Move of the Week: Sun Salutations

Without getting all new age yogic, a Sun Salutation is an ancient symbolic move with big physical benefits.

When you try it, be sure to breathe long inhalations and exhalations. Traditionally, these are done at sunrise. But I usually don't have time until the end of the day when my kids are watching Elmo. We make Sesame Street very Zen around my house. I try to do at least 5 to 10, going at my own pace.

Do a Sun Salutation from ABC-of-Yoga.com (click there to see photos):

1. Start with the Yoga Mountain Pose. Bring your palms together in prayer position. Exhale.
2. As you inhale, raise your arms overhead, keeping your palms together.
3. Exhale and then bend forward until your hands touch your feet.
4. As you inhale, step the right leg back in a lunge, arch back and lift your chin.
5. Exhaling, step the left leg back into plank position. Keep your spine and legs in a straight line and support your weight on hands and feet.
6. Retaining the breath, lower your knees, your chest and then your forehead, keeping your hips up and toes curled under.
7. Inhaling, stretch forward and bend back. Keep your arms straight.
8. Exhaling, curl your toes under, press down into your heels, and lift your hips into Downward Dog.
9. As you inhale, move your left leg back, with the top of the foot stretched out flat on the floor, and lift your chin.
10. Exhale and then bend forward until your hands touch your feet.
11. Inhaling, stretch your arms forward and over your head. Slowly bend backward from the waist.
12. Exhaling, gently come back to Tadasana, which is standing pose.

Do you do yoga at home?