Here comes the sun!

Yoga is an ever-growing fitness trend in the Western world. Studios are popping up on every street corner, and people simply love it—why? Surely because yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that works your entire body, with postures designed to open both your body and mind, all with one breathe.

In yoga, sun salutations offer both physical and spiritual benefits, while holding symbolic significance. These movements begin and end with joined hands touched to the heart, symbolizing the fact that only the heart knows the truth.

The sun is a source of energy and light, and yoga philosophy perceives the sun as a heavenly body that illuminates our minds. In Sanskrit, “surya namaskar” translates to a series of prostrations to the sun that are traditionally performed at dawn, celebrating the sun as a source of energy, health and light.

This muscular and mental awakening can also be achieved through classic yoga by linking one movement with one breath. This rate will get your cardio going and tone your body. This movement will also strengthen your core, back and shoulders muscles, while increasing the lubrication within your joints.

Here are some must-try Surya Namaskar postures:

Tadasana – Begin by standing tall with your feet and hips in line, and both hands close to the chest.

Urdhva Hastasana – Inhale and bring your arms over your head.

Uttanasana – Exhale while lifting and lengthening your torso.

Ardha Uttanasana – Inhale and lift the heart towards the horizon.

Phalakasana – Exhale and place your feet into plank position. Inhale.

Chaturangha Dandasana – Exhale while lowering your body into plank position, elbows hugged in at your sides, or closer to your mat.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana – Inhale and engage your back and leg muscles, pressing into your hands and lifting your chest off the floor into the Upward-Facing Dog position.

Adho Mukha Svanasana – Exhale and pull your hips back into the Downward-Facing Dog position. After five deep breaths, bring your feet to your hands.

Ardha Uttanasana – Inhale and lift the heart towards the horizon.

Uttanasana – Exhale while lifting and lengthening your torso.

Urdhva Hastasana – Inhale and bring your arms over your head.

Tadasana – Return to the first standing position. Practice and repeat to replenish your body and free your mind.

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Namaste!