Sponsored Post: This post is brought to you by Great Soles, who sent me a pair of their split toe socks for a YouTube video. While I was compensated for the post, all opinions are my own. YBC is committed to only working with brands whose products we love and would buy ourselves.
This is for all my people who are into monkeying around in inversions. I want to preface this by saying that there was a time not too long ago (maybe three summers ago?) when headstand seemed like an impossibility. I was terrified of falling over. I have an irrational fear that I would break my neck, and always thought that I was too weak and would never be able to get upside down. But I worked on it despite the prevailing self-doubt because there was a little voice inside that said, "Well, maybe."
If you at all have that little voice inside you, give it a microphone and listen to the resounding hopefulness.
Ok, that's my motivational speech for the day. :)
If you are solid in your headstand, and want to take it up a notch, I'm psyched to be partnering with Great Soles to bring you this tutorial. I do recommend ditching your mat and throwing on a pair of socks for this. I particularly like the Great Soles split toe sock for the following reasons:
- The big toe is split from the rest of the toes in this design which allows more control when you're upside down and in the rest of the warm up practice.
- The bottoms are super sticky so it's like having a yoga mat right under you.
- The tops are like regular socks which is really important for when you slide up in the zombie press.
- The little straps that go over the feet keep you really snug and secure.
Great Sole split toe socks
Sticky bottom to keep you stable while practicing
Ok so let's get down to it. For zombie press, the majority of the work is in the upper body. I feel it in my upper back - particularly my lats. The rest of the work is in the core. It takes a lot of strength, balance and breath, but if I can do it, I swear anyone can do it with consistent practice. Promise.
Let's talk Let me know your questions in the comments below! Happy to help if I can!
Related Three ways to get into headstand. Tripod headstand and a video tutorial of supported headstand.
PS- I'll be leading a beginner arm balance workshop in Hartford, CT on April 28, 2015 from 6:30 - 8:30pm. There is a limited number of spaces, so if you want in, fill this out for this and future classes/workshops in the Connecticut area.
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