Foundational sequences that invigorate both your body and mind, Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskars) stand as the cornerstone of both Vinyasa and Hatha yoga practices. You may have even encountered them in a yoga class without even realizing it. As some of the most familiar sequences in any practice, Sun Salutations consist of familiar postures, including Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), and Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana).

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned practitioner, you can always deepen your understanding of these movement patterns. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of these sequences, as well as unravel the distinctive characteristics of Sun Salutation A and B.