Pole hand/headstands

HannahElizabeth started this discussion · 9/14/2010

Is there a knack to being able to do a slow and control head/handstand? I just can't seem to do it or work out which muscles I need the engage the most. I'm assuming abs are the number one but there are always secret muscles that seem to help that sometimes you don't think of so I thought I might as well ask 😛 Felix does the kind of thing that I want to learn at about 1:53 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM1GVcay8Y8 Obviously... I'm not expecting to be able to do it quite as good as that!! But just be able to get the movement and do it slowly. I have seen other people do it a lot slower which is what I'm aiming for, but couldnt find those videos at the moment

11 replies

Danielle Tillie · 9/15/2010
I'm interested in the replies for this!
BACE16 · 9/15/2010
I would start with yoga elbow stands against the pole. First the shoulders, this might be the secret muscle your not thinking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxgS0IAsOTY&feature=channel Just holding yoga dolphin for awhile will work your shoulders. This shows pushups to build up your shoulders even more. Then work into the core part. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyZz45gyBmM&feature=channel
amy · 9/15/2010
handstands are pretty tough and they're also hard on the wrists. i would start with headstands. if you can't do a slow and controlled inversion, the easiest way to work the move is from doing a negative-- start on the pole in a layout, slide down so that your head and forearms are on the ground like a tripod. release your legs from the pole so they are vertical, straddle out, and practice controlling the down by rolling the hips in, using your core to stay engaged. if you have a hard time figuring out which muscles are working, it can be helpful to have someone hold your legs and take some of their weight. you can also work the same muscles by working on your yoga plow (google a tutorial for this, there are tons) and controlling the descent back down. hope that helps!
HannahElizabeth · 9/15/2010
Oo thank you those videos seem really helpful. Hopefully with a little practice it wont be took long before I can do it properly 🥂
megs982 · 9/15/2010
I currently am working on the handstand version of this. I got my headstand one down great. My suggestion. Until you can get this. Practice against the wall. I know there is another post around here somewhere about this. your going to come out a bit from the wall and then put your back against the wall (sort of to brace yourself) Then WITHOUT kicking your gonna try and lift your legs.. It took me a couple of weeks to trying to lift my lets. Abs are your key here to work out because you will be fully engaging them to lift your legs. Once you got this down good go to the pole. And its the same thing with the handstand just a lot harder. I know someone had mentioned beforehand if you have a stool per say..start with your feet on that (the higher up your feet are the easier it is to lift) and lift and gradually lower your feet until you can get it w/o the stool/or whatever you use.
Veena · 9/15/2010
Hi, if your taking the online lessons....here are the 2 lessons for the Hand and Elbowstand. http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4748 Elbowstand http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4829 Handstand
lilblondie · 9/16/2010
Veena's elbow stand lesson is really good! That is the way I first learned to do a whatever-stand onto the pole. This video someone else posted REALLY helped me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNGaQJmYT80 Try a HEADstand like in the video! It's relatively easy -- use a wall if you're nervous. I had never done a headstand before because I think they look silly, but when I did a press headstand after watching the video, I had an "AHA" moment. I was immediately able to do an press forearm stand on the pole for the first time. It's much harder because you can't lean your back on the pole, but I can now do them without it, too, because I understand the balance. Hope the video helps you, too! 🙂
HannahElizabeth · 9/16/2010
Veena's elbow stand lesson is really good! That is the way I first learned to do a whatever-stand onto the pole. This video someone else posted REALLY helped me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNGaQJmYT80 Try a HEADstand like in the video! It's relatively easy -- use a wall if you're nervous. I had never done a headstand before because I think they look silly, but when I did a press headstand after watching the video, I had an "AHA" moment. I was immediately able to do an press forearm stand on the pole for the first time. It's much harder because you can't lean your back on the pole, but I can now do them without it, too, because I understand the balance. Hope the video helps you, too! 🙂 Wooow that is so helpful thanks for much 😳 I don't have Veena's lessons so I cant see the tutorial unfortunately. Will try with the boxes first like it says in the video above because that seemed to make it a lot easier 🙂
pink33 · 12/19/2010
Veena does not rest her head on the floor like the guy in the video above. When you guys headstand do you?
HannahElizabeth · 12/19/2010
I dont rest my head on the floor like he does, I've been told it puts too much pressure on your neck I rest my head on my arms for it's very near to the floor but my weight is not on my head/neck
smb1989 · 12/23/2010
when i first started learning this move, the top of my head was bruised for a week! 😢 i now find it a lot easier on my neck if my head rests on my wrists/forearms...that way i can still use the pressure to pull my legs up, but it doesnt hurt so bad