Ah, the elusive headstand.
And many people attempt to do just that, by kicking their way to a headstand.
So lets get this out of the way.
Katie Thompson
hey, I beg you, dont kick your way to a headstand!
Head and spinal injuries can be very dangerous and can cause long-term damage.
Most of the time, people are kicking because they cant get themselves up otherwise.
Katie Thompson
So if kicking is out, whats the best way to get up?
Then I learned the way I am going to highlight here, and it changed everything.
So if youre interested in working your way up to a headstand, give these headstand progressions a try.
Katie Thompson
Trying it with a registered yoga instructor can be helpful too.
Forearm Plank
Even this first progression has a regression if you need it.
Aforearm plankcan be done on your toes (as pictured), or you could drop to your knees.
Katie Thompson
Thats how we set up for a headstand.
Eventually, youll be able to walk up far enough so your hips will stack over your shoulders.
Bonus: This is a greatcore exerciseand useful beyond a headstand practice.
Katie Thompson
The stronger our base is with our forearms, the less our head is actually bearing weight.
Egg Shape
Its important to practice coming in and out of this shape before taking the legs up.
Its easy to get a little panicky once you are balancing on your head.
Katie Thompson
If you make it to the egg shape, congratulations, this is a headstand!
No one said your legs had to be straight up to be a headstand.
You are balancing on your head.
Katie Thompson
Mastering that will help your body get more comfortable with the whole process.
Focus on your breath and keeping your mind calm.
These last two steps are the ones that are often the most challenging to consistently progress through.
Katie Thompson
But just remember: Though the headstand is an awesome pose, there is no prize for getting there.
The goal of yoga isnt to nail a headstand.
And if you cant get it, thats perfectly okay.
It doesnt mean youre bad at yogathere is no such thing.
