The handstand is a profound and powerful pose, psychologically as well as physically. You will find numerous poses out there that challenge your balance, flexibility, and strength more than a handstand does.
However, not all of them demand your mental and emotional qualities the same as this one. A handstand has the power to make you feel resistance and fear. But once you learn how to do it, the feelings of independence, courage, and confidence will surpass all.
So, if you are ready to learn how to do a handstand like an expert, below are some tips and tricks to make it easier for you.
1. Walk The Walls
In order to perfect a handstand, you can start practicing along your hallway or any other room where the walls are narrow and wide enough to allow you to walk with your feet in the air.
If walls are not an option for you, a doorway could be a useful structure. All you need to do is place your shoulders and head against the door jamb and push your feet up until you are fully vertical.
But keep in mind coming back down is not an easy task, so it is up to you to make sure that you walk down at a slow pace. If you become impatient, there is a high chance of you bruising yourself.
2. Use Bolsters
For a smooth and bruise-free landing, you could benefit from having bolsters, pads, and a mat. Place the bolster, or a few pillows, in a vertical stack against the wall. The good thing about this is that your head will be in contact with the floor so the fear factor will go down considerably.
Make sure to keep the pillows at a short distance from the wall because if you get too close, your hips and shoulders will never be in line. With your hands placed apart at shoulder width and straight, push yourself off the ground. This movement is the same as doing a downward dog.
During this movement, make sure that your arms are straight. If they are even slightly bent, they could pose a threat to you, landing on your head, and it is not easy to straighten once your body is upside down.
Remember, this position is your foundation, and your arms should be as powerful and strong as your legs would be in a simple standing pose. Ground yourself through your palms and spread your fingers as wide as you can to distribute your weight.
3. Build Momentum
If you want to switch positions or do gymnastics while in a handstand pose, you need to build momentum. The trick to doing this is to bend one leg as much as you need to and keep the other straight.
Next, spring with all your might while leaning on the straight leg for support and hurl the hips at the wall. Voila! You will be able to master movement in no time at all.
Doing a handstand is pretty neat, and things can get even more interesting if you learn to move around and do neat tricks.
