Surya Namaskar or sun salutations is a sequence of yoga postures used to strengthen and warm up the body. Each posture is linked with the breath to create a "flow". The ancient yogis practiced this sequence as a way to worship and honor the sun. Sun salutations provides and excellent warm up or can be done as a complete practice.

While this practice can be very invigorating, it is not always ideal for expecting mothers. In traditional sun salutation sequence, it typically includes plank pose with a transition into upward facing or cobra. During pregnancy lying on the belly may not be physically possible and is considered a contraindication.

Below is a pregnancy modified sun salutation that can be used in place of traditional sun salutation offered in most yoga classes. You don't have to be pregnant to enjoy this sequence!

1. Mountain Pose / Tadasana

I like to start my sun salutation practice with one cleansing breath. Take a deep inhale in through the nose, exhale out through the mouth. Hands at heart center.