Handstands at the Wall
Intermediate III
Incorporating hip openers, leg and core work, and of course handstands, this challenging intermediate class will have your muscles singing! Crista keeps you going with her trademark cheerfulness and rewards your effort with a long savasana. Note: You will need access to a nice clear section of wall in order to do the handstand portion of this class.
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Another brilliant class by Crista. I just love her! The way she offers different options and variations for different bodies and abilities is lovely; it really makes you feel included even if you can’t do those things! I, for one, didn’t come close to doing a handstand up the wall (facing away from the wall), but I did manage the first ones, walking up the wall, which is the first time I’ve had the confidence to do that!
I also really enjoy the savasana when Crista says “Relax, relax, reeeelax” at the end, ooh I just love that! Thanks Crista, you’re awesome xx
I was wondering if you could recommend a headstand bench. I have used them in studios before, most recent a feetup bench. I am an intermediate yogi, 5'5'....just in case this info influences your suggestions. I believe I found the feetup bench too narrow. Is there a better width, angle of gripping area etc that you feel makes difference. I am looking for safety/stability, and quality. Some are collapsable, others also have a cushion that makes the bench usable as a stool. Thank you for any time you can put to this, Katherine F Moore.
Hi Katherine,
I’m sorry, I don’t use a headstand bench, so I can’t advise in this area.
Warmly,
Crista
I love your creative classes and joyful spirit.
Lovely class, thank you.
My collie joined singing with you in her Chewbacca voice during your mantra. It was very cute and I thought i would share this. You have a lovely, soothing voice. Thank you.
Nice class, beautiful mantra!
I was a bit ppprehensive about this class because of my pesky broken collarbone, and when it came up in the New Year 2020 Challenge I was tempted to swap it for another class. So glad I gave it a try though! I had to skip the handstand sections but loved the core work, and so many of those sweet hip openers that Crista's awesome classes always deliver! Crista's sense of fun makes all her classes a joy to do and I'm so glad I gave this one a try. Beautiful chanting too!
More chanting with Christa please, beautiful ending to this class. xx
Crista is so full of energy, and it’s contagious. Very good class, and challenging for me as someone who is transitioning from beginner to intermediate. “No crazy legs” comment and demonstration was fantastic lol.
I really generally like Crista's classes, but I found some of the transitions especially the act of looking at the wall and trying to hop up to a handstand to be VERY awkward. I would have liked more information about positioning and how to hold your body. As it was I was just flinging myself around with little guidance. Heh. I guess I am still searching for a good headstand class for me.
Hi Annamarie!
In handstands, instead of trying to look at the wall (which would feel very awkward!), you’re just trying to reach the crown of your head towards the wall, in order to move your shoulders forward over your wrists. Your drishte, your gaze, should be on the floor forward of your hands. Imagine that your hands and your focal point for your eyes make an equidistant triangle. Then try hopping. Hope that helps!
Hi Annamarie,
Sorry that I was unclear. You don’t want to look at the wall for handstands, you just want to look in front of your hands on the ground, so that it is easier to stack your shoulders over your wrists. Imagine your drishti (gaze point), and two hands making an equidistant triangle. Then keep your shoulders forward over your wrists, and arms straight, as you hop your leg up the wall. Think square hips and squeeze your legs in to your midline and suck your belly in as you hop- so, it’s not flinging yourself up the wall, it’s a strong and contained hop. Hope that helps. It takes practice!!!
Crista brings something new fresh and fun every time!
Crista is the cutest person in the world. Thanks for sharing!!
A great way to practice handstand. And, lets you see how "uneven" you might be (left and right sides).
Crista is such a sweet teacher. I love her energy and personal flair.
Best birthday gift - a new class with Crista. Thanks for the wonderful movements and transitions. Best wishes from Germany.