YanvaYoga > Yoga Poses > Baby Grasshopper Pose

Baby Grasshopper Pose - Parsva Bhuja Dandasana

Baby Grasshopper Pose - YanvaYoga

Contents

Baby Grasshopper Pose or Parsva Bhuja Dandasana (pa-aar-sva-bhu-jaa-dan-dahs-anna) is a modified version of full Grasshopper or Dragonfly Pose. Here, one foot remains on the floor for stability and one leg reaches to the side while the yogi builds strength and confidence to enter the full pose. This arm balance is great for beginner to intermediate practitioners.
Balancing the body on one arm and a foot in this asana brings a twist in the spine and opens the hips. This improves flexibility and strengthening.

Pose Detail

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Sit on the floor, legs stretched out in front of you. Cross your left leg over your right thigh, and place your left foot on the mat just outside the right knee.
Step 2
Turn your torso to the right.Bend your elbows and place the palms of your hands on either side of the left foot. Lean forward towards the floor.
Step 3
Hold your right foot (the foot of the straight leg), with your left hand (the hand closest to the right foot).
Step 4
Keep leaning towards the floor, lift the pelvic floor up into your body, use your abs, lift your hips. And there you go : you are a Baby hopper!

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Helping to stimulate and nourish the reproductive organs.

Improves concentration and focus

Improves flexibility in the waist, lower back, thighs, spine, and shoulder blades.

Contraindications

Injury in the shoulders, elbows, or wrists

Issues with the stomach or internal organs

Pregnancy

High blood pressure

Photo poses in different angles

Modifications, Props and Tips

  • The pose will become much easier if you try to push most of your weight into the standing foot. To do so, make sure you engage your leg muscles and core and strongly push the foot into the ground.
  • Keep the lifted foot flexed. This will not only protect the knee but will also help you when you lift off the mat.
  • Keep the palm of the arm that’s on the floor close to your body. This allows you to keep the elbow close to the ribs.
  • Spread the fingers of the bottom arm to help you with stability.
  • Avoid bending the lifted leg. If you’re not able to keep the leg long when you grasp the foot, use a strap to extend your reach.
  • If you’re afraid you will fall, place a cushion in front of your head to protect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baby Grasshopper Pose suitable for beginners?

No, Baby Grasshopper Pose is an intermediate-level pose that requires a strong foundation in arm balances and hip-opening poses. It is recommended that beginners build up to this pose gradually with the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.

How can I modify Baby Grasshopper Pose if I can't lift my hips off the ground?

If you are unable to lift your hips off the ground, you can practice Half Baby Grasshopper Pose, where you keep one leg extended and one knee bent. You can also practice this pose against a wall for added support.

What should I avoid doing in Baby Grasshopper Pose?

Avoid forcing your body into the pose or straining your arms and shoulders. It is also important to avoid practicing this pose if you have any injuries or conditions that may be aggravated by arm balances or hip-opening poses.

How can I advance this pose?

Once you have mastered Baby Grasshopper Pose, you can work on straightening your arms and lifting your torso higher off the ground. You can also try transitioning from this pose to other arm balances, such as Flying Pigeon Pose or Side Crow Pose.

Variations

  • Grasshopper Pose
  • Mating Grasshopper Pose
  • Grasshopper Pose With Blocks

Top Preparatory Pose

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Iana Varshavska
Iana Varshavska
Website administrator

A digital marketer in love with yoga and everything that goes along with it. In 2021, her huge passion for yoga led her to yoga teacher trainings. After successfully completing her studies, Iana received her Yoga Alliance U.S. certification, left the corporate IT world and devoted herself to the development of Yanva. To be able to create the best online yoga space for yoga enthusiasts like her, Iana is constantly learning and improving her skills in various aspects of yoga philosophy, anatomy and biomechanics. Since 2021, she has continued to attend various types of teacher training, including yoga therapy, gives online and offline classes, and conducts local workshops for people who want to learn more about yoga. At the moment, Iana continues to work on her personal practice, improving her hand balancing skills, as well as developing her own training programs.