Locust, Grasshopper Posture (Shalabhasana)

Sanskrit word “Shalabha” means ‘locust’. While performing this asana the final posture resembles a feeding locust, head lowered and tail up, therefore this asana is also known as the locust or grasshopper posture.

Benefits of the Locust or Grasshopper Posture (Shalabhasana)
Besides strengthening the muscles of the upper legs and lower back, Shalabhasana also stimulates the stomach and intestines and help to relieve gastrointestinal gas, strengthens the bladder, and stretches the spine.
As you get better at this posture and increase the strength of your legs, you can raise the hands completely off the floor so your legs are raised unsupported. This increases the benefits of the shalabhaasana.

How to perform the Locust or Grasshopper Posture (Shalabhasana)
- Lie on your stomach with head turned to one side and the arms alongside the body with palms facing upward.
- Place your chin on the floor while turning the head. Slide the hands under your thighs, with the palms pressed gently against the top of the thigh.
- Breathe-in slowly and then raise the head, chest, and legs off the floor as high as possible. Tilt your head as far back as possible. Keep your feet, knees, and thighs pressed together.
- Starting at the top of the head and working your way down to the feet, bring your attention to each part of your body, consciously relaxing it before proceeding on to the next.
- Remain in the posture while holding the breath, and then slowly return the legs, chest, and head to the floor while exhaling.
- Remove your hands from under the thighs and place the arms alongside your body. Turn your head to the side and rest.

Durations/Repetitions of the Locust or Grasshopper Posture (Shalabhasana):
Hold this posture for as long as you can hold the breath. Repeat this asana thrice.

Difficulty Level and Advancement of the Locust or Grasshopper Posture (Shalabhasana):
Shalabhasana is a difficulty level 5 asana recommended for intermediate yoga practitioner.

There are many ways to lose weight and get fit. But the best and healthiest way to do so, is with a diet that let's you eat your regular food, is easy to follow, doesn't keep you hungry. Many of us know what is healthy or not, but we still don't lose weight. What you need is a good weight loss diet plan, designed by an expert, who makes it around your food choices (veg, non-veg), and your height, weight, gender and other such factors.Here is what you will get for your weight loss diet:

An updated diet plan every week, so that you enjoy it, and can eat a good variety of foods

It should have regular food, without anything exotic, and natural without any supplements.

Also, you can access the plan anywhere, anytime, so it's really convenient.

One such plan is the Fitho Weight Loss Diet Plan right now, available for as low as Rs 499 per month!

Click on this Weight Loss Plan to see it, and sign up now!