Salabhasana
Your Monthly Yoga Pose

Our body adapts to that which we repeatedly do. 

Let’s assume you repeatedly run. Your body adapts and prepares to run each time. It makes it easier for you to run by strengthening the parts of the body you specifically use. You are calling for your body to move like a runner; thus, your body begins to help you move easier as a runner. When a runner cross-trains, it is new to their body. As a runner, your body will likely use muscles not primarily used for running and will likely feel a degree of delayed, onset muscle soreness.

Let’s assume you primarily lift weights. Then, one day you decide to play two hours of volleyball. Your body will feel the difference in the change of movement. 

I’ve discussed positive adaptations your body makes toward positive behavior. However, in the past year, I have increased the amount of sitting my body does. Our bodies also adapt to being seated, and the result is muscle soreness for simple tasks like walking and twisting to get out of the car. 

Locust pose is for the sitters in the world. (And runners and weightlifters because the pose is fantastic!)

Salabhasana, or locust pose, is titled for its resemblance to a locust resting on the ground. It works the whole back of the body from the neck to the toes. In addition, it opens the chest and massages the abdominals and gastric area. It also aids in digestion and relieves flatulence. 

1. Begin lying on your stomach with your forehead on the mat and your palms facing the mat.
2. Let your legs touch, and try and touch your toes while having your body fully on the mat. 
3. Breathe in and notice where the air expands as your body weight presses your chest and belly into the mat.
4. As you breathe out, lift the legs, torso, head, and arms. Try and keep the legs long by allowing the toes to continue to touch.
5. Only the abdominal front portion of the body should rest on the mat and bear the weight of the body.
6. The arms may be outstretched (as pictured) or reaching forward or back. Keep the palms facing down, but play with the sensation of rotating the palms.
7. Stay in this posture as long as you can with normal breathing. 

This posture may be difficult at first but becomes easier as the abdominals grow stronger. 

While in the posture, notice your breath and the gentle resistance applied by lifting the legs and torso. 

Namaste.