Locust

Sanskrit Name:

Salabhasana

Description:

A strengthening backbend that activates the entire back body. Locust builds power in the spine, glutes, and shoulders while opening the chest and improving posture.

Alignment Cues:

• Legs and Feet:
  • Legs extended long and together or hip-width apart
  • Press the tops of the feet into the mat to lift the thighs
  • Engage glutes and inner thighs
• Hips:
  • Keep hips level and grounded as you lift
  • Lengthen tailbone toward the heels
• Torso and Chest:
  • Lift the chest and ribs off the mat
  • Draw the shoulder blades together and down the back
• Arms and Hands:
  • Arms extended alongside the body, palms down or facing in
  • Reach fingertips toward the heels, lifting the arms slightly off the mat
• Head and Neck:
  • Gaze slightly forward and down to keep the neck long
  • Avoid compressing the cervical spine
• Breath:
  • Inhale to lift, exhale to sustain and deepen the engagement