Locust Pose
Salabhasana · शलभासन
Also known as: Salabhasana · Grasshopper Pose · Shalabhasana
Locust Pose, also called Salabhasana is a classical yoga posture. Its Sanskrit name Salabhasana translates word-for-word as: Salabha (Locust / Grasshopper) · Asana (Pose). In this posture, the body engages the posterior chain against the gentle resistance of gravity. The posture works to strengthen and extend the back, activate the glutes and lengthen the hamstrings. Strengthens glutes and hamstrings. Tones abdominal organs. It is particularly valued for alleviating back discomfort and improving overall posture. Suitable for beginners and regular practitioners alike, it is an excellent warm-up, particularly beneficial for beginners and athletes. A blanket can be used to make the posture more accessible and support correct alignment. Practitioners with back pain and neck pain should approach with care or consult a qualified teacher.
Anatomy Involved
Benefits
Spinal Erectors(strengthening)
These long muscles run vertically alongside your spine, from your pelvis all the way up to your skull. In Salabhasana, they actively contract to lift your chest and head away from the floor, working against gravity to extend the spinal column. This isometric and concentric work builds endurance and strength in the muscles responsible for maintaining upright posture, directly counteracting the slumping often seen in modern life. The sustained engagement awakens the 'agni' or inner fire in the core, translating into a feeling of invigorated stability and confidence in your upright stance.
Glutes(strengthening)
The large muscles of your buttocks, primarily the gluteus maximus, are powerful engines in Salabhasana, contracting strongly to lift your legs from the floor. This action extends the hip joint, bringing the thighbone (femur) into line with the torso and pelvis. By engaging these muscles with intelligence, we protect the lower back and learn to distribute the effort across the entire posterior chain, fostering a sense of grounded power that radiates through the lower body. This grounding energy helps to stabilize apana vayu, promoting a feeling of security and rootedness.
Hamstrings(strengthening)
Located on the back of your thighs, the hamstrings work in concert with the glutes to extend the hip and lift the legs in Salabhasana. While their primary action is knee flexion, here they assist in hip extension and help to straighten the knees, contributing to the lift and length of the legs. This active engagement strengthens them in a lengthened position, which is crucial for balanced leg strength and can help alleviate tightness often associated with sitting, bringing a sense of lightness and freedom to the lower limbs. The intelligent engagement here prevents gripping and encourages a harmonious distribution of strength.
- Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →
Avoid If
Back Injury / Back Pain
Spinal flexion, extension, or rotation under load can compress vertebral discs or strain the paraspinal muscles.
Limit the depth of the backbend, engage the core actively before moving, and avoid any movement that creates pinching in the lumbar spine.
Neck Injury / Cervical Issues
Looking up, bearing head weight, or unsupported neck rotation can compress cervical vertebrae and irritate nerves.
Do not allow the head to drop back unsupported; keep the chin slightly tucked and look forward rather than up.
Headache / Migraine
Physical exertion, inversions, and strong breath work can intensify an existing headache or trigger a migraine.
Avoid inversions and strong pranayama; rest in a supported, restorative posture with a cool cloth on the forehead.
Pregnancy
Deep twists, abdominal compression, and lying flat on the back can restrict blood flow or cause discomfort as pregnancy progresses.
Widen the stance, avoid deep abdominal compression and twists, and consult a qualified prenatal yoga teacher.
Props That Can Help
Optional supports — use when helpful, not required
Folded Blanket
A rolled blanket under the thoracic spine opens the chest gently and supports the backbend, making it accessible as a restorative variation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
5 cues
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
- 1Press the pubic bone gently into the floor
- 2Engage the legs by pressing the tops of the feet down
- 3Lengthen the back of the neck — gaze slightly forward
- 4Draw the shoulder blades toward the spine
- 5Keep the gluteal muscles firm but not clenched
Pose Details
Helps With
Pose Type
Body Focus
Focus Areas
Best For
Yoga Styles
When to Practice
Position
Modify If You Have
back pain
Lift only one leg at a time, or keep hands under hips for support.
neck pain
Keep head in neutral position, looking down.
shoulder injury
Keep arms alongside the body, or hands under hips.
Target Areas
Practice Flow
How to Practice
1. Lie prone on the floor with your legs straight and arms by your sides, palms facing down.
2. Inhale, engaging your abdominal muscles.
3. Exhale, lift both legs, chest, and arms off the floor simultaneously.
4. Balance your body on your navel.
5. Keep your legs straight and draw your shoulders down and back.
4 more steps remaining
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Salabhasana
What is Locust Pose?
Locust Pose, also called Salabhasana is a classical yoga posture. Its Sanskrit name Salabhasana translates word-for-word as: Salabha (Locust / Grasshopper) · Asana (Pose). In this posture, the body engages the posterior chain against the gentle resistance of gravity. The posture works to strengthen and extend the back, activate the glutes and lengthen the hamstrings. Strengthens glutes and hamstrings. Tones abdominal organs. It is particularly valued for alleviating back discomfort and improving overall posture. Suitable for beginners and regular practitioners alike, it is an excellent warm-up, particularly beneficial for beginners and athletes. A blanket can be used to make the posture more accessible and support correct alignment. Practitioners with back pain and neck pain should approach with care or consult a qualified teacher.
What are the benefits of Locust Pose?
Strengthens back muscles. Strengthens glutes and hamstrings. Tones abdominal organs. Improves posture. Stimulates digestion.
Who should avoid Locust Pose?
Avoid this pose if you have: Back injury, Neck injury, Headache, Pregnancy.
How many steps are in Locust Pose?
Locust Pose is practiced in 9 steps. Lie prone on the floor with your legs straight and arms by your sides, palms facing down.
Is Locust Pose suitable for beginners?
Yes, Locust Pose is a beginner-friendly pose suitable for all levels.
What props are needed for Locust Pose?
You may use: blanket. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.
What conditions does Locust Pose help with?
Locust Pose is therapeutic for: back pain, posture correction, strength, digestive problems, hamstring injury.
What poses should I do before Locust Pose?
Prepare with: Makarasana, Adho Mukha Virasana (Child's Pose). These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.
Build Your Own Sequence
Combine Salabhasana with other poses


