I made this slideshow to help people learn the sun salutation sequence that is typically done at the beginning of each yoga practice in order to warm up the body in preparation for asanas which require deeper stretching. The sequence is repeated on each side of the body several times, and in your home practice you can modify the number of times you repeat the sequence, according to your endurance or energy level for that day.
Chaturanga
Originally uploaded by jamiemariekoonce
Keep elbows in towards ribcage — not out to the sides. Lower your shoulders just low enough so that your upper arms are parallel to the ground, making a 90 degree angle between your upper arms and forearms. This is not a push-up. The back of your arms are doing most of the work — not the front of your chest. As you get stronger, you can increase your holding time for chaturanga. Then proceed to upward dog.
Upward Dog
Originally uploaded by jamiemariekoonce
Pull shoulders down and back, away from your ears. Engage your abdominals to either do an extra chaturanga or to lift into downward dog.
Forward Fold
Originally uploaded by jamiemariekoonce
Keep legs straight without locking your knees. Remember to relax the head and neck.
