get into summer fitness

Before Christmas there are lots of get-togethers to attend, work still happens each day and the food can be very different from our daily routine. Gradually we may become more lethargic in the mornings.

A great way to energise ourselves, do our body and mind good and give our energy a kick start for the day is to do some salutes to the sun. They are a complete yogic workout and will leave you feeling a different person ready to face the day.

It only takes 10 minutes for 12 sun salutes. Highly energising sun salutes will provide challenge for the fittest person by working many muscles and parts of the body you may not have known you have. It is just as good for a person who is not used to working out - they can be done as slowly as you wish - just like any yoga - it is very personal.

Sun salutes are ideally done first thing in the morning and are guaranteed to uplift our spirits, calm our minds, exercise our body and set us up for an amazing day ahead.

If you are interested, this is how you do them.

Salute to the Sun Sequence


• Stand with your arms bent at the elbow, hands pressed together in prayer position in front of the chest
• INHALE; raise your arms up over your head then lean backwards as much as is comfortable. Look behind you. Hold for a brief few seconds
• EXHALE fold forward slowly bring your arms down in front of you all the way to the floor. ( knees are extended but not locked)
• INHALE step your left foot back to lunge position, while bending the right knee. EXHALE
• INHALE bring your right foot back to meet the left foot you are now in (downward facing dog) position. Hold your breath for a second or two
• EXHALE, lower your body down, raise your elbows, and rest on your hands, here the hands, chin, knees and toes are all touching the floor
• INHALE, raise your head, shoulders and chest up into the cobra position. The hips should not leave the floor. For those who are able to go from the downward facing dog position straight into the cobra position please do so, then EXHALE and come back down to the floor with your head and shoulders
• INHALE, raise your body to form a peak or the downward facing dog position again. EXHALE
• INHALE, assume the lunge position as in step 4 by bringing your left foot forward and placed flat on the floor between the arms
• EXHALE now step the right foot forward so the feet are together, try to touch your nose to your knees
• INHALE Lift your arms and torso up above your head and if you can lean backwards and hold your breath for a second or two
• EXHALE resume prayer posture with your hands in front of the chest the back is straight the legs are straight.

Stimulates digestive fire
Builds up endurance and resistance to illness
Builds up pranic energy
Removes toxins
Balances all of body’s systems
Balances pineal gland and hypothalamus (which regulates pituitary and therefore all glands
Makes body supple and toned