In this class, David Garrigues breaks down the essential backbend of Śalabhāsana (Locust Pose) from the Second Series of Ashtanga Yoga. More than just lifting the legs, this class reveals the true crux of the pose—the thigh lift—and how it integrates with chest expansion and spinal arching to create strength, precision, and power. You’ll learn: How to set up with your belly fully grounded while extending arms and legs to their maximum reach. Why the thigh lift is the foundation of the pose, and drills to isolate and strengthen it. Step-by-step progressions using single-leg kicks, double-leg lifts, and variations with bent knees. Prop techniques with blocks or pelvic support to safely train extension and lift. Arm position options (palms up, chaturanga arms, or interlaced fingers) and how each changes the spinal expression. How to repeat transitions as a training method, integrating the “crouch, spring, and arrive” principle. Using Śalabhāsana to refine upward dog and prepare for the full sequence of Second Series backbends . This class is both technical and energizing, giving you the tools to work Śalabhāsana intelligently at any level. Whether you’re refining alignment or building foundational backbend strength, you’ll discover why this posture is a keystone in the Ashtanga system.