Handstand

How to

1. Begin in a downward-facing dog position, with hands shoulder-width apart and fingers spread wide.
2. Walk your feet closer to your hands, keeping your hips high and engaging your core.
3. Shift your weight onto your hands, stacking shoulders over wrists, and come onto the balls of your feet.
4. Kick one leg up towards the ceiling, followed by the other, engaging your core and keeping your legs together.
5. Press firmly into the ground with your hands, keeping arms straight and shoulders engaged, while maintaining a neutral spine.
6. Keep your gaze (drishti) between your hands, maintaining focus and stability.
7. To exit, slowly lower one leg at a time back down to the ground, returning to a downward-facing dog.

Benefits

• Builds upper body strength, especially in the arms and shoulders.
• Enhances core stability and control.
• Improves balance and spatial awareness.
• Energizes and invigorates the body, increasing circulation.
• Calms the mind and increases focus, promoting mental clarity.

What next

• Related glossary term
• Watch practice videos
• Practice — Move
• Find a teacher