Watch as an astronaut master this difficult asana while practicing “yoga in weightlessness”
It’s a little challenging, but you can pull it off with the appropriate positions and some creative license,” An astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA) wrote on Twitter
Samantha Cristoforetti, a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, performed yoga while aboard the International Space Station in zero gravity. As expected, her video, took the internet by surprise. The astronaut, who has been “living and working abroad the space station” according to her Twitter bio, frequently shares glimpses from the ‘Mission Minerva’ of she is part of.
“Yoga in zero gravity? Done! Although it’s a little challenging, you can pull it off with the appropriate poses (thanks to @CosmicKidsYoga!) and a little creative license. She shared the video again on Twitter with the message, “Take a look!
Yoga in weightlessness? Done!
It’s a bit tricky, but with the right poses (thanks @CosmicKidsYoga!) and some creative freedom you can do it. Take a look! https://t.co/XXEOcFzg4L#MissionMinerva #CosmicKids https://t.co/H2hGPSAWmD— Samantha Cristoforetti (@AstroSamantha) September 27, 2022
Samantha did some yoga asanas, such as Garudasana or the Eagle Pose, while working out with host Jaime Amor on the children’s show Cosmic Kids.
This asana was recommended as one of the best exercises for relaxation by Himalayan Siddha Akshar, founder of the Akshar Yoga Research and Development Center. “Body awareness is enhanced and the mind is quieted when you maintain the stance and focus. Over time, it controls your emotions and prepares your body to react well to challenging circumstances, he told indianexpress.com.
The pose, he continued, is excellent for “tight neck and shoulders” because it helps stabilize the neck and shoulders, making it one of the best exercises for relieving neck discomfort.
How to strike an eagle pose?
Begin in Tadasana.
While bending your knees, lift your left foot up and over the right foot.
Make sure the right foot is firmly planted on the ground and the left thigh is over the right leg. Your left foot should have its toes pointed downward.
As you extend your arms forward, keep them parallel to the floor.
Bend your elbows and cross your right arm over your left, keeping your arms perpendicular to the floor. Ensure that your hands are touching each other in the back.
The fingers should be extended upward and the hands should be slowly turned such that the palms are facing one another.
For a few breaths, maintain this posture while keeping your gaze fixated on a single area.
Bring your hands down to the side of your body and slowly release them.
Return to Tadasana by carefully raising your left leg and setting it back down on the floor.
