How To Do a Tripod Headstand

Halfway through the year, and I've resolved one of my New Year's Resolutions. Perhaps it is the core strength I've mustered while riding my bike, or perhaps it's just that I decided to practice out in the middle of a park, so I wasn't nearly as terrified of taking out the girl next to me in yoga.

But either way, I can now hang out upside down for an extended period of time! I still have plenty to practice, but hopefully by the end of the year I will be able to do a forearm balance as well.

If you're looking to do a beginner inversion, here is a step by step of a Tripod Headstand. It's great because it gives you the most stability, while still getting you comfortable with the feeling of being upside down. Have fun!

1) While crouched on your toes (or on your knees) place hands on the ground in front of you, about shoulder-width apart.

2) Place the crown of your head on the ground, creating a triangle with your hands.


3) Raise your knees and balance them on the backs of your arms, about halfway up between your elbows and your shoulders.


4) Once you've gained your balance in this "modified Crow pose", begin to raise your legs above your head until you are balanced in a headstand.


5) If you have your balance, great! Hang out until you get a head rush. Come down slowly, bringing your feet down and then lifting your head.


If you're nervous about trying it, ask someone to spot you! It's a great way to get a sense of where your balance is when you're upside down. For me, I needed to get comfortable with feeling like my legs were too far back, so once I got comfortable with where they needed to be for me to be balanced, it clicked!