“I’ve been practising yoga for (insert years here) and kick up every class but my handstands are not improving.”

Does this sound familiar?

Handstands

So, you’ve been doing yoga for x number of years and you still can’t hold a handstand… 

There are a few reasons why:

1. Yoga is mostly push strength (Chaturanga central!) you need push and pull for handstands. We end up being very strong in our front bodies (think pecs and quads) and long (not strong) in our back bodies (think Latissimus Dorsi and Hamstrings) 
   
   
2. Holding a handstand takes consistent practice (for most of us) drills and specialised training, my coach said twice a week is just maintenance, so a few kick ups in your class once a week just isn’t going to cut it.
   
   
3. FEAR, ok most of us get this one. As adults we don’t often fall, especially from upside down. If you’ve managed to start your handstand program but are still just using the wall, it might be time to move away.

Tips

1. Learn how to fall safely, get comfortable falling, get good at falling. Most handstands you will end up coming out of, so learn how to do that safely.
   
   
2. The wall is a great training tool, I still use one! But it’s time to know when to move away.
   
   
3. Get a consistent training plan, get a coach (Online through www.yogibear.studio or in person) and then BE consistent at it.
   
   
4. If you can’t afford a coach! Do not despair, there are amazing courses (Online (check out YogibearStudio on youtube) or In person) out there. 
   
   
5. Video what you are doing, look at the videos, check your alignment, see what you did well and what needs improvement. Ask for help.
   
   
6. Warm up your body properly before each session and make sure you stretch afterwards.