The Sun Salutation Vinyasa Yoga Sequence (Surya Namaskar)

downward dog yoga pose by womenThe Sun Salutation A is a vinyasa that combines a series of yoga postures performed in a single flow of movements in harmony with the breathing. The Sun Salutation B includes the warrior pose. The warrior pose is optional and you can choose to do the Sun Salutation without it if you prefer a shorter version.

The regular practice of the Sun Salutation improves your core body strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. It helps to burn body fat, tone the muscles and improves breathing capacity. It stimulates circulation and works the lymphatic system helping the body to get rid of toxins.

Sun Salutation A, Yoga Video Tutorial


Sun Salutation B, Vinyasa Sequence

Take a deep breath in and lift the arms up, open the chest and bend backwards slightly.

Sun Salutation Sequence

On the next exhalation bend forwards with the palms touching the floor, you may need to bend the knees.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe in and extend the back gazing forwards.


Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe out and step or jump back to the plank position.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe in and bring the pelvis down to the cobra position (knees touching the floor) or upward facing dog position (knees not touching the floor – the toes can be either tucked in or stretched out putting less pressure on the lower back). Keep the shoulders down and the chest open.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe out lifting the pelvis up into the downward dog position, lifting from the pelvis.


Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe in moving into the warrior position. Tilt the right foot out and bring the left leg forwards, bend the left knee, keeping the shin straight. (Or if you want to skip the warrior pose, stop here and step or jump up into a standing position keeping the torso bent downwards. Breathe in lifting the torso and arms up slowly, as shown in the video tutorial above. Repeat the sequence as many time as you like).

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathing out step or jump back and breathe in to the cobra or upward dog position.

Sun Salutation Sequence


Breathe out lifting the pelvis up into the downward dog position.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe in moving into the warrior position. Tilt the left foot out and bring the right leg forwards, bend the right knee, keeping the shin straight.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathing out step or jump back and breathe in to the cobra or upward dog position.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Then breathe out lifting the pelvis up into the downward dog position. Hold this posture for a few seconds breathing normally.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Bend the knees, breathe in and on the next exhalation step or jump up into a standing position keeping the torso bent downwards.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe in lifting the torso and arms up slowly. Open the chest bending backwards slightly.

Sun Salutation Sequence

Breathe out and bring the arm down in prayer.

Sun Salutation Sequence

You can repeat this sequence as many times as you like. Breathing normally through out.

Avoid the Sun Salutation if you have hernia, hypertension or venous blood clots.

4 Comments on “The Sun Salutation Vinyasa Yoga Sequence (Surya Namaskar)”

  1. Started looking at your site and disagree with your version of Soorya Namaskar. You should try Swami Vishnu-devananda version. Take care.

  2. MotleyHealth says:

    That is good way as well, thank you for sharing. This routine is based on Ashtanga yoga.

  3. I’m 32 yrs old. Not yet married. I weigh 75kg lately and it so horrible for me. My Height is 5ft.6. I’m overweight? I really desire to become 65kg. I weigh 68kg before now, I want to be happy with my figure again. I’m not too comfortable with what I wear anymore. Please help me. Your response will be appreciated.

  4. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi IZ, what it your diet like? You should start eating a healthier diet and doing regular exercise. This really is the easiest and healthiest way to lose weight. Read through our MCD Weight Loss Plan, plus look at the articles in the weight loss section and fitness section. Yoga will get you fitter and stronger, diet will help you to lose fat.

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