How to Learn Handstands: Inversions 101

So you’re working on your handstands? Curious about where to start? Maybe you feel a little stuck?

Either way I got you covered! Let’s talk a little about handstands and don’t worry, I’m leaving you with some of my most effective tips and tricks to start, continue, and refine your handstands. 

First what even *are* handstands? They’re a part of the inversion family, meaning your head is below your beautiful heart! Think asanas like Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), and Forward Fold (Uttanasana). So you’re almost always finding an inversion in your typical yoga class - some just require more balance than others. 

Handstands are a journey within your practice, not something that you master overnight. They teach you patience, power, discipline, and insane grace and gratitude for yourself and all the amazing things your body can do, once you give the mind a chance to connect with it too. 

When you find balance time in a handstand for 2 seconds or 20 seconds, you get to experience the beauty of now in addition to the profound presence as your mind and body truly become one. 

So let’s get into it! Ways to build confidence and strength in your handstand journey!

1. Less is more:

   Oftentimes, people think in order to learn how to handstand they have to jump really hard and really fast while landing on their hands, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Control beats power here. Control meaning small, detailed movements and drills to get your mind thinking (and your body working) in ways you need that will support your inversion journey. 
   

   Try this: Instead of countless jumps that will tire you out and hurt your wrists, use Paul The Wall! Place your feet on the wall to ensure you won’t fall, and your hands stay firmly planted on the floor. This helps you build strength and familiarity being upside down.
   

2. Drills are important

   Drills will help you out here tremendously.
   
   Drills that activate the core, provide strength and flexibility for the hamstrings, and drills that help you build the required shoulder strength. When you attend a Rooted Renewal Wellness Retreat, you’ll experience workshops that carefully guide you through new techniques and drills to strengthen your practice.
   
   We leave 1:1 time for you to ask April and Keirst all your burning questions.

3. Patience is a virtue

   This isn’t something to master overnight. This is something that will truly grow with you and your practice. There are so many spaces to learn and grow as you deepen your inversion strength and knowledge. So remember on the days you don’t think you’re making progress, you’re making progress. Keep going. 
   
   In need of community and accountability? Check out our online community here. We host free weekly challenges each month. 

4. Consistency is KEY

   One thing about handstands? If you quit practicing them, you’re going to feel like you’re starting from square one every single time, at least for a while.
   
   There is a beautiful thing called muscle memory that will help you out in the long run but still, if you don’t continue a practice in some way, you’ll start losing all the progress you’ve made. I know, I wish there was a cheat code too. ;)

Try to build a realistic routine for yourself and make sure you have fun along the way, too.

If you’re interested in building a deeper, stronger yoga practice consider joining Afternoon Yoga Online. Each week April and Keirst provide you with a new, 30 minute themed yoga class. At any time you can find a powerful, fluid vinyasa, or a more grounded, calming flow.