

Yin and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor
Kassandra Reinhardt is an Ottawa-based Yin and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, YouTuber, author, and the face behind Yoga with Kassandra.

Image by Danil Nevsky / Stocksy
August 17, 2024
Summer is a celebration of longer days, warmth, and sunshine. And as summer comes to an end, what better way to show gratitude for this than by beginning our mornings with a few rounds of Surya Namaskar (sun salutation)?
Sun salutations gracefully link together a series of asanas (yoga poses) and provide the student with an excellent cardiovascular workout. They also help build full body strength and flexibility—all in all, the perfect short morning flow!
This particular form of sun salutation comes from the Ashtanga Vinyasa lineage. Each pose is held for only one part of the breath. If the weather allows, I encourage you to do this practice outdoors, perhaps even at sunrise:
1.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Stand up tall at the top of your mat with your feet hip-width apart. Roll your shoulders back and turn your palms forward. Push into all four corners of both feet. Exhale fully.