PA-0160
At a glance
The primary series version of Sun Salutation B, sharing the same structure as the general entry, opening and closing with the Ashtanga version of Chair Pose (Utkatasana) and weaving in Warrior I on each side, all held to the same precise counted structure as Ashtanga Sun Salutation A.
“Let Utkatasana open the sequence with the same precision the counts ask for everywhere else.”
Essence
Everything true of Ashtanga Sun Salutation A's precise counting applies here, now across a longer, more demanding sequence. The temptation to let precision slip increases as fatigue builds through the Warrior I portions, which makes maintaining that exact breath-movement correspondence more challenging, and more valuable, here than in the shorter A sequence.
Intention
To move through Sun Salutation B using the traditional Sanskrit counting structure, maintaining exact breath-movement correspondence across a longer, more demanding sequence.
What this pose develops
Physical
- •The same physical demands as general Sun Salutation B
- •Sustained precision under increasing fatigue
Mental
- •Maintaining exact timing standards even as a sequence becomes more demanding
- •Stamina for precise, counted movement over a longer duration
Teaching concepts
- •Cueing the same precise count-to-movement correspondence as Ashtanga Sun Salutation A, now sustained across a longer sequence
- •Watching for precision slipping specifically during the more fatiguing Warrior I portions
How to practise
- 1From Samasthiti, move into Utkatasana (Chair Pose), arms reaching up.
- 2Fold forward, then lengthen into a Half Lift.
- 3Move through Chaturanga, Upward Facing Dog, and Downward Facing Dog.
- 4Step the right foot forward into Warrior I.
- 5Move back through Chaturanga, Upward Dog, and Downward Dog.
- 6Repeat Warrior I on the left side, followed by the same pattern.
- 7Hold Downward Facing Dog for five breaths, then fold forward, rise back to Utkatasana, and return to Samasthiti.
Alignment exploration
Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:
- •The same alignment principles as general Sun Salutation B apply to each linked pose, with the same precise, one-count-one-movement structure as Ashtanga Sun Salutation A layered on top.
Breath
Exact count-to-movement correspondence throughout, the same rigor as Ashtanga Sun Salutation A, now sustained across this longer sequence's additional demands.
Teacher’s eye
Watch specifically for precision slipping during the Warrior I portions, where fatigue is most likely to blur the exact count-to-movement correspondence this sequence depends on.
Student practice
Reflect after practising:
- •The same exact counting from Ashtanga Sun Salutation A applies here, now across a longer sequence. Notice if fatigue starts to blur that precision, particularly through the Warrior I portions.
- •This sequence builds directly on Ashtanga Sun Salutation A. If that one still feels imprecise, this longer version will make that harder to hide.
Common movement strategies
Rather than mistakes, you may notice:
- •Build full comfort and precision with Ashtanga Sun Salutation A before adding this longer version's additional Warrior I and Utkatasana elements.
Modifications
- •The same modifications as general Sun Salutation B: knees-down chaturanga, a shorter Warrior I stance if needed.
Completion check
- ✓Return to Samasthiti, pausing there before the next pose or sequence in the practice.
Related poses
Prerequisites
Complements
Alternatives
Regressions
Related movement concepts
Search tags
More salutations & flows poses
See all →This pose is one piece. Sequence/OS is the whole class.
Sequence Ashtanga Sun Salutation B into a full arc, teach it hands-free with Play Mode, and build your week of classes in one Sunday sitting.
Try it free for 7 days$30/month after trial. Cancel any time.