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Handstand Pose

A Complete Guide to Handstand Pose

Do you want to achieve a perfect body balance? If yes, you should inculcate the Handstand pose in your yoga routine. It is one of the best poses of yoga that you can practice to increase your overall body balance.

However, you should not jump right into practicing this pose. Rather, you need to build your strength and balance gradually to attain the perfect form to practice Handstand pose. So, we have prepared a guide that will help you practice this pose perfectly. Read on.

What is Handstand Pose?

The art of balancing your body on your arms is referred to as the Handstand pose. Usually, a yoga practitioner balances the body upside down using their wrists as the base for the pose.

Moreover, the aim is to keep the body in the air for the maximum time. This involves shoulder joints, back, and core muscles. The biggest issue that people face with this pose is coping with the feeling of being in an upside down position

So, if you want to practice this pose, make sure you get accustomed to this feeling. For that, there are plenty of yoga poses you can practice that we will talk about ahead. But before that, let’s have a look at some of the basic steps to practice the Handstand pose.

Basic Steps to Practice Handstand Pose

  • Sit or stand such that your hands are easily placed on the ground.
  • Place your hands in direct alignment with your shoulders.
  • With a gentle push, raise your legs over your head.
  • Make sure your legs do not move ahead of your head. It might lead to a fall.
  • With your legs in the air, use your scapula to engage your shoulder and back muscles.
  • Adjust your balance using your wrist muscles.
  • Tighten your core so that you do not fall on either side.

The above-mentioned were some of the most common steps that you can use to practice the Handstand pose. However, that does not mean you can practice this using only these steps.

Some yoga practitioners also use handstand press move which allows them to get into the pose directly from their legs on the ground to directly being over the head. However, that might not be the perfect start for beginners.

Preparatory Poses to Practice Handstand Pose

The following are some of the preparatory yoga poses which you can practice to get strong, flexible, and achieve balance to practice the Handstand pose. Read on.

Headstand Pose

This is one of the best yoga poses if you wish to master the Handstand pose. Practicing the Headstand pose helps you get familiar with the feeling of being upside down.

Moreover, it strengthens your shoulder and neck muscles along with improving your body balance. The Headstand pose ensures you learn how to move your legs or core muscles to keep your body in perfect alignment.

Downward Dog (Hands Close to Feet)

Usually, the Downward Dog pose is practiced to improve flexibility and core strength. However, in other variations, for instance, with your hands placed closer to your feet, the weight shifts to your shoulder joints.

Hence, when you stay in that position for longer time, your shoulder receives an improved blood flow. Moreover, your wrists become stronger and agile. You learn to maneuver the movement of balancing your body.

Pike Pushups

One of the best poses is the Pike Pushup. In this, you place your feet on a raised surface. Usually, your feet should be on a surface that raises your feet above your shoulder level.

In that position, your body weight shifts to your front. Hence, you learn to use your hands, wrists, arms, back, core, and hips to balance your body.

Since the feet are in contact with the ground, the pressure on your shoulders and wrists is not that much.

Tips For Injury Free Practice

  • Never practice the Handstand pose when you have a wrist injury.
  • If your shoulder pinch or pain, you should avoid practicing this pose.
  • For maximum balance, you can get the support of the nearby wall.
  • Ensure you do not eat or drink anything before practicing this pose.

Apart from the above-mentioned tips, use your intelligence to cut off things that might hurt you. You should understand your body’s needs and work accordingly.

Also Read: Eagle Pose (Garudasana)

Wrap Up

The Headstand pose is one of the best skills that you can add to your arsenal. So, make sure you do it regularly to take your practice a step further.

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