Upward Salute

How to

1. Stand with your feet together at the front of your mat, grounding evenly through all four corners of your feet.
2. Engage your thigh muscles and slightly tuck your tailbone to lengthen your spine.
3. On an inhale, sweep your arms out to the sides and then overhead, with your palms facing each other and fingers reaching towards the sky.
4. Ensure your shoulders are relaxed away from your ears and your shoulder blades are gently drawing down your back.
5. Engage your core muscles gently, keeping the ribcage aligned over the pelvis.
6. Maintain a steady gaze (drishti) forward or slightly upward, keeping the neck long.
7. Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling the lengthening through your spine with each inhale.
8. To exit, exhale and lower your arms back down to your sides, returning to a neutral standing position.

Benefits

• Enhances spinal flexibility and alignment.
• Opens and strengthens the shoulders and arms.
• Improves posture by engaging the core and lengthening the torso.
• Promotes deep breathing, increasing lung capacity and oxygen flow.
• Calms the mind and helps reduce stress by encouraging focused attention on breath and body alignment.