The Grasshopper posture is an excellent exercise to increase strength in the waist and thighs, while also unlocking flexibility in your neck and shoulders. Moreover, this yoga asana helps promote healthy circulation of blood throughout your body, stimulating nerve endings across each vertebrae! While it can come with a range of benefits for mind and body alike, be sure you check with your doctor if you have high BP or are pregnant before attempting it; otherwise enjoy holding the pose for however long feels comfortable.
Grasshopper Pose, also known as Salabhasana, is a deep backbend that helps to strengthen the muscles of the back and core. Here’s how to perform this pose:
- Begin in a prone position on your stomach with your arms by your sides and your palms facing down.
- Inhale and lift your head, chest, and arms off the ground, keeping your hips and legs on the ground.
- Exhale and lift your right leg off the ground, keeping your knee bent and your foot flexed.
- Inhale and lift your left leg off the ground, keeping your knee bent and your foot flexed.
- Hold the pose for a few deep breaths, then slowly lower your legs and return to a prone position.
With practice, you may be able to lift your legs higher and deepen the backbend.
Among its many benefits, the asana increases your body’s blood circulation and stimulates the pituitary gland. It also relieves gastrointestinal gas. It also opens the lungs.
Learning the asana may be a challenge, especially for newcomers. To ease discomfort and stay in alignment while attempting it, you can use props like bolsters or blocks under your palms.
Your legs are great tools to help keep your balance too. Try extending them toward the ceiling first before twisting right foot heel-to-ground! Push firmly into fingers on floor when reaching into bent knee with tips of digits, this is an important aspect of form. People suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome will also find benefit by consistently practicing this pose!
The Grasshopper posture is good for the wrists. However, you should avoid raising the back part of your palms as this may lead to an injury.
