Suitable for mothers of babies over 6 weeks (just a tiny leg lift with tight pelvic floor muscles) if not recovering from an episiotomy, if this is the case please allow for a full recovery before adding this asana to your practice.
Lie face down on your yoga mat. Place both hands under the hips/upper thighs In the early stages of this pose have the hands palm up, resting on the upper legs. As you get used to the position roll the hands over the thunbs so that they are palm down. Place your forehead or chin on the floor (whichever is most comfortable for you). Push one leg into the ground by allowing it to feel heavy. Gently lift the other leg, trying to keep it straight. If your hands are palm down on the floor, push down with the hands to give more lift to the leg. When you are sure of half locust you can progress to the next stage, lifting both legs simultaneously.
REASONS TO DO HALF LOCUST/ARDHA SHLALBHASANA:
Tones the buttocks and thighs and strengthens the lower back. Also helps to bring the uterus back into its pre-pregnancy position.
