can also reduce irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerves.

2. Utkatasana

This exercise is a variation of regular squats with a larger focus on breathing. It tones the hip and abdominal muscles while strengthening your shoulder joints too.

3. Garudasana

This pose requires you to stand on one leg. Even if you are a beginner, you can begin the practice of standing in this pose for a few seconds. It improves your balance and concentration.

4. Natarajasana

This is also known as the dancer’s pose and it can help burn calories while boosting metabolism. It is also an effective strengthening exercise for your chest and hips as well as for your ankles and legs.

5. Trikonasana

This yoga asana can improve gut health by relieving gastritis, indigestion, acidity, and flatulence. It is also a good exercise to reduce stress and anxiety.

This completes the cardio yoga series for a healthy heart and mind. For more such daily healthy habits, check out the #NoQuittingWithActivLiving section here.