Fitness Goals: Trying To Get Upside Down
A few posts ago I wrote about the things I wanted to leave in 2017 and the intentions I was setting for the new year. Number 4 on that list was to get inverted and I won't lie... I waited a full month before doing anything about it. It happens.
Then a few days ago I realized it was almost February and I'd made no progress, so in the middle of the night I brought a yoga mat into my room and got started. Word on the street is that it takes 2 weeks to make something a habit but it's been a daily practice ever since. Here's to hoping I haven't jinxed it.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Conquering my fear of being upside down took more than I thought. On the first day I could barely get my feet off the ground. Google suggested a "Wall T-stand" was a good beginner yoga inversion so I tried it. I also experimented with moving my legs in space from this position. Let's just say it's harder than it looks.
One thing's for certain: consistency is key. Only 3 short days after getting my feet in the air for the first time I started feeling like I was actually getting better. I'm not walking on my hands or anything crazy just yet, but the head- and Wall T-stands are coming along.
MY TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
If you have an irrational fear of being upside down, practice against a wall and use yoga blocks to help you get into an upside down position. You don't have to do anything fancy. Just hang out and remain calm.
For working on headstands:
Start in a table top position and drop onto your elbows.
Pike up, keeping a slight bend in your knees and inch your feet forward.
Lift one leg up, and then try the other. At first you might need to use momentum (I was practically jumping into it!) but over time try to keep your core tight and the movement slow and controlled.
