Inversion Journey

Inversion Journey

adho mukha vrksasana

INVERSION JOURNEY

In the previous blog, Inversion Success: Alignment, Drills & Preparation,  I talked about how Matt provides the education and keys to building a solid foundation to execute handstands.  What we must understand is that our inversion journey continues.  Building upon the foundation and continuing to practice and refine never ends.  We are either working to maintain and/or build the musculature, strength, balance, and flexibility to fulfill what’s required of a straight handstand.  If we’re ready to put in the work and build upon what we’ve already established as a good base, then the drills and skills Matt demonstrates today will only take our inversion journey further and amplify our experience and ability.

chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

HANDSTAND AND ARM BALANCES

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

  • 10 Chromatic Yoga practices with founder Matt Giordano
  • Full length 75 minute classes
  • Each Yoga class includes handstand drills and 1 arm balance breakdown
  • Each class includes warm ups, sun salutations, standing postures and preparatory postures for the selected arm balance of the day
  • Improve your body awareness and advance your practice
  • Technique, biomechanics, and alignment at the forefront
  • 12 Continuing Education hours with Yoga Alliance
  • 12 Accredited Hours with the Chromatic School of Yoga
  • Step-by-Step instruction for increased accessibility
  • Improve strength, balance, flexibility, and proprioception
  • Appropriate variations and modifications for all levels

DOWNWARD DOG PUSH UPS

Downward Dog Push Ups check off so many things on the list of what’s required for handstand development.  In our inversion journey, it’s going to help to build upper body strength, more specifically in the shoulders, triceps, and forearms.

Matt demonstrates 2 variations in today’s video.  In the first, we are in a more “traditional” Downward Dog position (both feet on the ground) and in the second, we are in a Three Legged Dog position which increases the weight of the movement.

The unique thing about both variations is that it’s what we do through the wrists and the hands that intensifies this drill. When returning to a lengthened position from bent elbows, we lift the heel of the hands, then the head of the metacarpals, finally coming up to the fingertips.  At the top of the movement elbows are straight and shoulders are up towards the ears.

WATCH THE VIDEO

INVERSION JOURNEY: MASTERING ELEVATED HANDSTAND DRILLS

HOLLOW BODY HOPS

Hollow Body Hops are a great building block that can be implemented as an extension from Matt’s Handstand Prep position #1.  What we improve upon here is our ability to shift our weight more into the hands and away from our feet and hips.  In fact, we pop off of the feet and start to create a longer hold of balanced weight into the hands.

Here, we place our hands more forward than we would in Handstand Prep #1.  Instead of just lifting the heels we do a slight hop off of the feet to propel ourselves more forward in order to bring the feet closer between the hands once again.

In the video Matt demonstrates how to go both forward and backwards in these hops.

200 Hour Online Teacher Training Certification

200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

  • Deepen your yoga practice
  • Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
  • Learn foundational class structures and templates
  • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
  • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
  • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

TUCK SWITCH & KICK SWITCH

Tuck Switch

Here we build upon Handstand Prep position #3.  Again, it’s more dynamic.  We are tucking one knee into the chest.  We continue to practice the shift of the weight into the hands while alternating the tuck into the chest of each leg.  Within this drill too, we can take a step back from the more active tuck switch by creating a smaller, slower switch of the feet.  Alternatively, just like the Hollow Body Hops, we can practice a longer hold.

Kick Switch

In Handstand Prep position #2, Matt teaches us how to set up an “L” shape in Handstand.  Just like the tuck switches, we are jumping off of one leg and landing with the other.  Instead of the tuck, both legs are extended in a lengthened position.

    300 hour teacher training online

    300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

    GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

    Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

    • Get 500 hour certified
    • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
    • Expand your teaching skills
    • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
    • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
    • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

    MASTERING GOING FORWARD

    Mastering going forward is not only a neurological pattern we must etch into our bodies to create the physical shift of moving the weight out of our feet and into our hands in order to get upside down, but it’s also a mindset that can test us.

    One of the best ways to refine our ability to master going forward into the hands is to utilize blocks.  In the video, Matt demonstrates the kick switches with blocks at his forearms.  Immediately we see how this positively impacts the alignment of the forearms, but also the domino effect of how it helps us to more effortlessly lift off of the feet.

    As we move along in our inversion journey we must also master the mindset to go forward due to the frustration we can experience when we “hit a wall” (pun intended).  There is always an access point and a skill we can build to move onto the next step.

    If you want to access the plethora of knowledge, drills, and techniques Matt shares in his classes, it’s not too late to register for his current 10 class online immersion: Handstand and Arm Balances.

    The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

    The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

    Article by Trish Curling

    Video Extracted From: 10 Day Handstand Program

    lotus pose online yoga classes

    ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

    • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
    • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
    • Appropriate for both teachers and students
    • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
    • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
    • Release aches and pains
    • Learn how to avoid common injuries
    • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
    • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
    • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
    • Lifetime access

    Continue Learning

    Nurture The Neck

    Nurture The Neck

    Nurture The NeckalignmentNURTURE THE NECK The neck is not often the shining star of our yoga practice, yet it is an integral part.  Too often, we may only offer more attention if we’re feeling pain in a particular posture.  It’s important however, for us to be...

    read more
    Reduce Hip Injuries

    Reduce Hip Injuries

    Reduce Hip InjuriesmobilityREDUCE HIP INJURIES The hip joint carries a great deal of responsibility.  It supports many of our key movements in our daily lives.  With all of its responsibility and involvement with how we move, it can act as a protector, while still...

    read more
    Flying Pigeon Variations

    Flying Pigeon Variations

    Flying Pigeon Variationseka pada galavasanaFLYING PIGEON VARIATIONS When we think of different variations of postures, it’s easy to think that we should practice either “this on, or that one”.  What we may not entertain is the magnitude of focus we must place on the...

    read more
    Crow Pose Drills

    Crow Pose Drills

    Crow Pose DrillsbakasanaCROW POSE DRILLS If we’re attempting to balance in a posture like Crow pose, then the understanding of the way in which we balance our weight is crucial.  When we achieve this, not only will we find more confidence and comfort in executing the...

    read more
    Inversion Journey

    Inversion Journey

    Inversion Journeyadho mukha vrksasanaINVERSION JOURNEY In the previous blog, Inversion Success: Alignment, Drills & Preparation,  I talked about how Matt provides the education and keys to building a solid foundation to execute handstands.  What we must understand...

    read more
    Inversion Success

    Inversion Success

    Inversion SuccesshandstandINVERSION SUCCESS We all have different definitions of success.  Success in our yoga practice could look anything like effortlessly engaging in inversions, being able to participate in breathwork techniques, and/or simply showing up for a...

    read more

    THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

    When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

    • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
    • exclusive online course discounts
    • exclusive blogs and videos
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Inversion Success

    Inversion Success

    handstand

    INVERSION SUCCESS

    We all have different definitions of success.  Success in our yoga practice could look anything like effortlessly engaging in inversions, being able to participate in breathwork techniques, and/or simply showing up for a class.  We’re all engaging in the practice for our own reasons and in our own ways at any given stage of our lives.

    If we are at a point where we are exploring inversions in our asana practice, there are many different ways we can perceive to have achieved inversion success.  What we actually acquire is knowledge, confidence, self awareness, and a solid physical foundation for the postures themselves, not to mention a stronger physical capacity for other activities off of the mat.  

    An important aspect of inversion success is knowing exactly how to prepare.  In today’s video, Matt guides us through techniques and drills for a successful foundation in handstand. 

    chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

    HANDSTAND AND ARM BALANCES

    REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

    • 10 Chromatic Yoga practices with founder Matt Giordano
    • Full length 75 minute classes
    • Each Yoga class includes handstand drills and 1 arm balance breakdown
    • Each class includes warm ups, sun salutations, standing postures and preparatory postures for the selected arm balance of the day
    • Improve your body awareness and advance your practice
    • Technique, biomechanics, and alignment at the forefront
    • 12 Continuing Education hours with Yoga Alliance
    • 12 Accredited Hours with the Chromatic School of Yoga
    • Step-by-Step instruction for increased accessibility
    • Improve strength, balance, flexibility, and proprioception
    • Appropriate variations and modifications for all levels

    TAKE THE FIRST STEP

    If we have a goal in mind, it’s no secret that we’ll never get there if we don’t take the first step.  For handstands, Matt teaches us how to get the proper vertical alignment of our forearms by using blocks as a guide. In his demonstration, he teaches us that we must get the weight out of our feet.  Shifting forward towards the hands will straighten the line of the forearms.

    Now, it doesn’t stop there.  There are some specific actions we need to take if we are truly setting up inversion success.  After shifting our weight forward, we must grip our fingers into the ground, while the blocks stay in place as a guide.  Next, we lift our shoulders up towards the ears.  Finally, looking at the thighs or belly button while here, trains the body to access a more flexed position in the spine.  This is known as Handstand Preparation I.

    WATCH THE VIDEO

    INVERSION SUCCESS: ALIGNMENT, DRILLS & PREPARATION

    SECOND STEP IN PREP

    The next step in preparation for inversion success is a “Supported Warrior III drill”.  This particular drill adds the element of momentum.  Here, we get an opportunity to build on the previous foundation.  Since we are actively shifting our weight back & forth in this drill, we nurture the response in the body to be more automated in our implementation of the necessary actions. The pattern of gripping the fingers into the ground, aligning the forearms, straightening the elbows, and lifting the shoulders up to the ears each time we shift our weight forward  becomes more deeply ingrained.

    This drill not only sharpens coordination but also fosters a sense of trust in our ability to catch and hold our weight as we prepare for inversion. Once this foundation feels solid, we can go even further.  

    200 Hour Online Teacher Training Certification

    200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

    GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

    • Deepen your yoga practice
    • Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
    • Learn foundational class structures and templates
    • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
    • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
    • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

    TUCK IN

    Next, Matt takes us through a seated drill designed to deepen our ability to create spinal flexion—an essential component in building the strength and awareness needed for handstand preparation and inversion success overall.

    Matt explains that it’s the flexed position in this drill that teaches us how to do a straight handstand.  In the drill, we start off by tucking the knees in, flexing the spine for counter balance and sending one leg straight out at a time.  He then builds upon that by changing the direction of where we send the legs.  In the next stage, we kick one foot up to the sky at a time.

    This progression not only strengthens the core and reinforces spinal awareness but also mimics the mechanics required to enter a controlled handstand. Once we’ve honed these movements, we’re ready to combine elements from Handstand Preparation 1 with the tucked positions from the drill. 

      300 hour teacher training online

      300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

      GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

      Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

      • Get 500 hour certified
      • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
      • Expand your teaching skills
      • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
      • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
      • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

      GET LIGHT

      In the final demonstration for handstand preparation, we combine the elements and actions of each drill.  Here, we begin to tease the idea of almost lifting the legs up.  It’s not that the legs actually do lift off, but the idea is to get the leg that’s closest to the ground gets extremely light.

      Once we’ve gone through the techniques and actions that are available to us in this process, we come to understand what our definition of inversion success truly is.  

      To build upon these skills and become more masterful in your approach, register for Matt’s next online immersion Handstand & Arm Balances.

      The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

      The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

      Article by Trish Curling

      Video Extracted From: Revelation Immersion

      lotus pose online yoga classes

      ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

      • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
      • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
      • Appropriate for both teachers and students
      • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
      • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
      • Release aches and pains
      • Learn how to avoid common injuries
      • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
      • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
      • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
      • Lifetime access

      Continue Learning

      Nurture The Neck

      Nurture The Neck

      Nurture The NeckalignmentNURTURE THE NECK The neck is not often the shining star of our yoga practice, yet it is an integral part.  Too often, we may only offer more attention if we’re feeling pain in a particular posture.  It’s important however, for us to be...

      read more
      Reduce Hip Injuries

      Reduce Hip Injuries

      Reduce Hip InjuriesmobilityREDUCE HIP INJURIES The hip joint carries a great deal of responsibility.  It supports many of our key movements in our daily lives.  With all of its responsibility and involvement with how we move, it can act as a protector, while still...

      read more
      Flying Pigeon Variations

      Flying Pigeon Variations

      Flying Pigeon Variationseka pada galavasanaFLYING PIGEON VARIATIONS When we think of different variations of postures, it’s easy to think that we should practice either “this on, or that one”.  What we may not entertain is the magnitude of focus we must place on the...

      read more
      Crow Pose Drills

      Crow Pose Drills

      Crow Pose DrillsbakasanaCROW POSE DRILLS If we’re attempting to balance in a posture like Crow pose, then the understanding of the way in which we balance our weight is crucial.  When we achieve this, not only will we find more confidence and comfort in executing the...

      read more
      Inversion Journey

      Inversion Journey

      Inversion Journeyadho mukha vrksasanaINVERSION JOURNEY In the previous blog, Inversion Success: Alignment, Drills & Preparation,  I talked about how Matt provides the education and keys to building a solid foundation to execute handstands.  What we must understand...

      read more
      Inversion Success

      Inversion Success

      Inversion SuccesshandstandINVERSION SUCCESS We all have different definitions of success.  Success in our yoga practice could look anything like effortlessly engaging in inversions, being able to participate in breathwork techniques, and/or simply showing up for a...

      read more

      THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

      When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

      • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
      • exclusive online course discounts
      • exclusive blogs and videos
      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      Tuck Jumps

      Tuck Jumps

      Handstand

      TUCK JUMPS

      Tuck jumps can be a confidence booster when it comes to preparing for handstands. They’re not the first step in the course of preparation, but they’re definitely a way of identifying where strength and proprioception require attention.  

      By performing tuck jumps, we build strength and bring awareness to how we use our glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, and shoulders, which are essential for supporting our body weight when we’re inverted. More than this, in order to find the best alignment to support ourselves while inverted, we learn the articulations of the body in places like the pelvis, rib cage, and shoulders.

      In today’s video, Matt demonstrates drills that move us towards finding confidence in our handstand development. Ultimately, we develop increased strength and balance.

      chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

      ITALY RETREAT

      REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

      • Spa & Yoga Retreat
      • Close to the coast line and beaches
      • 2 spa days included (sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath)
      • Morning and early-evening yoga with Matt
      • Daytime free for adventures or to enjoy Ayurvedic massage and treatments
      • Connect with incredible yogis from around the world!
      • ALL LEVELS and all ages 18-85 appropriate
      • Skillfully guided experience: yoga, meditation, breathwork
      • Biomechanics and inspirational philosophy
      • Welcoming and communal group of yogis!

      HANDSTAND PREPARATION POSITIONS

      Handstand Preparation I

      With the support of a chair, hip flexor activation is one thing this stage of preparation for tuck jumps and handstands works on. We do this by focusing on pressing both feet down into the chair. This action is also essential because it’s always part of the setup for the drills that follow.

      Handstand Preparation II

      This time, we bring one leg straight up in the air while still pressing the other leg towards the ground or into the chair. Rolling forward with the torso and pressing the top leg back helps us use strength in the glutes and hamstrings.

      Handstand Preparation III

      Here, we alternate the legs by going from a tuck position to a lengthened position.

      WATCH THE VIDEO

      TUCK JUMPS: FLOAT UP TO HANDSTAND

      STATIC PELVIC ALIGNMENT

      In this stage of preparation for tuck jumps, we pass through Handstand Preparations I & II. Setting up the pelvis is crucial for achieving the alignment necessary for successful jumps. Matt demonsrates a posterior pelvic tilt, which helps stabilize the lower back and engage the core effectively. He is careful to squeeze his knees together, creating unified strength in the lower body. This alignment not only enhances balance but also facilitates a smoother transition into the jump when we’re ready to explore. Additionally, Matt actively stretches his shoulders up to his ears, being careful to keep the arms active and straight. This engagement ensures that his arms are strong and ready to support the weight of the body during the handstand. By focusing on these key elements, he sets a solid foundation for mastering the tuck jump and progressing towards the handstand.

      200 Hour Online Teacher Training Certification

      200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

      GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

      • Deepen your yoga practice
      • Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
      • Learn foundational class structures and templates
      • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
      • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
      • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

      JUMP & LAND

      Even when we begin to explore tuck jumps, there are still stages that help us to ease into the exploration. 

      We start in an “L-Hop” and then take both feet to a wall behind us, with the knees bent. Staying in that position while working towards stacking the ribcage, hips, and shoulders serves to create the foundation for us to explore the jump.

      At this next stage, Matt continues to use a block behind the wrists and forearms in order to maintain the proper position. He reminds us then when we implement the jump, it’s common for us to lean back when we need to be leaning forward.

      If you’ve practiced handstands with Matt before, then you’ll know that the “lean, grip, push” elements are always the basis for handstands; therefore, they also apply to tuck jumps.

      300 hour teacher training online

      300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

      GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

      Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

      • Get 500 hour certified
      • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
      • Expand your teaching skills
      • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
      • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
      • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

      PREPARE THE FLOAT

      As we go through the preparations, we learn that without the static holds and the practice of control, we would never find the “float” or “hang time” in our tuck jumps and ultimately our handstand.

      The stronger and more stable we are, the lighter we will feel. Yes, a tremendous amount of effort is required to build the necessary strength, but the reward is ease when our bodies are prepared. Preparation is the path to execution.

      Matt’s Italy Retreat in April 2025 is now open for registration, and spaces are limited. Secure your spot for the ultimate guidance and support of your practice.

      The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

      The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

      Article by Trish Curling

      Video Extracted From: Mobility Immersion

      lotus pose online yoga classes

      ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

      • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
      • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
      • Appropriate for both teachers and students
      • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
      • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
      • Release aches and pains
      • Learn how to avoid common injuries
      • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
      • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
      • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
      • Lifetime access

      Continue Learning

      Nurture The Neck

      Nurture The Neck

      Nurture The NeckalignmentNURTURE THE NECK The neck is not often the shining star of our yoga practice, yet it is an integral part.  Too often, we may only offer more attention if we’re feeling pain in a particular posture.  It’s important however, for us to be...

      read more
      Reduce Hip Injuries

      Reduce Hip Injuries

      Reduce Hip InjuriesmobilityREDUCE HIP INJURIES The hip joint carries a great deal of responsibility.  It supports many of our key movements in our daily lives.  With all of its responsibility and involvement with how we move, it can act as a protector, while still...

      read more
      Flying Pigeon Variations

      Flying Pigeon Variations

      Flying Pigeon Variationseka pada galavasanaFLYING PIGEON VARIATIONS When we think of different variations of postures, it’s easy to think that we should practice either “this on, or that one”.  What we may not entertain is the magnitude of focus we must place on the...

      read more
      Crow Pose Drills

      Crow Pose Drills

      Crow Pose DrillsbakasanaCROW POSE DRILLS If we’re attempting to balance in a posture like Crow pose, then the understanding of the way in which we balance our weight is crucial.  When we achieve this, not only will we find more confidence and comfort in executing the...

      read more
      Inversion Journey

      Inversion Journey

      Inversion Journeyadho mukha vrksasanaINVERSION JOURNEY In the previous blog, Inversion Success: Alignment, Drills & Preparation,  I talked about how Matt provides the education and keys to building a solid foundation to execute handstands.  What we must understand...

      read more
      Inversion Success

      Inversion Success

      Inversion SuccesshandstandINVERSION SUCCESS We all have different definitions of success.  Success in our yoga practice could look anything like effortlessly engaging in inversions, being able to participate in breathwork techniques, and/or simply showing up for a...

      read more

      THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

      When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

      • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
      • exclusive online course discounts
      • exclusive blogs and videos
      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      Accelerated Handstand Development

      Accelerated Handstand Development

      inversion

      ACCELERATED HANDSTAND DEVELOPMENT

      Accelerating the process of achieving a goal comes from consistent practice, but it also depends heavily on the information and knowledge we’ve acquired.  

      Whether a handstand is part of our regular asana practice or not, there is always room for improvement. Learning and understanding the intricate skill sets are imperative. These are the things that will expedite our development. This doesn’t mean that it will happen fast but that we are equipped with more knowledge to apply to our physical practice, which will enhance our results.  

      There are a number of different areas for improvement when it comes to a better handstand, and one that might be overlooked is pelvic alignment. The drills and skills from today’s video provide the roadmap towards the final destination of a well-balanced handstand (pun intended lol).

       

      chromatic yoga 15 hour immersion

      10-DAY HANDSTAND PROGRAM

      REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

      • Safe, systematic, and effective
      • 10-day training plan with guided daily tutorials
      • 2 livestream workshops: Replays are automatically included if you cannot attend live
      • Learn the most anatomically aligned and efficient handstand
      • Acrobatic training skills made easy and accessible for regular people
      • All levels appropriate
      • Build YOUR handstand, honoring your body and its unique strengths and challenges
      • No experience required
      • Variations for all levels, from 0 experience to professional hand balancers
      • BONUS: Zoom meeting (available to waitlist members only for the first 24 hours of registration opening): On Day 3, we will meet on Zoom for group coaching and personalized feedback!
      • SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS TRAINING TO PROVIDE THE BEST SUPPORT POSSIBLE

      PELVIC ALIGNMENT TENDENCIES

      In an upright position, knowing the difference between anterior and posterior tilt of the pelvis may be easier to negotiate. At other times, it may be harder to determine. In the full class, Matt explains that many of us have the tendency to posteriorly tilt the pelvis when standing, which may be because we are trying to find the least amount of energy exertion by placing more weight into the hip joints. 

      The opposite is true when upside down in a handstand. Here, the tendency may be to anteriorly tilt the pelvis (especially if there is a wall behind us). We might feel that the safer place to be is behind us, so the hips move in that direction. This tendency does not serve us in a balanced handstand away from a wall. In this case, the posterior tilt of the pelvis is a must.

      WATCH THE VIDEO

      ACCELERATED HANDSTAND DEVELOPMENT: POLISHING PELVIC ALIGNMENT

      SPHINX TO HOLLOW BODY & CRESENT POSE

      To find balance in a handstand off the wall, we must polish our pelvic alignment. We don’t start by trying this in handstand; first, we must strengthen and train the appropriate muscles in other postures and drills. In today’s video, Matt begins by demonstrating 2 ways to implement this strengthening and training in our regular practice.

      Sphinx to Hollow Body

      In this demonstration, we are guided through 4 phases. It is a very slow and controlled process that not only strengthens the core and upper body, it also helps us understand how to effectively isolate and articulate the movements of the rib cage and pelvis.

      Crescent Pose

      Here we really learn to train and develop the tucking of the tailbone—the posterior tilt of the pelvis—against straightening and lengthening the back leg. When doing this, we’re activating the quadricep and gluteal muscles at the same time. This will translate well when transitioning upside down.

      200 Hour Online Teacher Training Certification

      200 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

      GET CERTIFIED & DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

      • Deepen your yoga practice
      • Build confidence speaking in front of groups in person and online
      • Learn foundational class structures and templates
      • Learn techniques for a wide range of yoga postures
      • Get certified and highly qualified to teach yoga
      • Yoga Alliance Globally Recognized Certification Program

      HANDSTAND WALL DRILLS

      Included in the process of handstand development is the practicing of pelvic alignment when we’re inverted in the context of drills. The handstand drills in today’s video are done against a wall. They provide the opportunity to place our feet on the wall in order to focus on the placement of the pelvis into a posterior-tilt position.

      1. First, without any props, we gain the understanding of how important it is to push through the shoulders to initiate greater movement of the rib cage back, which initiates the desired “straight stacking” of the body. When the action of the posterior tilt takes place, our feet become lighter.
      2. This is the same drill with the use of a chair, which can assist by offering more control to get upright. The exit here can also assist in practicing a safer exit when we start practicing away from a wall.
      300 hour teacher training online

      300 HOUR ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

      GET 500 HOUR CERTIFIED AS A MASTER TEACHER

      Master your skill set as a teacher through refined techniques, anatomy, biomechanics, sequencing, philosophy, meditation techniques, theming, yoga business, and much more!

      • Get 500 hour certified
      • Learn anatomy, biomechanics, asana techniques
      • Expand your teaching skills
      • Masterful sequencing and verbal delivery
      • Learn meditation and breathwork techniques
      • Transformative tools: theming, dharma talks, satsang

      PROCESS & TRANSFORMATION

      We can never escape going through the processes our bodies need when we’re working towards a given yoga posture, and those processes are always individual. The muscles we need to train, the techniques we need to develop, and the knowledge we need to acquire will vary at different times throughout the process.  

      Matt always says that a posture like a handstand is evidence that we have tapped into increased mastery of the understanding of our own bodies. This is the true gift of the process on the journey towards transformation, not achievement.

      Matt’s 10-Day Handstand Program works to systematically expose our greatest potential.  

      Transform your relationship with handstand by registering today!

      The 200 Hr. Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

      The 300 Hr. Advanced Teacher Training: Click Here to See the Next Start Date

      Article by Trish Curling

      Videos Extracted From: Handstand & Meditation Immersion

      lotus pose online yoga classes

      ONLINE ANATOMY COURSE

      • Accessible, exciting, and easy to learn
      • Anatomy and biomechanics for yoga
      • Appropriate for both teachers and students
      • Learn joint alignment vs pose alignment
      • Demystify yoga poses and transitions
      • Release aches and pains
      • Learn how to avoid common injuries
      • Caters to all levels with modifications and props
      • 20 hours Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance
      • 20 hours toward Chromatic Yoga Certification and 300 Hour
      • Lifetime access

      Continue Learning

      Nurture The Neck

      Nurture The Neck

      Nurture The NeckalignmentNURTURE THE NECK The neck is not often the shining star of our yoga practice, yet it is an integral part.  Too often, we may only offer more attention if we’re feeling pain in a particular posture.  It’s important however, for us to be...

      read more
      Reduce Hip Injuries

      Reduce Hip Injuries

      Reduce Hip InjuriesmobilityREDUCE HIP INJURIES The hip joint carries a great deal of responsibility.  It supports many of our key movements in our daily lives.  With all of its responsibility and involvement with how we move, it can act as a protector, while still...

      read more
      Flying Pigeon Variations

      Flying Pigeon Variations

      Flying Pigeon Variationseka pada galavasanaFLYING PIGEON VARIATIONS When we think of different variations of postures, it’s easy to think that we should practice either “this on, or that one”.  What we may not entertain is the magnitude of focus we must place on the...

      read more
      Crow Pose Drills

      Crow Pose Drills

      Crow Pose DrillsbakasanaCROW POSE DRILLS If we’re attempting to balance in a posture like Crow pose, then the understanding of the way in which we balance our weight is crucial.  When we achieve this, not only will we find more confidence and comfort in executing the...

      read more
      Inversion Journey

      Inversion Journey

      Inversion Journeyadho mukha vrksasanaINVERSION JOURNEY In the previous blog, Inversion Success: Alignment, Drills & Preparation,  I talked about how Matt provides the education and keys to building a solid foundation to execute handstands.  What we must understand...

      read more
      Inversion Success

      Inversion Success

      Inversion SuccesshandstandINVERSION SUCCESS We all have different definitions of success.  Success in our yoga practice could look anything like effortlessly engaging in inversions, being able to participate in breathwork techniques, and/or simply showing up for a...

      read more

      THE FREE TECHNIQUE PACK

      When You Subscribe, You Will Get Instant Access to

      • the Technique Pack: 15 yoga pose breakdowns
      • exclusive online course discounts
      • exclusive blogs and videos
      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
      BLACK FRIDAY: 30% OFF ALL ONLINE IMMERSIONS & WORKSHOPS !
      0
      days
      0
      hours
      0
      minutes
      0
      seconds
      BLACK FRIDAY: 30% OFF ALL ONLINE IMMERSIONS & WORKSHOPS!
      0
      days
      0
      hours
      0
      minutes
      0
      seconds
      BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Congratulations, your 30% discount code has been applied and will be reflected at the very bottom of the checkout page. All Immersions & Immersion Bundles are included in this sale. To get more info on each immersion click on the photo. On Demand and Lifetime Access To all
      Overlay Image
      BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Congratulations, your 30% discount code has been applied and will be reflected at the very bottom of the checkout page. All Immersions & Immersion Bundles are included in this sale. To get more info on each immersion click on the photo. On Demand and Lifetime Access To all

      Pin It on Pinterest