Surya Namaskar or "Salute to the Sun", as with other forms of exercises, can be done whenever your stomach is empty. However, the most appropriate time to do Surya Namaskar is when the Sun is just at the point of rising above the horizon, that is, early morning; but it is not a "must". Every time that you perform this exercise you should face the Sun.

It is best to do this exercise with all the windows of your room open, or in the garden on the lawn under the open sky. You should have as little clothing on as possible, or wear light clothing in which you can move about freely, when doing this exercise. It should be done with bare feet.

There are 12 positions in Surya Namaskar.