Better Than A Burpee

June is the perfect month to dive into your sun salutation practice!

As we weave our way toward the summer solstice, celebrate the fire within you and the life-giving energy of the sun by saluting it.

In many yogic traditions it is customary to practice up to 108 sun salutes on every solstice and equinox, honoring the change of seasons and all that nature provides.

In this super short video I’m quickly taking you through the rapid-fire, flowing movements of a traditional Suryanamaskara A — the first sun salute in the Ashtanga / Power / Vinyasa Yoga styles — which is designed to get your mind clear, your cardiovascular system pumping, and your whole body warm and conditioned, strengthened and stretched.

Did you know that burpees are adapted sun salutations?

They’re just sun salutes with an added jump and no time resting in downward facing dog.

For most people, though, jumping and not paying attention to proper alignment through a burpee is a recipe for injury.

Suryanamaskara A is soooo much better than a burpee for the typical yoga practitioner and it provides all the same benefits without the risk of injury.

It’s always a good idea to explore points of stillness throughout and after your movement, no matter what style of exercise you’re doing, to allow your muscles and connective tissue to integrate and repair. By holding downdog, your body has a momentary recovery period. This makes it more apt to work hard again on the next round, grow in strength and flexibility quickly, and move more freely through the rest of your day.

Have fun practicing! You don’t have to do 108, but why not try for 10?

Remember to sit or lay down for at least 5 deep, slow breaths when you’re done.