Ashtanga sun salutations question

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

in between each sun salutation, should i bring my arms back to my sides and then back up? or just go straight down again after having lifted my arms up in the air? like do i have to go back the starting ‘mountain’ pose before each sun salutation, or can i just go straight up with my arms and then bend straight down?

also, with each sun salutation, should i always hold the downward dog for five breaths, or sometimes is it only one? like in between poses?

thank you!

#2

Return to samasthitih between each sun salutation.

Traditional hold downward in sun salutation A for 5 breaths and to hold 3rd downward dog in B for 5 braethes.

Hold for more or hold for less - depends what your body is telling you at that moment

#3

ok great thanks so much