Don’t even get me started with this pose! Because of the muscle atrophy in my upper back due to Lupus this pose has been the bane of my existence, but this modification, shared with me by my mentor, changed all of that. This modification has made Handstand possible for me. In addition to a regular yoga practice & consistently practicing prep poses this modification has allowed me to build the strength, alignment & knowledge I needed to do it without a doorway. Take your time, be safe, build the strength & knowledge needed to practice poses like this so you don’t hurt yourself. See disclaimer & contraindications in comments section before you try this & let me know if you have any questions 😘

HOW?
🤸🏻‍♀️Find a doorway clear of obstructions
🤸🏻‍♀️Face side of doorway without door
🤸🏻‍♀️Place fingertips about 1 inch away from doorframe, hands shoulder width apart, shoulders will stack directly over wrists
🤸🏻‍♀️Gently place back of head & middle of upper back down the middle of the doorframe
🤸🏻‍♀️Press palms down evenly, engage triceps, wrap bottom tips of shoulder blades towards side ribs & draw them down towards your tailbone
🤸🏻‍♀️Keep shoulder blades broad & firm outer upper arms in
🤸🏻‍♀️Draw shoulders away from ears, spread across collarbones
🤸🏻‍♀️Carefully walk 1 foot 1/2 way up doorway followed by the other. Press 1 foot into doorframe & slowly walk the opposite foot up to touch top of doorframe, once you feel secure follow with the other foot (NOTE: Height will determine if you can meet top of doorframe (short) or extend past doorframe (tall), either walk the feet up & press heels into doorframe or press insides of feet into the outsides of the doorframe)
🤸🏻‍♀️Neck is in line with spine
🤸🏻‍♀️Draw lower front ribs towards hipbones to avoid overarching lower back
🤸🏻‍♀️Direct inner thighs towards wall behind you, buttocks lifts towards heels, hug outer hips in towards midline
🤸🏻‍♀️Release inner & outer thighs back evenly, feet together
🤸🏻‍♀️To come down carefully walk 1 foot down doorway at a time. I like to hang forward for a bit & then rest forehead on doorframe since I’ve just been upside down for an extended period of time

Kick/walk up w/ opposite leg often to avoid creating imbalances 🙂 

Contraindications:
⚠️ Carpal tunnel syndrome
⚠️ High blood pressure
⚠️ Glaucoma/detached retina
⚠️ Wrist or shoulder injury

Disclaimer:
YogiNest recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

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