Baba Ramdev Yoga Exercises

Baba Ramdev, also known as Swami Ramdev, began his yoga training when he was in the eighth grade. According to the textbook, "The Science and Philosophy of Teaching Yoga and Yoga Therapy," the benefits of practicing yoga include curing injury and illness. Baba Ramdev yoga exercises focus on doing this through an emphasis on breathing, differing from other teachers who focus on the asanas, or postures.

Bhastrika Pranayama

The word Prana means breath in Sanskrit and forms the basis of Baba Ramdev's yoga practice. Bhastrika pranayam, or breathing, is designed to induce effortless breathing. It also increases lung capacity. Begin sitting in a cross-legged position, with a straight spine and your hands gently resting on your knees. Inhale deeply, filling up your lings to their capacity and fully exhale. Full inhalations and full, controlled exhalations should be done in a rhythmic fashion and for at least five minutes.

Kapalbhati Pranayam

Kapalbhati breathing is designed to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, stretch the ligaments of the knee and lengthen the muscles of the gluteals and legs. Begin by sitting on top of your heels with your knees as close together as possible. Keeping your back and spine long and your hands resting on your knees, inhale a short breath. Forcefully push out the exhale, leading with the abdomen as you breathe out. The exhalation mimics blowing out a candle and you should see your abdomen move each time you breathe. Kapalbhati breathing should be done for five-minute intervals for a total of 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.

Bahya Pranayam

Bahya pranayam increases blood flow to the cervical spine, lengthens the shoulder muscles and strengthens the neck muscles. Begin by sitting cross-legged with your spine long and your hands gently resting on your knees. Inhale deeply, leading with the chest. As you exhale, completely push your stomach out and hold. Holding your exhale, move your head down until your chin rests on your chest. Hold there for 15 seconds. As you inhale deeply, move your head toward the ceiling. Hold that breath in for 15 seconds. Aim to perform your Bahya pranayama at least five to 11 times twice a day.