Tutorial Thursday: Grasshopper Pose!

This is a fun arm balance that requires both open hips, deep twisting and upper body strength. The key is finding where you need to pause, and work on that step until you feel comfortable moving forward.

Begin in a standing position. Shift your weight t the right foot, lift the left leg off the floor and place the left ankle directly above the right knee. Flex the foot (we call this a “figure four shape”). Now, bend the right knee until you end up in a half chair. Take a few breaths to find your balance, lengthen the tailbone towards the heel and shift your weight away from the toes.

Bring you hands to heart center, and twist! We’re going for connecting the upper left arm to the sole of the left foot – the deeper you twist, the more solid yo’ll be in the final arm balance. Once you have your twist, take a few breaths, either gaze towards the floor for extra stability or lift the gaze if you feel stable enough.

Now, bend the standing leg, keep twisting from the upper body and place the palms of your hands down alongside the long end of your yoga mat. Place the hands shoulder width apart, spread the fingers wide and root down from the thumb and the index. Pull your heart through the upper arms, gaze forward and lean your weight towards your hands. Squeeze the outer right elbow in to the side of the waist… And hopefully we have take off! Find your balance first, square the shoulders and keep the breath flowing through the nose. From here you can extend that right leg straight out to the side, and you’ll be in the full pose.

Come out slowly, and do the other side. Rest in child’s pose when you’re done.

Have fun, and listen to your body!

Love,

Rachel