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Headstand

Sirsasana

A powerful inversion best learned against a wall with a qualified teacher. The weight stays in your forearms, never your head and neck. Skip it with neck issues, high blood pressure, glaucoma or in pregnancy.

4 gentle steps · about a minute

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Step 1 of 4

Build a stable base

Interlace your fingers and set your forearms on the floor, with the crown of your head lightly down and cradled by your hands.

Firm forearms, calm breath.

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Step 2 of 4

Lift your hips and walk in

Lift your hips, walk your feet in toward your face, and draw your knees in toward your chest.

Steady, no rushing.

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Step 3 of 4

Extend your legs up

Slowly extend your legs upward, keeping the weight firmly in your forearms and your core engaged. Use a wall behind you.

Reach up through your feet.

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Step 4 of 4

Hold, then come down slowly

Hold only as long as it feels steady, then lower with control and rest in Child’s Pose.

Calm and controlled.

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All steps complete
Michelle demonstrating Headstand

Steady and strong.

That is Headstand. A pose to grow into patiently and safely, ideally with a teacher. Here is Michelle in the full pose.

Good for: Strengthens the shoulders and core and improves focus and circulation.

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