Morning stiffness

[Guest guest]

I'm a 46 year old guy and have been practicing ashtanga for a couple

of years, usually 2 or 3 times/week. I'm not particularly flexible

(but very strong) with a background in weightlifting and football,

and have been progressing well and really love the practice. Up

untill recently my schedule was such that I practiced in the

evening. Now I can practice first thing in the morning, which I've

always wanted to do, and understand that this is a more recommended

practice time. My question is, I am so very stiff first thing in

the AM that my practice really seems to be suffering, by the time

I'm done with standing postures I feel depleted from trying to

overcome siffness particularly lower back. I'm thinking what maybe

I need to do is just respect that I am less flexible in the AM, not

fight it but work and breath into it, and perhaps over time I will

adjust to AM practice. Or perhaps there is a bit of pre-sun

salutation stretching that I should do? Just trolling for any

related tips or insights, thanks all!