My theme for this year’s #atozchallenge is – 26 Yogasana. So brace yourself for 26 days of stretching, backbends and inversions, as I take you along my upside down evenings, sincerely hoping that you will find these posts helpful 🙂
Adho Mukha Svanasana or Handstand
While growing up, I wasn’t into gymnastics or ballet or any other sport that required arm-strength or flexibility. So when I first started doing Handstands, they were really really tough. It took me a year to be finally able to hold myself against the wall (which I diligently posted everywhere in social media :P) It was a feat I thought I would never accomplish.
I used to practice a lot between doorways, to learn balancing on my arms and to be able to hold the weight of my body.
It would probably take me another year or more to safely move away from the wall, but right now, I am concentrating more on increasing my upper body strength and have a correct alignment.
Here’s a video I made to show you some of the preparatory poses for a handstand. Please make sure you have warmed up your wrists and shoulders before attempting inversions. Please do not overwork your wrists, I know one tends to get ambitious but it’s not really good for your body.
Disclaimer: I am not an Instructor or Yoga teacher, only a regular Hatha Yoga practitioner who is passionate about fitness. I am writing this series to detail my learning and experience during the practice. Please consult a Physician/Doctor before starting any exercise regime as some of the poses might contradict with your existing medical issues, for example injuries related to spinal cord, knee, ankle, wrists, neck, medical conditions like Migraine, Diabetics, Asthma etc.
Stay Strong and Humble. Namaste!
Previous Posts:
A: Always Stretch – Anjaneyasana
B: Being a Wannabe Crow
C: Chakrasana
D: Dandasana
E: Eight Angle Pose
F: Fallen Angel Pose
G: Garudasana
I might end up damaging my head on the headstand, **Raji** 😀 You’re the ace in this field!
One of the most difficult posts…the video was very helpful.
I’m struggling to do this. But soon, maybe I will.
As always – i can never do this i think. And you are a Yoga star
Wow..I can never do it. So look so pro at it. Such perfect postures.
Wow! That’s a hard one Raji and you are already doing very well. I know the arm strength and ability to use the core here would be so critical.
Fantastic form!
Can’t do this one.. can’t even dare to try!!!
Cheers
It’s very difficult asan and need very practing, Glad how beautifully you do that
Beautifully penned, Thanks for sharing
Dr. Bushra
Do visit mine
H for Heedful about The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy
If you have taken a year to master the Handstand, I am convinced that I will take 10 lifetimes to do that!! 😀
I think I tried this once and could manage verrrrrrry briefly. I always feel afraid I’ll bang my head! 😛
Which pic was the most recent one? Your upper back was straighter in the middle pic.
Happy AtoZing!
Chicky @ http://www.mysteriouskaddu.com
Hats off to you for keeping at it for a year.
I have often been unsuccessful with headstands. I don’t try it anymore. My muscle strength is not that great. You’re such a pro at these things. 🙂
I am not even thinking of trying this. I love myself too much 😛