In this video I do a press handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) to crow pose (Bakasana). Handstand press is something that I have wanted to get for quite sometime now and I am so stoked! The key to the press is shoulder integration, full external rotation of the arm bones, and core strength. I am extremely fortunate to have amazing teachers like Brock and Krista Cahill who have guided me all the way. Anything is possible with steady practice, determination and a little faith. What are some poses or transitions that you would like to know more about? I would love to know!
Wow, very impressive! Fantastic control, how long did this take to master?
Hi Alan,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and the compliment! I have been actively pursuing handstand for a year and a half and practicing yoga almost 9 yrs. Anyone can do it with a good teacher, patience, and most of all lots of practice! If you are interested in doing handstands check out the handstand tutorials in my video library 🙂
Hi Angela, Thankyou for the information. I have checked out the videos. (Very good) Think theres a couple of items I should focus on. I like the website / blog, seems to have plenty of fresh content and new ideas. Alan 🙂
I am so glad that you like the blog and checked out the tutorial videos. If you still have questions regarding handstand I would love to know what they are and be of help. It is always great to get feedback on what we may have missed. thanks again for reading!
wow yoga sure does make for a sexy sexy sexyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy booty
very inspirational!! i will try that now
#$^#$^^#$ owww oh my god
Yoga certainly does a body good, and yes that includes the booty as well. Good luck!
Beautiful, Ang! So impressive! I hope to get there someday! I have been taking class with you and Krista through YA and my practice has gotten MUCH stronger as a result. I am going to the Midwest Yoga Conference this coming weekend to take class with Brock and Krista – I am really excited – I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes, and how my handstands are coming!!
marie
Marie,
That is so awesome that you are our virtual student 🙂 Wow! I love the internet for that! I am unspeakably thrilled that your practice has been getting stronger, so proud of you! Krista will be thrilled to meet you, and I am sure you will really enjoy taking from her and Brock in person! I really look forward to meeting you in person some day as well!
Big Hug!
Angela
Thanks, Ang! You are such an inspiring teacher, and your sweetness, love for yoga and generosity of spirit shine so brightly! xoxo, marie
Gracefully executed!
Thank you and thanks for visiting!
hi! was wondering if you could give your input! Since you have now mastered the press handstand…do you have any input for those of us on the road? What do you think was the most helpful for you in developing the strength and the movement/technique to get this? Also, was there a point where you felt like you could lift a little and then gain on that or did it just happen one day that you could lift all the way up? I remember on a YA streaming class a while back you used the stability ball to roll up to the pike, then lift from there. I have been trying that but still can’t yet lift even from the ball!! I have mastered handstand in kick up/straight leg jump now but trying to press/lift seems like it will never happen…I try and try and try to lift and nothing happens!! thanks! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hi Diana,
Boy, can I relate! Press handstand is easily one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I have done yogawise. I would recommend…
1.Watch all of my Handstand Tutorial videos and especially pay attention to the alignement in your shoulders and arms.
2. Do Navasana and Ardha Navasana every day, try to work up to 100. Hold Ardha Navasana for 60 seconds with breath of fire and work up from there. Core work is the golden ticket!Next try holding a block between your inner thighs and/or shins as you do Navasana and Ardha Navasana.
3. Work the ball pikes! This helps you learn how to shift your weight forward and pull in from your middle.
4. Use a strap as wide as your shoulders just above your elbows for added stability.
5. Try shifting further forward over your hands in plank and chaterunga to build strength in your core and chest.
6. Use a block between your inner thighs in backbends to work your inner thighs.
7. A common mistake is trying to press out of your shoulders and round your upper back. This is a mistake! you have to drop your chest towards the floor and at the same time lift the sides of the waist and draw your bottom floating ribs up and into the body.
I hope all of this was helpful and please let me know if there is something you don’t quite understand and you would like me to explain further. Good luck! Once you’ve mastered the ball let me now and I will give you the next steps to work on! 🙂
Warmly,
Angela
Thank you thank you thank you! wonderful…love your blog, it’s so inspiring!! will keep you updated on my progress with this! I am definitely realizing that this is truly one of those that takes major dedication, work, and practice…lots of lessons to be learned on this road!!
OK so here is an update!! Got the straddle press (with the assistance of my yogitoes strap) and sooo close to pressing up with tucked legs. Still struggling with straight leg pike press but I am suddenly having amazing progress with those other variations. It is REALLY neat and feels like flying!!! I think one thing that really clicked for me was your point on lifting the side ribs. I was stuck with the initial feet off the floor but not going up, when I mentally thought of those side ribs, up I went!! weeeee
Diana,
Congratulations! I am so proud of you! It really DOES feel like flying! Good work 🙂