Ten hurdles to headstand

Ten obstacles preventing the perfect headstand 

1. I’m scared I will fall… this is natural, and actually only a thought. However remember even a professional acrobat has a safety net. So use the wall as support have some one near you – practise half headstand first with guidance from a teacher.
2. I’m shaky – that’s OK your foundations need to be stronger. Listen to the details of the instructions, ensure your elbows are not wide apart and that your palms are around the back of your head. Take off your rings and jewellery too. With supported headstand (as opposed to Tripod when your hands are flat on the floor) ensure your elbows are not too wide apart, sometimes using a yoga-brick helps to support the back of the head and also keeps the elbows in the correct alignment.
3. My alignment is skew-whiff – check that your ankles are in line with your hips, shoulders in line with the hips, keep the belly area alert and softly engaged. Keep the legs alive with focussed awareness in the heels, keep the feet active and ask your teacher to check your alignment
4. I feel weak – this is mainly due to requiring more upper body strength, this can be achieved with plank, four limbed staff pose (Chaturanga Dandasana), dolphin pose, or try three-legged dog.
5. I have no core strength– your belly area really does do a lot of work in headstand – so gain some strength in your abs, with Navasana, boat pose, some curling planks, leg-raisers.
6. My legs are wobbling – remember often it’s the hamstrings that hold us back with inversions, work with Uttanasana, and downward dog. Strong legs are the key; this will bring some lightness into the pose too. Tadasana is excellent preparation for headstand as the neck and legs are basically in the same position but upside down.
7. I just want to jump-in – slowly does it – what makes a headstand in Yoga (as opposed to other disciplines)  is the calmness, precision and focus it requires. By rushing in, we may be forcing ourselves too quickly into something we’re not yet ready for. Spend lots of time preparing the strong basics and then practice with confidence.
8. My neck hurts – is your alignment correct, and our advice is if you’re up there safely and properly and it hurts a lot, please don’t do this pose. It maybe a better option to try poses such as handstands or arm balances where your neck is free and restricted.
9. I get dizzy or feel sick – don’t do this pose. No poses should make you feel sick, dizzy, or create pain. Return to Dolphin pose.
10. I feel tense when up – when you are up in headstand, relax the chattering mind, keep appropriate alignment, breathe, let go and trust in the process and ENJOY!

So really headstand can be for everyone, providing it’s safe and acceptable for your body to practice this pose. With ease, determination and focus you can achieve all. This article has been created by Bahia Yoga and inspired after reading  and reviewing the following  posts from FitSugar & John Schumacher .