Locust pose

In doing the Yoga Locust pose you mimic an insect when it sits on a twig and raises its head and torso, hence the name for this pose. This is a simple exercise and also a relaxation pose, where you do not have to do any intricate moves like balancing or twisting yourself. So kids, as well as the elderly can include this pose in the suite of yoga poses they do.

The only precaution you need to take is that depending on your medical condition you should consult your physician before you proceed to do this pose. Patients of any neck, hip or lower spine related ailments would be well advised to modify this pose in consultation with their yoga tutor. You should also go about doing this pose initially, at least, under the supervision of a yoga tutor, so that you learn to do it right, the first time you do it.

This pose helps you to increase the flexibility of your spine and compress the muscles of your buttocks (glutes), inner thighs, quads, and your calf muscles. This pose also stretches your neck and ribcage.Start from a kneeling position with your feet placed such that your foot soles face upwards and your toes point away from you.

Lie down on your stomach and bend your arms from your elbows and place your palms right underneath your chest. Pause at this stage for some moments, before you rotate your arms and place them by your sides. Your palms are facing upwards.Align your legs, pelvis, spine, neck and head in one line. Do not rest your chin on the mat, but hold you head slightly off the mat. Take a deep breath and as you inhale, lift your legs off the mat. Follow this up by lifting your arms off the mat too, as you curve your spine.

Keep your head inclined downwards and do not curve your neck.Keep your head and neck aligned in a straight line as you start curving your spine. Pause at this stage and then lift your chin a bit, and move your arms behind your back. Place your hands on each other on your buttocks.Now reach back with your hands and pull your chest off the mat slightly more. Simultaneously also lift your legs further up.

Pause at this stage for between three to five breaths, or as long as you are comfortable.To exit from this pose, lower your head to the mat and rest your face on one side and simultaneously rest your legs on the floor.

Sources:

Learn Locust Pose Yoga

http://www.yogatohealth.com/Locust_Pose_Yoga_Variations_and_Classical_Posture.html

Locust Pose - Shalabha-asana

http://www.santosha.com/shalabha.html

Locust Pose

http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/yoga-benefits/yoga-mountain-locust-gate-pose.html

Yoga Poses for Energy : Yoga Locust Pose

http://chanditalenteddog.com/yoga-poses-for-energy-yoga-locust-pose-to-downward-dog-pose-for-energy.html

.