Start your DeStress Monday with a Sun Salutation –– the perfect way to jump start your week. A sun salutation is a series of yoga poses strung together. They are designed to increase your strength, flexibility and concentration, while helping to balance and energise your body and mind. This makes them a great way to start any day.
Steps to Perform a Sun Salutation
A sun salutation typically consists of 12 poses done in sequence, but it can be modified. The poses should be done in repetition and can be done on both sides of the body. Here is a breakdown of the 12 poses in a typical sun salutation:
- Mountain Pose
- Raised Arms Pose
- Standing Forward Fold
- High Lunge Pose
- Low Lunge Pose
- Upward Facing Plank Pose
- Four-Limbed Staff Pose
- Upward Facing Dog Pose
- Downward Facing Dog Pose
- High Lunge Pose
- Standing Forward Fold
- Mountain Pose
The sun salutation works your whole body from head to toe and is a great way to warm up for a more vigorous practice. This sequence of poses is dynamic, so use your breath to stay connected to the movements. As you inhale and exhale, move in and out of each pose, creating a continuous flow.
Benefits of a Sun Salutation
A sun salutation helps balance the body and invigorate the mind. It increases flexibility, energises the body, and boosts metabolism. These poses also help open the chest, which helps build strength in the back and shoulders.
It’s important to listen to your body. If a posture causes discomfort or pain, it is better to modify the posture or take a break. As you become more used to the practice you can increase the speed of the flow and deepen the poses. Try and make your sun salutation practice a part of your morning routine and set yourself up for the day.
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