Sun salutations are incorporated in almost every yoga practice. Here is why you should do them, even on days when you don’t go for class.
As the name suggests, sun salutations were first created to salute the sun in the morning. The flow consists of movements that link the upward dog and downward dog together. There is an option of including the warrior pose in the Sun Salutation B sequence, but you can also stick to Sun Salutation A for simplicity.
(Also read: Why You Should Do Yoga First Thing in The Morning)
How to do a sun salutation
Stand straight and inhale as you reach both arms up, and exhale as you fold forwards. Then, you place your fingertips on the ground and lift your body halfway up on the inhalation.
Step or jump back into a plank pose and exhale as you lower into a yoga push-up (chaturanga). Move into upward dog and take a big breath in, then exhale and rest in downward dog for a few counts.
Step or jump forward and lift halfway up again on the inhale. Exhale and fold forwards. On the next inhale, lift both arms up as you stand straight. Exhale and lower your arms to the side. Take a few breaths and repeat.
You can start by practising three to five rounds of the sun salutation, and slowly build your way up to more.
(Also read: These Yoga Flows Are Tougher Than Jogging)
Physical benefits of sun salutations
Your whole body will be warm and your circulation improved because sun salutations stretch and strengthen your body at the same time. Your upper body will be stretched as you reach up and when you do the upward dog; your lower body will be stretched when you recover in downward dog.
Doing this daily will help you understand your body better, and you will be able to figure out which areas are stiffer on certain days.
(Also read: Fat-Burning Yoga Flow To Do Every Morning)
Body opening after a good night’s rest
Hopping forward and backward requires power, so don’t be surprised if you start sweating and your arms start shaking after a few rounds. After laying still for many hours, getting moving like this will release any tension built up overnight. It’s one of the best ways to start the day.
(Also read: 6 Ways to Become A Morning Person (And Actually Love It))
Moving meditation
Working out in the morning is recommended because you get your mind and body centred and aligned before you start your day. It’s even easier to do so with sun salutations because the movements are repetitive. Once you get used to it, you’ll be able to tune out of the physical practice and concentrate on the mental practice.
(Also read: Best Meditation Tips to Calm Your Mind and Body)