Shalabhasana – Locust or grasshopper pose.
Salabhasana (pronounced shah-lah-BAHS-uh-nuh), also commonly known as Locust Pose, is an intermediate backbend that tones and strengthens the entire back of the body.
BENEFITS:
• Strengthens lower back muscles.
• Increases flexibility to the back muscles and spine.
• Strengthens shoulder and neck muscles.
HOW TO:
Step 1
Bring your arms down by your sides with your palms facing the floor. Stretch your legs straight out behind you with the tops of your feet on the mat.
Step 2
Bring your forehead or your chin to the mat in preparation. Roll your shoulders back and down to open your chest.
Step 3
Inhale and lift your head, chest, and arms up off the floor. Keep your arms straight behind you. Reach through all 10 fingers and turn your hands so that your thumbs are pointing down. Keep sliding your shoulder blades down your back.
Step 4
Engage your legs so that your knees lift off the floor. At the same time, try not to tighten your butt too much so that your tailbone has somewhere to go as you backbend. Press the tops of your feet strongly into the floor.
Step 5
Keep your gaze on the floor just in front of you so that your neck stays in a neutral position, not cranking up.
Step 5
Stay in this pose for three to five breaths. On an exhale, release down to the floor. Turn your head to one side and rest on your cheek.
It's traditional to go for three rounds of back extensions, so do this pose twice more, possible incorporating the variations described below.
Chrissy is a trained Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher based in London. She trained at yoga London and is wearing M Life ombre top and bottoms and recommends our sage linen mat.
Disclaimer
Do not attempt any poses that are not suitable for your level of practise or injury that you might be working with.
Please check with a trained professional
Namaste x