BENGALURU: Arjun Yogi (28) has set a world record for doing the most number of surya namaskaras. Currently working in Vietnam, the youngster did 7,777 rounds in 60 hours, six minutes and six seconds.
He was part of an 85-member group that attempted the feat and only 14 successfully completed it. Eight of the group’s members were from Karnataka, two from Tamil Nadu and the remaining four were Vietnamese.
Arjun has been practising yoga for 13 years and trained hard for this event over a month. “We used to practise for two to three hours every day,” says the yoga enthusiast, who is from Hubballi. “We did cardiovascular exercises like running along with yoga.”
A strict vegetarian, Arjun says that he had to change his diet to include only raw vegetables and fruits and liquids like juices.
The record-breaking attempt, which happened between June 3 and 5, was physically taxing to Arjun. The surya namaskara involves 12 asanas and is believed to burn 14 calories every round.
“We did the namaskaras for three hours continuously, then took a 15-minute break for a hot bath, then went back for three more hours, after which we broke for liquid intake,” explains Arjun. Food was only coconut water, lime juice and milk.
“We didn’t sleep for the three days,” he says. “But the hot baths helped.”
After the event, he had lower backache for a day.
“But that was only for a day. Since then, I have felt stronger and more active.” On regular days, Arjun does 100 to 200 yogasanas.
To people who want to increase the number of rounds they can do a day, the yoga master says: “Train with breathing exercises.” His secret is to do a few rounds, take a short break for pranayama and then go back to the salutations.
“Of course, people with asthma or back problems need to consult an expert before they try it,” says the yoga trainer, who works with Home Yoga Wellness Company in Vietnam.