The Sun Salutation Pose, also known as Salute to the Sun and Surya Namaskar, is a flowing series of 12 poses which help improve strength and flexibility of the muscles and spinal column. This pose also warms up the body and tones the abdominal muscles. So take your yoga accessories and learn how to perform the Yoga Sun Salutation Pose with the help of our animation and easy-to-follow steps.
 | STEP 1: Stand on your yoga mats and start with the Yoga Mountain Pose. Bring your palms together in prayer position. Exhale. | |
 | STEP 2: As you inhale, raise your arms overhead, keeping your palms together. | |
 | STEP 3: Exhale and then bend forward until your hands touch your feet. | |
 | STEP 4: As you inhale, step the right leg back, arch back and lift your chin. | |
 | STEP 5: Exhaling, step the left leg back into plank position. Keep your spine and legs in a straight line and support your weight on hands and feet. | |
 | STEP 6: Retaining the breath, lower your knees, your chest and then your forehead, keeping your hips up and toes curled under. | |
 | STEP 7: Inhaling, stretch forward and bend back. Keep your arms straight. | |
 | STEP 8: Exhaling, curl your toes under, press down into your heels, and lift your hips. | |
 | STEP 9: As you inhale, bring your right leg forward, with the top of the foot stretched out flat on the floor, and lift your chin. | |
 | STEP 10: Exhale and then bend forward until your hands touch your feet. | |
 | STEP 11: Inhaling, stretch your arms forward and over your head. Slowly bend backward from the waist. | |
 | STEP 12: Exhaling, gently come back to Tadasana. | |
As with all other Yoga Exercises and poses, make sure to perform the Sun Salutation Pose correctly to achieve optimum results. To be safe, you can use yoga straps or your Yoga instructor for assistance so he or she will be able to tell you how to do it the right way.
