Surya Namaskar (yoga, yo)

Ever wonder what all goes on at Barton baseball practices?

Well, in addition to the typical throwing and hitting and fielding of baseballs and running when that throwing and hitting and fielding goes less smoothly than desirable for a championship ballclub — and that we can be this year, people! — part of our stretching includes YOGA.

The following description and pictures are pretty close to what yoga we do.

From yogasite.com

Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful flow. Each movement is coordinated with the breath. Inhale as you extend or stretch, and exhale as you fold or contract. The Sun Salutation builds strength and increases flexibility. Different styles of yoga perform the Sun Saluation with their own variations. However, the flow presented below covers core steps used in most styles.

For the series below, a single round consists of two complete sequences: one for the right side of the body and the other for the left.

On days when you think you have no time for yoga, try and do at least one or two rounds of the Sun Salutation. You’ll feel the difference.

I know some Christians are a bit leery of yoga, but don’t worry — there’s definitely nothing spiritual about what we’re doing when we’re doing these stretches. At least not for me. If anything, it’s a much-welcomed breather from the agilities and sprints going on at the time.

Do enough yoga though man, you’ll feel it as much as lifting weights. We’ve done some yoga routines that left some guys burning more than anyone has ever wanted stretches to burn.

But as far as spiritual dilemmas? No worries, pastors and parents. If anything, some of our team conditioning sessions could inspire even Richard Dawkins to prayer.