Viparita Salabhasana (Reverse Locust Pose) registers as 58* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.
BKS Iyengar explains that Viparita Salabhasana is more intense than Ganda Bherundasana. So, unless you’re feeling comfortable in Ganda Bherundasana, Viparita Salabhasana should probably remain unexplored.
Personally, I’m no where near ready for Viparita Salabhasana yet! Even the preparations for Ganda Bherundasana test my limits, so I choose not to explore this more advanced pose. If you feel ready for this pose, I invite you to seek the guidance of your most experienced teacher.
If, like me, you’re not ready for Viparita Salabhasana, continue to enjoy your practice where it is today. There’s no rush to “achieve” a pose. Embrace your practice as it is today.
Tags: backbending yoga poses, backbends, BKS Iyengar, Ganda Bherundasana, Light on Yoga, Viparita Salabhasana, yoga backbends
That looks like a pose for very few Yogis! The flexibility required is daunting: I speak as one of the most generally flexible people I know!
Hi Vennie! Yes, you’re right. This one is really, really advanced. Not for me, at least not right now!
I am always awed by this pose.
My first teacher used to teach salabhasana as prep for this with the hands clasped under the pelvis rooting thru the arms to help the legs lift. She would then come and assist me by lifting my legs toward the ceiling. I loved the feeling of it. Never did my legs ever extend past my head, and that was fine, it still felt awesome.
It’s a truly incredible pose! Iyengar approaches Viparita Salabhasana from Ganda Bherundasana. I’d love to see someone slide into this pose someday!