How to practice Sun Salutation A

Begin standing in Mountain Pose, with a tall spine, feet grounded into the floor, and your attention resting on the natural rhythm of your breath.

From here, inhale to sweep the arms overhead into Upward Salute. As you lift, reach through the fingertips while continuing to ground down through the feet.

Then, on an exhale, bend the knees and fold forward into Forward Fold, allowing the torso to soften towards the thighs. Fingertips may reach the floor or rest gently on the shins.

Next, inhale to straighten the legs and lengthen the spine, bringing the hands to the thighs as the chest broadens. At the same time, take the gaze forward into Half Forward Bend.

As you exhale, step back into Chaturanga Dandasana, often approached from plank. This pose can be practised with the knees on the floor, then lower with control towards the mat.

From there, inhale to lift the chest into Cobra Pose. Keep hands beneath the shoulders and elbows drawing in. Alternatively, you choose Sphinx Pose, keeping the forearms down for a gentler backbend.

On the next exhale, tuck the toes, lift the hips, and press back into Downward Facing Dog. Once here, remain for five steady breaths, allowing the body to lengthen and reset.

After that, inhale to bend the knees and step forward into Half Forward Bend. Once more, creating space through the front of the body.

Then, exhale to soften back into Forward Fold, letting the head and neck relax.

Finally, inhale to rise all the way up. Sweeping the arms overhead into Upward Salute. As you exhale, lower the hands by your sides and return to Mountain Pose.