Yes, you read the title of this yoga video right.

Today’s class is a straightforward, no nonsense, work hard to play hard flow.

Welcome to….

108 Sun Salutations

to inhale the good + exhale the bullshit.

So why in my right mind would I do a sun salutation – on repeat – for 108 times? Like who would subject themselves to that? And why should you consider subjecting yourself to it too?

…..and now the Allie persuades you conversation begins

For starters, practicing 108 sun salutations is a tradition to celebrate seasonal shifts – the equinoxes + summer solstices. It’s a tradition to breathe consistently, move consistently, feel consistently, and in doing so, move past blockages, false beliefs, fears and what’s no longer serving us. And as we move through the built up bullshit, we begin to invite in the good shit.

It’s a process.

Related: 108 Sun Salutations to Honor the Winter Solstice, Surrender to the Dark & Embody your Inner Light

Like an almost two hour process.

Take it from the girl who filmed it all, whoa, I wanted to quit multiple times.

But, I didn’t.

Because I’ve done this before, know how powerful it can be, and know that it’s a tradition to be shared – with this tribe + whomever else needs it as the next season unfolds.

You might be wondering, but why 108 sun salutations, what’s up with that number?

Well, there’s various reasons for this special number, but here’s what I’ve gathered:

Why 108 Repetitions:

• The number 108 breaks down to:
  • 1 = God or a Higher Truth
  • 0 = Emptiness or Completeness
  • 8 = Infinity or Eternity
• There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, each one has a masculine and feminine quality – Shiva & Shakti – 54 letters x 2 qualities = 108.
• It is said there are 108 energy lines that  converge to form the heart chakra, Anahata. The Chakras are energy lines within the body that start at the root and travel up through the crown of the head.
• A mala necklace is an Eastern rosary used for mantras, chanting, and prayer – it has 108 beads.
• There are 108 Upanishads – an ancient text that is highly revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Related: Introduction to the Chakras

Okay, special number explained, I hope you’re convinced + ready to flow 108 times with me!

A few important notes/tips to keep in mind:

• have water nearby, you’re going to need it
• modify – modify – modify
• play some jams to keep yourself motivated
• get ready to sweat
• take breaks when I offer them + when you need them
• do it with a friend for accountability
• set an intention, goal or mantra to keep top of mind as you bend + breathe

On the topic of modifying, let’s dive a bit deeper  with the below options to support your experience:

• Skip the hard part altogether – step back to plank, take a breath, move into downward facing dog
• Do knees, chest chin to cobra pose vs. low push up to upward facing dog
• Bring your knees down for chaturanga dandasana
• Do cobra pose instead of upward facing dog
• Remove the backbend if having low pain, lower to chaturanga dandasana, then push back up
• Bend the knees for both forward folding + rising back up
• Bend the knees in downward facing dog

Alrighty fam, are you ready?

I already know you are.

Unroll that yoga mat. Give yourself an I can totally do this hug.

And let’s begin.

Let’s do 108 Sun Salutations!