Sanskrit: Laghu Vajrasana
lah-guu vahj-RAHS-anna
Benefits
Strengthens the legs
Increases spinal flexibility
Tones the spinal nerves
Stretches the abdominal muscles
Standard Cues
Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-distance wide and thighs perpendicular to the ground. Place your hands on your thighs.
Slowly lean back while pushing your hips and thighs forward. Come into a deep backbend and rest the crown of your head on the soles of your feet.
Slide your hands down to hold onto your knees.
Stay in the pose for several breaths. To come out of Little Thunderbolt pose, strongly press the tops of your feet into the floor, and activate your core and legs. Push your pelvis forward and rise up, letting the head be the last to rise.
Short Cues and options
Push your thighs and buttocks forward.
Keep your head back as you come out of the pose.
Precautionary Warnings
Avoid if you have back, shoulder, or neck injuries.