Salabasana

Salabhasana strengthens the muscles that arch the back, including the erector spinae along the length of the spine, the quadratus lumborum in the lower back, the lower trapezius spanning the upper back, the gluteus maximus, and the hamstrings. This prepares the body for back bends that create greater extension of the spine, such as Urdhva Danurasana and Ustrasana.

Vinyasa Count: Salabhasana [A], Salabhasana [B]

#	Sanskrit	Instruction
4	Catvari	Hold, exhale, lower
5	Panca	Inhale, position A, five breaths
6	Sat	Inhale, position B, five breaths
7	Sapta	Inhale, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
8	Astau	Exhale, Adho Mukha Svanasana

Anatomy

Salabhasana strengthens the muscles that arch the back, including the erector spinae along the length of the spine, the quadratus lumborum in the lower back, the lower trapezius spanning the upper back, the gluteus maximus, and the hamstrings. This prepares the body for backbends that create a greater extension of the spine, such as Urdhva Danurasana and Ustrasana.