Building Strength for Handstands

Watch Building Strength for Handstands

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

Building Strength for Handstands is an engaging and informative yoga show produced by Yoga International that serves to educate viewers and participants on the necessary skills needed to execute a stable and firm handstand, a pose that demands a lot of bodily strength and focus. Hosted by experienced and renowned yoga instructor Kristin Gibowicz, the show provides a comprehensive and in-depth guide on how to develop the necessary strength and agility to master the pose.

The show is divided into various segments that focus on different aspects of a handstand such as arm strength, core stability, and shoulder flexibility. Each segment is carefully designed to help viewers build the necessary strength and alignment required to perform an effective handstand. Kristin takes the viewers through the foundational postures needed to give the body the required stability and awareness to perform a handstand.

The show's first few segments focus on exercises that are designed to help build arm strength, a crucial aspect of performing a handstand. Kristin explains how to do exercises that involve strengthening the triceps and biceps muscles which are the primary muscles used in performing the pose. These exercises range from simple push-ups to more intricate poses like a crow pose which engages the muscles needed to perform a handstand.

The next segments of Building Strength for Handstands focus on core stability, a necessary aspect of performing a handstand. Kristin explains how to strengthen one's core by doing exercises like planks, V-sits, and leg lifts. These exercises help build the muscles that guarantee proper alignment of the body during a handstand. Kristin also explains how to engage the core in a handstand, ensuring that even beginners can execute the pose with proper alignment.

Shoulder flexibility is another important aspect of a handstand. In the subsequent segments of Building Strength for Handstands, Kristin explains how to do exercises that stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles which are critical for executing the pose. These exercises include poses like downward-facing dog, puppy pose, and eagle arms, all of which help to stretch and engage the shoulder muscles necessary for executing a handstand.

In addition to the physical aspects of doing a handstand, the show provides guidance on the mental components of the pose. Kristin emphasizes the importance of focus, concentration, and self-belief in performing a handstand. She takes viewers through exercises that help them align their breathing with their movements, which is essential for maintaining balance in a handstand.

Building Strength for Handstands is a well-produced show that is easy to follow even for beginners. Kristin's instructions are clear, concise, and easy to understand, making the show's content accessible to all levels of yogis. The show provides a structured approach to building the necessary strength and alignment required to execute the pose with ease, without risking injury.

Overall, Building Strength for Handstands is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in improving their yoga practice and taking on the challenging pose of a handstand. The show is not just about mastering the pose; it is also about building the necessary strength, alignment, and focus that will help viewers develop their yoga practice holistically. The show is a must-watch for anyone looking to take their yoga practice to the next level.

Building Strength for Handstands is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on April 1, 2018.

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Seasons
Press Your Handstand
12. Press Your Handstand
April 1, 2018
Learn how to come out of handstand slowly, with control, and work toward pressing up into handstand using a bolster at the wall. You'll prepare with core work, then come to the wall for your handstand practice. Enjoy!
De-Press Your Handstand
11. De-Press Your Handstand
January 1, 1970
Learn quick and effective drills for activating your deep core muscles. This strengthening class includes blanket sides from a twisted plank, a twisted handstand at the wall, blanket slides into crow, and more. Props: a block and a blanket (or a towel, or a sliding disc, or socks)
Integrate Your Abdominals
10. Integrate Your Abdominals
April 1, 2018
Learn key actions for engaging the core from seated, standing, down dog, a twisted plank variation, and more. Then learn how to use these actions to refine the process of kicking up into handstand at the wall, making it more stable and efficient.
Anatomy of the Core
9. Anatomy of the Core
April 1, 2018
Learn about the deep core muscles, the superficial core muscles, and the "expanded" core muscles-which include the hip flexors, abductors, adductors, hip extensors, and more. You'll also explore the difference between slow and fast twitch muscle fibers and how they relate to the core.
Practice #3: External Rotation of the Shoulder Joint
8. Practice #3: External Rotation of the Shoulder Joint
April 1, 2018
Learn practices to strengthen the external rotators of the shoulder joint, which are often neglected in daily life. Conclude this practice by integrating what you've learned in handstand at the wall. Prop: a strap and 2 blankets
Practice #2: Scapular Stability Continued
7. Practice #2: Scapular Stability Continued
April 1, 2018
Learn simple practices (from standing, forward folding, table, plank, and more) that will help you to engage and activate the stabilizing and mobilizing muscles of the scapula. Conclude your practice by applying what you learn in L-handstand and classic handstand at the wall!
Practice #1: Shoulder Girdle Movement and Scapular Stability
6. Practice #1: Shoulder Girdle Movement and Scapular Stability
April 1, 2018
Learn key actions you can do in plank, forearm plank, dolphin pose, and more to engage important scapular stabilizers: serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and upper trapezius. Then use what you learn to create a strong, steady handstand at the wall.
Anatomy of the Shoulder Girdle
5. Anatomy of the Shoulder Girdle
April 1, 2018
Learn how to identify the bones, joints, and surrounding musculature of the shoulder girdle. (Anatomy geeks, this one is for you.)
Practice #3: Supination and Pronation of the Arms
4. Practice #3: Supination and Pronation of the Arms
April 1, 2018
Learn the difference between closed-chain and open-chain supination and pronation of the arms from seated, in plank variations, and downward facing dog. Then use what you learn to find optimal arm alignment in handstand.
Practice #2: What Are Your Elbows Doing?
3. Practice #2: What Are Your Elbows Doing?
April 1, 2018
Learn how to strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the elbow to support your handstand practice. This class focuses on the triceps (the principle elbow extensor) and the elbow flexors. You'll engage these muscles in down dog, plank, handstand at the wall, and more. Props: 1 strap, 1-2 blocks (preferably foam), and a blanket
Practice #1: Handstand Hands
2. Practice #1: Handstand Hands
April 1, 2018
Learn key actions for engaging, activating, and stabilizing your foundation in the hands for handstand, and explore optimal handstand hand placement.
Anatomy of the Hand, Wrist, and Arm
1. Anatomy of the Hand, Wrist, and Arm
April 1, 2018
Learn about the bones, joints, and possible range of motion of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and upper arm. Enjoy this anatomy refresher!
Description
Where to Watch Building Strength for Handstands
Building Strength for Handstands is available for streaming on the Yoga International website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Building Strength for Handstands on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    April 1, 2018
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