HEADSTAND.

In our Pt.1 of HOW TO... We guide you through the basic principles of the unassisted HEADSTAND.

Ok we may have jumped a step here with not going through the 'assisted headstand' against the wall, but that will come next. My reason for doing it this way? So you can start to be conscious of how your body moves, and feelig your way into the positions before you become reliant upon a prop.

To start off with I would advise just taking yourself to point number 12. Getting into a good alignment with your neck/ spine and a strong upright posture. This will also start seeing you practice the movement of pressing into your forearms and out of your shoulders whilst engaging your core. If you come to my studio classes regularly you will be accustom to me banging on about 'pushing out of your shoulders' in our forearm planks and dolphin poses - this was prep for forearm balancing!

Take a look through the step by step guide to getting on your head... but also please take the time to read the BENEFITS & WARNINGS at the bottom of the page BEFORE you practice.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

Once the fundamentals of headstand have been practiced and accomplished, you can start to really up your all over body work out in this pose, a PROGRESSION is coming into headstand via straddle.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

B E N E F I T S.

1. Relieves Stress

Headstand can be extremely helpful if you experience anxiety, stress, and depression. Concentrating on your breathing - deep inhale / long exhale.

2. Increases Focus

Being upsidedown the blood flow to your brain helping improve mental function, and increasing focus.

3. Improves Blood Flow To The Eyes

The eyes benefit from the extra oxygen and blood to the head.

4. Increases Blood Flow To The Head And Scalp

Great news if you are looking to improve the growth of your barnet! A rush of nutrient-rich blood to the head and scalp feeds your follicles.

5. Strengthens Shoulders And Arms

While you are holding yourself up in headstand, you should be pushing down into the ground with your forearms, utilizing the strength of your arms, shoulders, and back to keep the pressure off of your head and neck. This is an awesome posture for improving upper body strength and muscular endurance.

6. Improves Digestion

Tipping yourself upside down moves you internally. Gravity works its magic and you may experience a release of discomfort from trapped gasses or bits that were stuck. Your bowels get a kick start. Inversions improve blood flow to your digestive organs, couple this with deep belly breathing for an internal massage to double the effects.

7. Helps To Flush Out The Adrenal Glands

Flush out your adrenal glands for better stress management! Headstand helps clear these hormone-producing glands for optimum function.

8. Decreases Fluid Build-Up In The Legs, Ankles, And Feet

Often we can experience fluid build-up in our legs. Tired, puffy, and sore our legs can feel heavy and this makes our whole body feel fatigued. Sticking them up to the sky drains fluid and can ease the feeling of edema / restless leg syndrome.

9. Develops Strength In The Core MusclesYou will have noticed in my ques the constant reference to your core! It is a HUGE core workout and it is your core that basically holds you up and keeps you balanced. Having a strong core will keep you healthy throughout life - it will hold your posture, protect your spine, and keep you moving into older age.

10. Stimulates The Lymphatic System

Dump the junk! Headstands help remove the waste from your body by triggering your lymphatic system.

W A R N I N G S.

Please always remember to practice safely. This posture is very healing but only if practiced properly and safely.

1) If you are suffering back or neck issues, please refrain from this pos until you are fully recovered. If you are suffering / recovering from head injury/ concussion or eye issues please do not practice this position.

2) Be aware of your surroundings. Do not practice around furniture, glass tables/ windows, or doors. Ensure that there is no possibility of other people getting in the way, you do not want to injure yourself, and you do not want to injure anyone else.

3) Avoid practicing on concrete, stone, and tiled surfaces that will be harsh if you were to fall. Use a mat or have a try on the grass.

4) Please make sure the ground you are practicing on is even.

5) For some women inversions can affect their period - it can temporarily pause it or make it heavier, this isn't the case for all. Inversions can also cause dizziness for some during mensuration. Listen to your own body and make the decision regarding inversions whilst on your period yourself.

6) I would advise pregnant ladies to avoid inversions all together.