How I Teach Locust Pose (Shalabhasana) Using Humour, Symbolism & Story
Greetings, my lovely Yogis, Yoginis, and Yoga teachers. I’m George Watts, a BWY yoga teacher and creator of the Online Yoga Lesson Planner.
In this post, I’ll share how I teach locust pose using humour, symbolism and story to bring more creativity and fun to your classes.
Step 1: Sanskrit
Don’t be afraid to introduce your students to the Sanskrit name for Locust Pose—Shalabhasana (sha-la-BAHS-anna)—because if they can pronounce “quinoa” correctly, they can handle this!
“Shalabha” means locust, as in the little insect that buzzes around fields with surprising strength (just like your students when they lift off the mat).
“Asana” means posture, which is exactly what they’ll be holding while channeling their inner super-bug. Encourage them to embrace the name, because nothing builds confidence like being able to casually drop, “Ah yes, my Shalabhasana is feeling extra powerful today,” into a conversation. Plus, who wouldn’t want to feel as mighty as a tiny locust defying gravity?
Step 2: Quick Teaching Directions For Locust Pose
Lie on your belly, engage your core, lift your chest, arms, and legs off the mat, and breathe as you hover like a strong, soaring locust.
Step 3: Teaching Locust Pose The Traditional Way
The Traditional Way Of Teaching Locust Pose
Begin by lying on your belly, legs extended straight back with the tops of your feet pressing into the mat.
Place your arms alongside your body, palms facing down. On an inhale, engage your core, lift your chest, arms, and legs off the mat, keeping the gaze slightly forward to maintain a long neck.
Press the pubic bone gently into the mat for support and activate the back muscles to hold the pose. Breathe deeply, maintaining the lift for a few breaths, then exhale and slowly lower down, resting before repeating.
Step 4: Teaching Locust Pose The Quirky Way Using Story, Symbolism and Humour
Welcome to Shalabhasana—the unsung hero of backbends! I like to tell my students that Locust Pose is proof that even the tiniest creatures can be mighty (just like them!).
I have them imagine they’re a fearless little locust, preparing to take flight, lifting their chest, arms, and legs like a bug on a mission.
I remind them that just like a locust can jump 200 times its body length, they too are building unshakable strength, even if they only hover a few inches off the mat!
And, of course, there’s always the classic “don’t squish the imaginary bug under your belly” cue to keep them from collapsing. Through story, humour, and a sprinkle of symbolism, this pose transforms from “just another backbend” into a playful, confidence-boosting, and fun moment on the mat.
Grasshopper Symbolism
Symbolism instantly morphs a run-of-the-mill yoga lesson plans into a memorable yoga lesson plan theme that your students will love.
Just in case you’re not 100% sure what this symbolism thing is, here’s a nifty definition for you: “Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a word to represent an abstract idea. An action, person, place, word, or object can all have a symbolic meaning.”
Here are 16 symbolic meanings for LOCUST that you can weave into your yoga lesson plan theme…
- Lucky
- Stable
- Virtue
- Vibrant
- Contentment
- Intuitive
- Fertility
- Patience
- Peaceful
- Creativity
- Abundance
- Insite
- Messenger
- Connected
- Forward thinking
- Courage
Grasshopper Theme Example 1: Contentment
A locust yoga lesson plan theme could be contentment.
During the class remind your students to “let go”. To surrender. To allow the quiet in.
Grasshopper Theme Example 2: Patience
Another locust yoga class plan theme could be patience.
You could ask your students to hold the locust pose and then be patient and “rest” until trying again. Explain that quality “resting” in-between activity is crucial for mental health.
Explain that most people are constantly rushing about mentally and physically, and not taking a break until they go to bed. And then wonder why they can’t sleep!
Grasshopper Theme Example 3: Creativity
Another locust yoga class theme could be about creativity.
Throughout the class, you could ask your students to come up with creative “modifications” of poses, especially Locust Pose. When you see a particularly creative version of a pose, ask your students to watch the student practicing the pose. Then ask them to copy it.
Step 5: Teaching Locust Pose Modifications
I love learning new modifications for a pose!
Why do I do this when I probably won’t use most of them in a class?
Mainly because it gives me more confidence when rocking up to my yoga classes. When I see a student who needs a modification, I walk up to them, and demonstrate an appropriate one for them. It could be a beginner, intermediate or advanced modification depending on their experience.
I’ve also discovered that learning lots of modifications helps me become better at teaching the standard pose. All that information is swirling around somewhere in my little head, and finds a way to come out when needed in a class.
Here are 30 modifications for you!
Scan through them, pick ones that resonate with you, then close your eyes and imagine teaching the modification in your class. Visualisation is a fabulous mental tool for yoga teachers! Try my 3-step visualisation tactic to rehearse your next yoga class.
30 Locust Pose Modifications
Locust Pose Variation: Alternate leg and arm raise
10 Beginner Modifications for Locust Pose
Beginner Modification 1: The Grounded Grasshopper
Instead of lifting everything, keep your feet on the mat and only lift your chest and arms. This helps you build strength in your back like a baby locust preparing for its first big hop.
Beginner Modification 2: The Lazy Locust
Place a folded blanket under your pelvis to give your belly some extra support as you lift. Just like a locust resting on a warm rock, this keeps you comfortable while you warm up your wings.
Beginner Modification 3: The Fluttering Wings
Instead of lifting your arms straight back, bend your elbows and flap them gently like tiny insect wings. This keeps the shoulders relaxed while still engaging the back muscles.
Beginner Modification 4: The Baby Bug Lift
Lift just one leg at a time while keeping the chest down. Imagine you’re testing out your locust legs before taking full flight.
Beginner Modification 5: The Hovering Hopper
Keep your hands on the mat and push down lightly as you lift your chest. This adds a little “jet fuel” to your lift-off, making the pose feel more supported.
Beginner Modification 6: The Sleepy Insect
Place a small bolster under your ribs and keep your forehead on the mat. This allows you to get a feel for the pose without needing to engage everything at once—because even locusts need a warm-up.
Beginner Modification 7: The Tiny Wing Stretch
Instead of lifting your legs, just stretch your arms back with palms down. This helps open up the shoulders like a locust stretching before its first flight.
Beginner Modification 8: The Tummy Hugger
Keep your legs on the ground and focus only on lifting your chest while pressing your belly gently into the mat. This creates a grounding sensation, like a locust burrowing into the earth before takeoff.
Beginner Modification 9: The Wiggly Worm
Lift your chest slightly and gently sway side to side. This loosens up your back and makes the pose more playful—because sometimes, insects just like to wiggle.
Beginner Modification 10: The Soft Shell Bug
Use a block between your hands and gently press into it as you lift. This gives your locust a stronger exoskeleton, helping you engage without overstraining.
10 Intermediate Modifications for Locust Pose
Intermediate Modification 1: The Flying Locust
Lift both legs, chest, and arms while engaging your core. You’re officially off the ground—welcome to the sky, little insect!
Intermediate Modification 2: The Soaring Wings
Reach your arms forward like Superbug (aka Superman Pose) instead of keeping them by your sides. This increases the challenge and lets you glide through the yoga jungle.
Intermediate Modification 3: The Zigzag Flyer
Once lifted, gently shift your weight from side to side. This mimics how locusts change direction in flight while strengthening your obliques.
Intermediate Modification 4: The Wing Tuck
Interlace your fingers behind your back as you lift your chest. This opens up the shoulders like an insect unfolding its wings for takeoff.
Intermediate Modification 5: The Buzzing Locust
Lift into full Locust Pose and add tiny pulses with the legs. Just like a locust vibrating its wings, this strengthens the lower back and legs.
Intermediate Modification 6: The Deep-Dive Bug
On an exhale, lift into the pose; on an inhale, lower down halfway, then lift again. This creates a dynamic movement, like a locust swooping down before soaring back up.
Intermediate Modification 7: The Reverse Flutter
Hold the pose and flutter the hands up and down slightly. Imagine you’re sending signals to other yogi locusts as you stabilise your back muscles.
Intermediate Modification 8: The Synchronised Swarm
Practice lifting and lowering in sync with a partner. This creates a fun energy, like a group of locusts traveling together across the fields.
Intermediate Modification 9: The Shadow Hopper
Hold the pose for an extended time, focusing on length rather than height. Think of yourself as a shadowy locust gliding effortlessly through the air.
Intermediate Modification 10: The Stealth Flyer
Place a yoga block between your thighs and squeeze as you lift. This engages the inner thighs and stabilises your flight path.
10 Advanced Modifications for Locust Pose
Advanced Modification 1: The Rocket Locust
Instead of lifting and lowering, press your palms together behind your back and lift as high as possible like a locust rocketing into the sky.
Advanced Modification 2: The Twisting Grasshopper
Lift up into Locust, then twist your chest to one side, reaching an arm up. This adds a spinal twist for extra agility—like a locust dodging obstacles mid-flight.
Advanced Modification 3: The Super Swarm
Lift into Locust and extend one leg higher than the other, alternating with each breath. This helps build endurance and control in your locust flight.
Advanced Modification 4: The Bound-Wing Flyer
Hold onto your ankles behind you, creating a Bow Pose variation in Locust. This turns your humble insect into a high-flying aerial acrobat.
Advanced Modification 5: The Grasshopper Glider
Instead of lifting into static Locust, transition into Upward Bow Pose (Wheel) directly from the lift. This turns your locust into a next-level airborne daredevil.
Advanced Modification 6: The Grassland Pulse
While holding Locust Pose, pulse your legs and arms up and down rapidly, building explosive power like a locust gathering energy for its next launch.
Advanced Modification 7: The High-Velocity Hopper
Lift as high as you can, then add dynamic kicks with your legs, mimicking the powerful thrust of a locust in motion.
Advanced Modification 8: The Locust Flip
From Locust Pose, push into your hands and flip into Upward Facing Dog in one smooth motion—because why just fly when you can flip?
Advanced Modification 9: The Buzzing Swarm
Hold full Locust Pose for one minute or longer, keeping the breath steady. This requires endurance and the mindset of a locust determined to cross an entire field.
Advanced Modification 10: The Bound Grasshopper
Clasp the hands behind your head as you lift, adding a neck-strengthening element to your flight. This builds the strength and focus of a true yogi insect.
George’s Conclusion
Well, there you have it, my lovely fellow yoga teacher.
Teaching locust pose using humour, symbolism and story. By using breathwork, keeping a few modifications up your sleeve, knowing the proper alignment cues, and not being afraid to teach by painting vivid images in your student’s minds, you can help students build a strong foundation and deepen their practice over time.
Oh yes, I almost forgot, click here for 10 beginner yoga lesson plans with peak poses which are ideal “themed” yoga lesson plans.
And click here for an article I wrote called: 1001 Yoga Class Planning Tips & Handouts For Yoga Teachers.
If you want to create yoga lesson plans quickly and easily, take a quick peek at my Online Yoga Lesson Planner.
Hey, while you’re here, you might as well get your hands on 37 free Yoga lesson plans.
37 Free Yoga Lesson Plans
Below are 37 free downloadable yoga lesson plans that I’ve created for my own yoga classes using the Online Yoga Lesson Planner. Feel free to use them for your own yoga classes, or as inspiration to come up with your own yoga class themes.
Become A Peaceful Warrior Yoga Lesson Plan
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Sun Salutations A Yoga Lesson Plan
Sun Salutations B Yoga Lesson Plan
Sun Salutations C Yoga Lesson Plan
Camel Peak Pose Yoga Lesson Plan
Downward Facing Dog Pose Variations Lesson Plan
Plank Peak Pose Yoga Lesson Plan
Revolved Poses Yoga Lesson Plan
Twists-Themed Yoga Lesson Plan: 41 Twist Poses To Whip Your Student’s Cores Into Shape
Yoga Therapy: Arthritic Spine Yoga Lesson Plan
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Yoga Therapy: Restorative Yoga Lesson Plan
