So you've never tried a headstand in your life or you can't balance whatsoever. That's OK. This exercise is all about working your shoulders and upper back and doesn't have much to do with balance. You can do it against a wall so you don't have to worry about falling over, and you can focus all your attention on working your muscles. You'll be feeling this one tomorrow, for sure.
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Music: "Salva Me" by Libera
It's important to take this exercise one step at a time. Once you master each step, you can move on until eventually you're balancing upsidedown and holding the headstand on your own. For a detailed description of how to conquer this headstand read more.
- Sit on your heels in front of a wall. If your floor isn't carpeted, place a mat down to cushion your head. Interlace your fingers and place your elbows on the ground, bringing your lowest pinky in front of the other pinky, forming a semicircle with your hands.
- Place the back of your head against your palms and the top of your head on the floor, so your skull is vertical with the floor. Once your head and forearms feel stable, straighten both legs and walk you feet towards your face as far as you can. Staying here will still work your upper body.
- Once you feel ready, lift one leg up, bend your knee, and place your toes on the wall. Feel free to stay here, getting used to being upsidedown, or you can lift your other leg up and place that foot on the wall. You can hold this for two minutes or straighten your legs, allowing the wall to support you. Stay here, feeling the weight of your entire body in your shoulders and back.
- If you have your heart set on doing a headstand without a wall then the next step is to move one of your heels off the wall, so your ankle is right over your hip. Then work on moving your other foot off the wall. The wall is there for you if you start to lose your balance.
- Wherever you are, try to hold it for two minutes straight. It'll feel really intense, your muscles may quiver and they'll definitely burn a little. Just keep breathing.
- After two minutes, slowly release your feet back down to the floor. Lower your head to the ground so your arms and spine take a little rest. When you're ready, keeping your chin tucked, gently lift your torso up. Your head and neck may feel a little tight, so take your time and lift your head when you're ready. Gently turn your head from side to side and do some leisurely head rolls.
Fit's Tip: When doing this exercise, if you start to feel pain in your neck, spine, or anywhere else, release your feet back to the floor immediately.

Jean Paul Gaultier
Lanvin
Missoni
Thanks for posting this, Fit! One of my fitness goals is to be able to do a headstand and this looks perfect for helping me get started. I'll definitely be trying this one!
1hey fit, i love the song in the video, what is it called and who's it by? thanks!
btw, awesome video! first time i did a headstand! thanks
2how about a "how-to"post for getting into handstands?
3For a real challenge, try keeping your legs straight in a plank position to lift them up to the headstand! It's hard but it really makes you engage your core muscles but if you can do it, kuddos to you!
4nimue - I love this song too! The whole album, Libera is wonderful.
5more than anything, the blood rushing to my head is too painful for me to do this... normally, i can do a handstand with my arms straight and my head facing the ground...
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