Give the floor a much deserved break from your feet. Our Bellevue Square ambassador Jen Ernst shows us how to get into Headstand aka Sirsasana II.
Want to try another way to get into the pose? Play with our five steps to headstand that break it down so you can push yourself only as far as you feel comfortable.
* Those with high blood pressure or acute neck pain, women on their moon/menstrual cycle and women who are pregnant should consult a physician before attempting Sirsasana.
 |
This is awesome! I gotta show it to my 7-year old. She is obsessed with headstand… Thanks lulu Comment by JT — November 12, 2012 @ 9:01 pm |
 |
How would being on your “moon” cycle make it dangerous to do a headstand??! Comment by Megan — November 13, 2012 @ 5:49 am |
 |
That’s not the correct way to do a headstand. You aren’t supposed to be on the top of your head, you are supposed to rest on the upper forehead part, more or less at the hairline. Also hands are supposed to be flat on floor beside the head for support, not behind. Legs should squat in front and gently rock forward until you get a balance point, with knees resting on inside of bent elbows (that are beside head). When you have balance you slowly lift legs up from this lower balance point. As a former competitive gymnast, this is the corect way to do a headstand, esp for people just starting. The method shown here, essentially kicking straight up will cause most beginners to simply to fall forwards. Comment by patty — November 13, 2012 @ 7:39 am |
 |
Why should women who are on their moon or menstrual cycle consult a doctor before attempting Sirsasana? I have never heard this before and am interested to know more – does anyone know a good resource for more information? Comment by Sarah — November 13, 2012 @ 9:18 am |
 |
This is how I do headstand and teach headstand. I start using the wall first. Your head should be comfortable so it’s not hurting the neck and there should really be no weight on it for your using mostly your arms. I find it easiest to take one leg up at a time or if just starting just doing one leg, lower, and switch. There are two ways to get into headstand. This being and the other starting in a tripod position with knees on backs of arms. Comment by Cortny — November 13, 2012 @ 12:16 pm |
 |
Hi Megan and Sarah, Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — November 13, 2012 @ 2:28 pm |
 |
Wow. What a great video! Thanks so much. Comment by Melissa — November 14, 2012 @ 6:07 am |
 |
Inspirational video! Dear Patty, thank you for sharing. This is definitely just one way to attempt headstand/sirsanana. Although similar, yoga and gymnasts still have their differences. Yoga embraces that every body is different and therefor one should do whatever serves them. There is no “wrong” way to practice yoga- just a “different” way. The method you shared would actually be very dangerous in a yoga practice as balancing on the forehead/ hairline is very stressful on the neck and many neck injuries can occur. If balance is lost, the neck can snap either back or forward. It is recomended to do headstand on the crown of the head- the flat part near the top. Thanks for sharing another way to get into headstand! |
 |
Wow! I suck at headstands! They make my head hurt but I’ve never tried it that way. I’ve just put my elbows on the ground with my head and bend my knees and kind of kick them up into a middle split position Comment by Ashlyn — November 18, 2012 @ 9:43 am |
 |
A couple of important steps, especially for beginners, are missing. After walking your feet towards you head, one leg should bend into the chest, then the next to establish balance. From there, roll the knees to the ceiling keeping the legs bent. Finally, straighten the legs. Coming out should follow the same sequence in reverse. This way students can progress (without a wall), building the necessary strength. Walls can be helpful but I find it can hinder building confidence. I’ve had many students say they become too afraid to try headstand away from the wall. Also, the comment about resting your upper forehead and not the top of your head is very dangerous — think about the ailment of the neck. Headstand support is mostly in the forearms and shoulders, only about 20% weight should be on the head. Sorry for the long-winded comment Comment by Heidi — November 19, 2012 @ 10:27 am |
 |
lol i wish it was as easy as it looks in the video..anytime ive tried ive ended up falling over or almost doing damage to myself…maybe im just getting to old for this Comment by Jason Faughnan — November 22, 2012 @ 3:46 pm |
 |
What pants are those??? Comment by Taylor — February 26, 2013 @ 1:29 pm |
|
|
Hi Taylor, Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — February 26, 2013 @ 2:04 pm |
|
|
Hi Siya! I usually do more free style yoga just in my living room but usually after hiit workouts and I can never find leggings that I don’t have to pull up or adjust in between both of these activities. I’ll definitely give you a call though! Thank you! Comment by Taylor — February 26, 2013 @ 2:29 pm |
 |
Those pants are awesome! I want some, sad to hear they are no longer stocked. As for the head stand, its my dream but I don’t know if I ever will ever be strong enough! Comment by Jesse — April 2, 2013 @ 7:23 pm |
RSS feed for comments on this post.
