Sun Salutation Pose

The Sun Salutation pose is recommended for practitioners of all ages and especially for those that cannot dedicate a lot of time to their yoga routine.  The reason this pose is highly appreciated is because it involves most of the muscle groups, as well as the respiratory system.

This pose is in fact a sequence of twelve yoga positions, linked by a flowing motion and accompanied by five deep, special breaths.  Each position contributes to stretching a different part of the body and a different muscle group.  It also helps expand and contract the chest to regulate breathing.

Specialists and trainers recommend this exercise for the daily routine because it can contribute to spinal and joint flexibility.

The first of the twelve poses requires a standing position with the feet together.  The palms should be in the praying position in front of the chest.  All weight should be evenly distributed.  After accomplishing these things, exhale strongly.

While inhaling push the arms up keeping the legs straight and the neck relaxed.

Exhale while bending the body forward and pressing the palms down and trying to place the fingertips in line with the toes.

Inhale while bringing a leg back and placing it on the floor.  Arch the back and lift the chin.

Bring the other leg back and try to support the weight on the hands and toes.  Keep the chin down and retain the breath, while performing this move.

Exhale while lowering the knees and forehead.  Keep the hips up and be certain the toes are curled under.

Lower the hips while inhaling and point the toes while bending back as far as possible.  The shoulder should be kept down and the legs together.

Curl the toes under while exhaling and raise the hips.  This will leave the body in a V position.  Push the heels and head down while keeping the shoulders back.

Inhale and step forward and place one leg between the hands.  Keep the chin up and rest the other knee on the floor.

Bring the other leg forward and bend down from the waist keeping the palms on the floor and exhale.

Inhale, while stretching the arms forward, then up and then back over the head and try to slowly bend back.

Return to the upright position, while exhaling and bring the arms to the sides.