Sun salutation A and Sun salutation B, the great way to begin of any yoga practice

Sun Salutation A

The breath always leads the movement and the gaze follows.

Breath, movement, gaze.

In order that they occur, the postures are as follows:

I=InhaleE=Exhale

I Samasthiti (equal standing posture) with the arms raisedE Swan dive, with arms out to sides to protect lower back down to uttanasana (forward fold).I flat backE Chaturanga (8 limbed staff)I Bhujangasana (cobra)E Adhomukhasana (down dog)I Look up and jump or walk to flat backE UttanasanaI Reverse the swan dive to samasthiti with arms extendedE Hands to heart center at samasthiti

Scroll down, read the instructions look at the pictures and then follow along with the slide show.

1. Inhale, raise arms, palms facing, gaze past the thumbs.







2. Exhale, fold at waist, heart to thighs, gaze beyond the tip of your nose.





3. Inhale, 1/2 way up, open heart and lungs, look past 3rd eye (up).







4. Exhale, plant hands firmly outside feet (bend knees if needed), step or jump legs back to top of the push up (kneel if needed), lower heart, gaze beyond tip of nose.















This modification allows one to brace themselves and gradually build up strength. Many people use this modification when recovering from shoulder injuries, or if they body is not ready to support the weight properly.






5. Inhale, roll onto tops of feet, bring shoulders back, gaze up.



6. Exhale, tuck toes under, raise hips, and extend back, gaze at navel or through the legs, take 5 breaths. At end of last exhalation, walk or jump feet to hands.


7. Inhale, raise heart half way up, look past 3rd eye.







8. Exhale, heart to thighs, gaze beyond tip of nose.







9. Inhale, raise arms, palms facing, gaze past the thumbs.







10. Exhale, arms to side, gaze beyond tip of nose.

Knowing how to move and not just moving is very important to the integrity of the positions.

Return from sun salutation a to yoga positions for beginners