Respected Ma'am, Yoga Asanas for male , 62 years old , one and half years after open heart surgery , please .

Ans: Staying young is a state of mind as well as an outcome of a healthy routine for the body - both exercise and diet. If you follow a diet suitable to your digestive system and keep physically active your body will remain healthy and hearty. If you are a beginner, then start with morning walks and gradually easy Yogasanas under a certified trainer. If you have been doing any form of exercise, you can incorporate Surya Namaskar into your routine, starting with 4-5 rounds and going up to 11 rounds daily.

Ans: Namate, these are the asanas that you can practice slowly under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher. Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, Tadasana, Sukhasana, Padmasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Pashimottanasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana and Shavasana. All these asanas are beneficial for diabetes.

Ans: It's great that you're thinking about incorporating yoga after spine surgery and a C-section. Yoga can be a safe and effective way to gradually improve strength, reduce body fat, and aid in weight loss, but it's important to proceed with caution, especially after these major surgeries. Here are some yoga asanas and practices you can begin with, keeping your spine and core in mind:

1. Modified Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations)
Sun Salutations are excellent for full-body conditioning and fat loss, but after surgery, you can practice a modified version with gentle movements. Focus on slower transitions and avoid straining your back or abdomen.

2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
This pose strengthens the lower back and core muscles, but avoid over-arching. Begin with small lifts and gradually increase the height as your strength improves. It also improves digestion, which aids weight management.

3. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Bridge pose strengthens the glutes, lower back, and legs without putting much pressure on the spine. It's a gentle backbend that can also help tone the abdomen and stimulate fat loss in the hip and lower back area.

4. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
This standing pose engages the legs, core, and back muscles, building strength and endurance. It's a great pose for weight loss and body fat reduction, as it activates larger muscle groups.

5. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
Cat-Cow is wonderful for maintaining spinal flexibility without straining it. It gently tones the abdomen and provides relief to the back, promoting circulation to the spine and core.

6. Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose)
This is a great pose to gently stretch the spine and the hips, releasing tension in the lower back, while also calming the nervous system. It helps release tightness in the hip area, where fat can sometimes accumulate.

7. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
This pose can help gently open the hips and improve circulation. It also provides a nice stretch for the lower back while keeping the core lightly engaged.

Additional Tips:
Core strengthening: Since you’ve had a C-section, it’s important to focus on rebuilding core strength, but gently. Avoid deep twisting poses and heavy abdominal work at first.
Pranayama: Practicing breathing exercises like Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breath) can be very effective for weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate, while still being gentle on your body.
Restorative Yoga: Incorporate restorative postures to promote healing and relaxation. This will help you stay committed to the practice without overexerting your body.
What to avoid:
Avoid intense twists: They can put pressure on your spine and abdomen. Stick to mild spinal stretches.
Avoid deep backbends and inversions: These could strain your spine post-surgery.
Avoid abdominal-heavy poses: Especially right after a C-section, it’s important to protect your core and pelvic floor. Strengthen gradually.
Before starting any yoga practice, especially after surgery, it's essential to consult with your doctor and get clearance. As you progress, listen to your body and avoid pushing beyond your limits. You can slowly increase the intensity as your strength returns.

Wishing you a safe and mindful journey toward wellness!

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/