Posture of the Month: Full-Locust Pose

HISTORY OF FULL-LOCUST POSE:
Continuing to strengthen and increase flexibility of the spine, Full Locust Posture really lets you spread your wings & fly, so make it happen yogis. See how high you can go!

BENEFITS:
Strengthens/Firms -

• Lower/Upper Back
• Muscles of Upper Arms
• Abdominal Muscles
• Buttocks
• Muscles of Upper Thigh
• Calf Muscles

Stimulates -

• Liver
• Spleen

Physical Benefits -

• Helps with poor posture; Relieves & prevents lower back pain
• Helps relieve lumbago, arthritis, rheumatism, cervical spondylosis
• Helps to massage abdominal muscles, aiding in digestive problems
• Helps regulate & prevent menstrual problems
• Helps with loss of appetite & fatigue

Emotional / Mental Benefits -

• Releases & breaks through fear, concern & overwhelming responsibility

TIPS:

• Always look up in this pose. While it is tempting to look in front mirror to check progress, looking up will help to finalize the arc of the pose while delivering benefits to cervical spine.
• Keep your arms & legs active; the tighter they are, the lighter they will feel.
• Bring your focus to activating the muscles of your back & truly feeling the strengthening sensation of the posture. This will help you to activate the muscles more & often achieve more height.
• "Think of stretching your elbows back, then up in the pose" - Criag Villani
• "Do not bend your knees in the posture because you are breaking the static arc of the pose" - Criag Villani