How Many Poses In A Sun Salutation?

The classic Hatha Yoga Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is traditionally taught as a sequence of 12 distinct poses, often repeated multiple times in a session. However, the exact count can vary depending on the style or tradition you follow. For example:

Set an intention!

In yoga, you set an intention at the beginning of your practice. As a Christian, I like to choose bible verses that can lead my practice- and day- in a positive direction. Here are some of my favorites:

• Psalm 16:9 – “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.“
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

• Classic Hatha Sun Salutation: 12 positions, sometimes counted as 12 “steps,” including both forward folds and backbends, designed to gently warm and strengthen the body.
• Ashtanga Surya Namaskar A: Often broken down into about 9 or 10 movements (depending on how you count transitions like Plank to Chaturanga), repeated five times.
• Ashtanga Surya Namaskar B: Typically includes extra transitions and postures like Warrior I, adding more steps than the classic version.

So if someone refers to “the” Sun Salutation, they’re usually talking about the classic sequence with 12 poses, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that different lineages adapt the basic flow with slight variations.

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