Yoga has been gaining popularity for the past few years, both at home and abroad, for being the most calming and healthy practice to include in our daily routines. Advanced yoga asanas are trending not just for their well-known health benefits but as tests of endurance too.
We got in touch with yoga and fitness expert Ira Trivedi, founder at Yog Love, to elaborate on the five major yoga asanas that will trend in 2022.
1. Kapalabhati Pranayama
Kapalabhati strengthens the lungs and increases oxygenation. In the current COVID-19 situation, it will trend for its respiratory benefits. The muscular action generated by Kapalabhati is equivalent to doing crunches or sit-ups. It leads to a more toned abdomen and gets you the yoga glow. In Sanskrit, Kapalabhati means shining skull. Doing this on a regular basis should become an essential part of your yoga and beauty routine.
2. Bhramari Pranayama
Bhramari Pranayama is known as Bumblebee Breath. Bhramari Pranayama helps with oxygenation of the blood cells, relaxes the eyes, and alleviates the symptoms of migraines. With the pandemic raging once again, yoga is needed for COVID recovery.
3. Handstands
Handstands have been trending among advanced yogis on Instagram lately and they will continue to trend in 2022. Handstands build upper body strength and improve balance. They improve circulation, breathing, and bone health. They are a testament to a yogi’s endurance and focus.
4. Headstands
Headstands are considered to be yoga’s best asanas and also the toughest balancing asanas.
They are something all yogis want to accomplish. These poses help us in focusing inwards. They reduce anxiety, stress, and negative thoughts. The slow, deep breathing that accompanies a yogic headstand has a detoxifying effect on the body.
5. Surya Namaskar
The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is an evergreen, all-in-one workout and a powerful aid in
the process of weight loss. It involves a sequence of twelve postures, each of which corresponds to the twelve phases of the sun. Surya Namaskar will trend as a DIY workout-at-home since gyms might be closed due to COVID-19.
All these asanas are beautiful yoga practices in themselves and are perfect for our stay-at-home situation in the midst of the pandemic.
Lead Image Credit: Soha Ali Khan and Neha Dhupia, Instagram