Sun Salutation A Flow

Sun SalutationAshtangaMaya curated
Back
Mountain Pose
Mountain
Upward Salute
UpwardSalute
Standing Forward Bend
StandingForwardBend
Half Lift
StandingHalfForwardBend
Four-Limbed Staff
FourLimbedStaff
Upward Facing Dog
UpwardFacingDog
Downward Facing Dog
DownwardFacingDog
Standing Forward Bend
StandingForwardBend
Mountain Pose
Mountain

Mayasays...

Sun Salutation A (Surya Namaskara A) is the foundation of all sun salutations! This ancient sequence dates back thousands of years and was traditionally practiced at sunrise to honor the sun. It's perfect for building heat in the body and creating a moving meditation. The 12 poses represent the 12 months of the year, connecting us to natural cycles. In Ashtanga yoga, this sequence is practiced exactly the same way every time, building consistency and discipline.

Description

Classic Surya Namaskara A - fundamental vinyasa flow

Poses (9)

Centering
Mountain Pose

Mountain Pose

Hands at heart center, establish breath rhythm

2breaths
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Opening
Upward Salute

Upward Salute

Inhale, sweep arms overhead

1breaths
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Forward Fold
Standing Forward Bend

Standing Forward Bend

Exhale, hinge at hips

1breaths
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Spinal Extension
Half Lift

Half Lift

Inhale, hands to shins or fingertips to floor

1breaths
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Strength
Four-Limbed Staff

Four-Limbed Staff

Exhale, step/jump back, lower with control

1breaths
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Backbend
Upward Facing Dog

Upward Facing Dog

Inhale, roll over toes, open chest

1breaths
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Inversion
Downward Facing Dog

Downward Facing Dog

Exhale, roll over toes, lift hips

3breaths
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Forward Fold
Standing Forward Bend

Standing Forward Bend

Inhale, step/jump forward

1breaths
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Final Rest
Mountain Pose

Mountain Pose

Exhale, rise to standing, pause

2breaths
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Anatomical Focus

Full Body
Shoulders
Legs

Teaching Notes

Teach breath-to-movement connection. Offer modifications like stepping instead of jumping. Can repeat 3-5 rounds. In Ashtanga tradition, typically done 5 rounds.

Sequence Details

Target Duration:
6m
Intensity:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Beginner
Type:
sun_salutation
Poses:
9

Yoga Styles

Primary style
Ashtanga
Also practiced in
VinyasaPowerHatha
AshtangaTraditional count and breath pattern, 5 breaths in downward dog
VinyasaCan be adapted with music, longer holds, creative variations
HathaSlower pace, longer holds in each pose, more alignment cues
BeginnerOption to step instead of jump, modify chaturanga to knees

Focus Areas

FlowStrengthHeat BuildingBreath Movement