Lie facedown on the floor (you may want to place a folded blanket or other padding under your pubic bone). Place your arms underneath your body and position them as close together as you can, with your palms and inner arms facing down. Your elbows should face your belly. Extend your chin forward on the floor, eyes focused ahead, breathe slowly and deeply. Begin with your legs together. Extend your right leg far behind you as you raise it off the floor, but keep your hips even. Stretch actively from head to toe. Hold for 1 minute, breathing slowly (ujjayi). Repeat with the other leg.

For the finale, bring both legs up together as you press into the arms and chest, lifting even the hips. Lower easily and remove arms, resting them at your sides or under your head. Turn your face sideways and relax.

The benefits of locust include strengthening and toning the leg muscles, glutes and lower back. The arms, shoulders and elbows receive a dynamic stretch and open up, helping to relieve pains, such as tennis elbow and arthritis. This position also massages the internal organs, serving as a cleansing posture. As we relax we continue to strengthen our body and mind with our yoga practice. Our core strength will be there for us when we need it most in life. Feeling safe in the world, we can truly relax and let go.

Bookmark:

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed