My handstand isn't quite the bomb dot com just yet but it's getting there as I continue to build my upper body strength. In yoga, sometimes it works to your advantage to have a background in gymnastics. In this case, not so much because my gymnastics work always had me doing front walkovers and therefore my muscle memory always kicks in and I have a tough time getting my balance and catching myself at just the right time. It's coming along slowly, (ever so slowly), but it's definitely coming on.
A tip for handstand
One of the things I've found that's helped is to make a V shape with the legs. This helped me when I first learned supported headstand, and again in forearm stand when I started working with that, so it was only natural that it would serve me well in handstand practice. So a V with the legs is my first tip.
My second tip?
Pin now, practice handstand later!
Wearing: Sweaty Betty leggings, Puma tank and sneakers.
Using a wall for handstand practice
Use the wall, but not the regular way. Most people kick up to the wall. This is totally cool at first when you're just getting used to being upside down, but after that, I'd love to see people turn around and take it the other way.
Pin now, practice handstand later!
Wearing: Sweaty Betty leggings, Puma tank and sneakers.
Using the wall shown above feels way scarier than it looks, but it is excellent practice in building control, strength, and engaging all the right muscles.
1. Stand far enough away from the wall that when you lift one leg, the bottom of the foot hits the wall.
2. Then, turn around and put your hands down, shoulder distance.
3. Carefully step your feet onto the wall. Walk your legs up the wall until you feel your pelvis is over your head. You might need someone to watch you and tell you when you've hit the mark because it's hard to feel if you're not used to it.
4. Carefully lift one leg. Go for the V shape, not the straight up and down handstand. The V shape will help you find your balance, and so long as you keep your bottom leg toward the wall and come up slowly with the other leg, you won't tip over.
5. Maybe, just maybe, step that lower leg away from the wall and try to find your balance in handstand. Breathe, breathe, breathe and then slowly come down with control.
Let's talk: What are you working on in your practice? Is handstand in your repertoire yet? If so, how'd you learn to master it? If not, are you ready to attempt it with the wall?
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