topic Re: Yoga - handstands? in Wellness

Yoga - handstands?

Julie_23 — Tue, 20 May 2014 04:13:43 GMT

Hi,

To those of you who practice yoga, do any of you do handstands and backbends? I often see this type of yoga and wonder what style it is. Is it a specific type?

I'm also curious if anyone does this type of yoga and didn't have a background in gymnastics.

Thanks!

Re: Yoga - handstands?

lovinglife — Tue, 20 May 2014 04:57:32 GMT

I do the forearm stand and the head stand, but have stopped doing the hand stand because I felt it put undo pressure on my wrists. Also do the back bend.

I have read that Power Yoga which is an Americanized version of ashtanga is where you'll find these "postures". I question that information as Power Yoga seems to have become popular in the 1990's. My experience with those postures takes me back to university which was in the mid 70's.

I do not have a background in gymnastics. The postures may look difficult but if you have a good sense of balance and core strength you should be able to master them in time. They are postures you can work up to.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Julie_23 — Tue, 20 May 2014 05:06:47 GMT

Thanks, Lovinglife !! I appreciate the information. And, it's great to hear that it still is possible to achieve (with lots of practice, of course) without a background in gymnastics.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Julie_23 — Tue, 20 May 2014 05:11:45 GMT

On 5/19/2014 lovinglife said:
I do the forearm stand and the head stand, but have stopped doing the hand stand because I felt it put undo pressure on my wrists. Also do the back bend.

I have read that Power Yoga which is an Americanized version of ashtanga is where you'll find these "postures". I question that information as Power Yoga seems to have become popular in the 1990's. My experience with those postures takes me back to university which was in the mid 70's.

I do not have a background in gymnastics. The postures may look difficult but if you have a good sense of balance and core strength you should be able to master them in time. They are postures you can work up to.

And, too, thanks for mentioning the power/ashtanga yoga. If my goal is to do the handstand/headstand, can you be a beginner in power yoga? Or, is it better to "start" in Vinyasa yoga?

Re: Yoga - handstands?

lovinglife — Tue, 20 May 2014 06:23:40 GMT

Out of curiosity I pulled out my yoga materials from my university years. I started with Hatha Yoga. I remember practicing the stands against the wall until I was able to practice them w/o support.

I would look for a more traditional practice like Hatha Yoga which is a good foundation for the other styles. Vinyasa yoga is the style I practice most.

Yoga has evolved as it has become more popular in the US. We are fortunate today as there are many outlets available to learn and practice yoga. It depends on what you hope to get from your practice. I like the quiet meditative (mind, body, spirit) quality of yoga.

If you are looking at a Power (ashtanga) yoga class check with the instructor on the skill level of the class. Most offer a range of skill levels in classes or allow all skill levels in a class. Often depends on the instructor.

Namaste

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Julie_23 — Tue, 20 May 2014 06:47:56 GMT

On 5/19/2014 lovinglife said:
Out of curiosity I pulled out my yoga materials from my university years. I started with Hatha Yoga. I remember practicing the stands against the wall until I was able to practice them w/o support.

I would look for a more traditional practice like Hatha Yoga which is a good foundation for the other styles. Vinyasa yoga is the style I practice most.

Yoga has evolved as it has become more popular in the US. We are fortunate today as there are many outlets available to learn and practice yoga. It depends on what you hope to get from your practice. I like the quiet meditative (mind, body, spirit) quality of yoga.

If you are looking at a Power (ashtanga) yoga class check with the instructor on the skill level of the class. Most offer a range of skill levels in classes or allow all skill levels in a class. Often depends on the instructor.

Namaste

I truly appreciate the information you shared, Lovinglife. You've been incredibly helpful !

Thank you.

Namaste

Re: Yoga - handstands?

lovinglife — Fri, 23 May 2014 04:39:39 GMT

Julie23...You're welcome!

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Annabellethecat66 — Fri, 23 May 2014 04:44:40 GMT

I used to take Yoga and have been thinking of going back (would be like the beginning).

Anyway, you reminded me of something. My best friend's son (he's 41) is really into Yoga. He's always posting his posses on his facebook page (did I tell you he likes the way he looks and he also likes the way he's talented) Ha!

Anyway, he recently posted a picture of himself with one of those huge (bigger than a beach ball) strapped around his stomach and I think he was trying to get upside down.

Anyone know this pose?

Re: Yoga - handstands?

lovinglife — Fri, 23 May 2014 05:31:39 GMT

Could it be a backwards stretch on the stability ball?

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Mindy D — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:05:15 GMT

Hatha

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Julie_23 — Tue, 27 May 2014 02:19:29 GMT

On 5/22/2014 annabellethecat said:
I used to take Yoga and have been thinking of going back (would be like the beginning).

Anyway, you reminded me of something. My best friend's son (he's 41) is really into Yoga. He's always posting his posses on his facebook page (did I tell you he likes the way he looks and he also likes the way he's talented) Ha!

Anyway, he recently posted a picture of himself with one of those huge (bigger than a beach ball) strapped around his stomach and I think he was trying to get upside down.

Anyone know this pose?

Sorry I don't know the pose. But, that's great hearing he's enjoying the yoga!!

Re: Yoga - handstands?

gazelle77 — Tue, 27 May 2014 02:39:56 GMT

I always wanted to do yoga, but I have two arthritic hips and two knee replacements. I can not do the standard yoga sit with legs crossed......

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Chi-town girl — Tue, 27 May 2014 02:47:55 GMT

What I LOVE about yoga is that it is for everyone. There are modified moves for every position. It's also a theory that you tend toward flexibility or strength. I'm very flexible, but I can't do a tree pose without support. It's not a competitive practice as the best instructors will "preach". And progressive. The more you practice, you will notice you abilities increase. A fantastic workout too when the focus is on core, like doing planks.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

James jhoni — Tue, 27 May 2014 10:59:48 GMT

I do yoga early in the morning because after eating too much bbq baked in romertopf clay baker, its get difficult for me to work in smarter way.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

QueenCheap — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:31:32 GMT

I love my handstands and backbends! Most vinyasa classes will feature these somewhere within a class. Ashtanga has a headstand towards the end of the practice. Enjoy!

Re: Yoga - handstands?

HonnyBrown — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:34:20 GMT

On 5/26/2014 Chi-town girl said: What I LOVE about yoga is that it is for everyone. There are modified moves for every position. It's also a theory that you tend toward flexibility or strength. I'm very flexible, but I can't do a tree pose without support. It's not a competitive practice as the best instructors will "preach". And progressive. The more you practice, you will notice you abilities increase. A fantastic workout too when the focus is on core, like doing planks.

My Achilles' tendons, shoulders and lower back all disagree.

I'm not new to yoga; I did Hatha Yoga in college and since. Now, every time I try it, my poses get worse and worse in how they affect me. I do the ones on OnDemand, so I don't have an instructor with me. I do know how and when to modify poses. I don't want them to hurt me.

I get better results from Pilates.

OP, best of luck in achieving your handstands. I'm too chicken.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

house_cat — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 20:44:19 GMT

You should avoid those yoga positions if you suffer from migraines or high blood pressure. Your yoga instructor should mention this.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

Lorik62 — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 20:58:30 GMT

I am taking my first yoga class tomorrow. It is a Yin Yoga. I sure hope they don't do handstands in that class or I will have to pass.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

house_cat — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 21:49:31 GMT

On 7/28/2014 Lori K said:
I am taking my first yoga class tomorrow. It is a Yin Yoga. I sure hope they don't do handstands in that class or I will have to pass.

Don't worry about it. Inversion positions wouldn't be introduced to a level 1 class. If that should happen, run like heck to another studio.

Re: Yoga - handstands?

morganjen — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 22:05:57 GMT

I did yoga for years and never was able to do a handstand. Our instructor had us do them (or in my case, attempt) at every class.