How to do a Headstand

The first time I felt like a real bad ass in yoga was when I nailed my first headstand. I remember the day well. I was in Karly's class at Gold's Gym and the idea of standing on my head had never even crossed my mind. She offered it in class and broke it down for us and before I knew it I was IN A HEADSTAND! (mind blown)

That feeling of doing something that I'd never done before, twenty some years into my life was THE COOLEST thing I'd experienced in quite some time. I thought this must be what it feels like when babies learn to walk, or people in karate chop a piece of wood in half or some feat that seems insane and untouchable.

Fast forward to today I love many things about yoga, but the one that tops the list is the ability to continue to have these break through moments on your mat where you see things from a different perspective, or you surprise yourself with how strong you are or you prove to yourself how capable you actually are!

So let's get to it! How the heck does one stand on their own head and not die, hurt themselves or cry! There are two main types of headstand. I prefer the "tripod headstand" or Sirsanana B in Sanskrit which is what I'll walk you through today. It all starts with an equilateral triangle. Your head and two hands need to make a triangle shape to start this whole process with a strong foundation.

Start by placing your hands on the mat and then find the very top of your head (the crown of your head) and bring that to the mat. Find your triangle and hug your elbows in so that they make a 90 degree bend (contributing to your strong foundation). Walk you toes in to bring the hips over the shoulders. Explore what it feels like to bring weight onto the head with a little less risk in this variation.

Now that you are feeling a little more comfortable with the weight of your body stacked on your head, begin to draw one leg up towards the sky. At this point you're kind of in a half headstand. One of your feet is still grounded. Explore what this feels like.

Next Play with either bringing one or both knees to your triceps (think middle school gym class - and come into the the tripod). Or keep one leg lifted and draw the other into the chest.

Finally you will feel comfortable enough to go for it and lift both legs towards the sky! Squeeze your legs together and engage your core and... you're in headstand! Starting out near a wall isn't a bad idea, but don't rely on the wall forever.

As you progress in your confidence with this pose, you will be able to add in some tricks. Try different variations of headstand! (Straddle, eagle legs, tree legs, transitions etc.) Happy headstanding! If this post helped you get into headstand show me what you've got and tag me on instagram @namastacyj!