SALUTE TO THE SUN THIS SPRING
If you don't have time for a full-on yoga hour daily, Sun Salutations are a great way to keep your practice alive and put a little yoga goodness into your day, every day. Consistency is key, and it's better to do a daily 10-minute practice than an irregular practice once or twice a week, even if they are longer.
As a beginner, you can start with 4 to 6 rounds, and then gradually move up to 12 rounds to really get the energy flowing in your body. If you are new to the practice and not sure how to do a Sun Salutation, Balance + Glo Yoga Instructor Emma H will walk and talk you through the moves, so you can build up your confidence with her latest on demand video. She will give you variations so you can choose one that suits you and mix it up a little. Notice how you begin to feel after the sessions.
If you doubt your commitment to this kind of consistency, here are five good reasons to do Sun Salutations every single day!
Increase your energy
Sun Salutations are a great way to energise the body first thing in the morning. Start with four rounds, and you will feel your heart rate increasing. These Sun Salutations will improve blood circulation, purify your blood, and strengthen the physical body.This practice also increases the vital energy of prana in your body, which helps remove energy blockages. A series of Sun Salutations can, in itself, be a nice cardiovascular exercise benefitting the whole body.
2. Lengthen and tone your muscles
A continuous practice of Sun Salutations will bring more strength, flexibility, and tone to the body. It will open the hamstrings, shoulders, and the chest, as well as release tension. As you move through the poses, you are also lubricating the joints, in turn aiding in keeping the full range of motion in the body.
3. Experience moving meditation
The Sun Salutation is a series of asanas woven together with the breath. As you move from one posture to another, you follow the breath and let it lead the way. The breath provides a bridge between the body and the mind, and this gives a perfect moment for a quiet, moving meditation. Practice enjoying the moment, and not thinking about how many rounds you have done already or how many there are still to go.
4. Practice respect
A daily practice of Sun Salutations gives us the perfect place to observe our body. We are different every day, and the practice should reflect this. Some days the body feels supple and capable, and on other days it may feel stiff and tired. Respect your body everyday as it is. Watch it grow with your daily practice, and modify the sequence as needed. Try not to let your ego dictate the practice–you don't need to go faster or deeper, as there are no end goals or requirements in yoga. .
5. Practise gratitude
Sun Salutation, as the translation indicates, is a gesture of respect and acknowledgement to the sun, but you can also salute any area of your life for which you are particularly grateful. Dedicate each round to one thing you are grateful for, no matter how small or big, and soon after, you will feel the uplift in your mood and spirit!