The best way to combat the cold is to snuggle deep into our cosy blankets and keep the body warm. However, this can make you have all-day drowsiness and fatigue. Sedentary behaviour like this over time may even exacerbate other troubles such as joint pain. So, if it’s about keeping your body warm, there are several other preventive measures that you can opt for. Yoga, fortunately, can rescue you.

Yoga asanas to keep the body warm

Your body’s ability to fight off virus and illnesses may be hampered by cold weather. However, you may help yourself stay healthy during winter by keeping your body warm. And the best solution for that is yoga.

To explore somet yoga poses to keep the body warm and strong during winter, HealthShots spoke to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder, Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre, who listed down a few asanas to stay fit.

“Practicing yoga every morning helps keep your mind and body active because it elevates your heart rate and core temperature, which expands blood vessels and improves circulation in your muscles—a definite win when muscles are stiffer in the colder months. This can keep you warm and strong,” explains Akshar.

Here are 5 yoga poses to beat the cold weather:

1. Hasta uttanasana (Raised arms pose)

Here’s how to perform this pose:

• Holding the pose of Pranamasan, extend upwards while lifting your joint palms above your head.
• With your head, neck, and upper back, make a little arch.
• Make sure your arms are close to your ears as you lean your upper body back.
• Keep your eyes fixed on the sky.

Also read: Digestion in winter: 5 yoga poses to reset your gut health

2. Padahastasana (Standing forward bend pose)

Here’s how to perform this pose:

• As you exhale, gently lower your hips with your upper body while maintaining HasthaUttanasan, tucking your nose between your knees.
• On either side of your feet, place your palms.
• If you’re a beginner, you might need to slightly bend your knees to complete this.
• As you gain skill, try to bring your thighs into contact with your chest while gradually straightening your knees.
• Put your nose between your legs and let gravity naturally bring you lower.

3. Ustrasana (Camel pose)

Here’s how to perform this pose:

• Kneel in ustrasana on the yoga mat and place your hands on your hips.
• Arch your back, straighten your arms and cross your palms over your feet.
• Avoid flexing or straining your neck by keeping it in a neutral position.
• Remain in this position for many breaths.
• Complete a thorough exhalation before slowly resuming your original position. As you stand tall, pull your hands back and rest them on your hips.

Also read: Get rid of neck and shoulder pain with these easy-to-do yoga poses

4. Halasana (Plough pose)

Here’s how to perform this pose:

• While lying on your back, raise your legs 90 degrees by contracting your abdominal muscles.
• Press your palms firmly into the ground and let your legs fall back behind your head while allowing your lower back and middle back to lift off the floor such that your toes may touch the floor behind you.
• If it makes you more comfortable, you can support your back by bending your arms at the elbows while keeping your hands flat on the floor.
• Remain in the position for a few breaths.

5. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

Here’s how to perform this pose:

• Lie flat on your stomach with your palms under your shoulders, keeping your feet together and your toes on the ground.
• Take a deep breath in (Purak), hold it for a few seconds (Kumbakh), and then raise your head, shoulders, and body at a 30-degree angle.
• Make sure your head is slightly pushed upward, your shoulders are broad, and your navel remains firmly planted on the floor.
• Applying pressure to your toes can open the channels that lead to your lower back, the Sun (right), and Moon (left).

Start your yoga practice early in the day. Early yoga practice can make you quite active and move your entire body. Make sure to end your practice in Savasana (Corpse Pose) and include some breathing exercises or meditation time in your schedule.