Shoulder Stand is an inversion where you rest on your upper back and shoulders with your legs reaching up toward the ceiling. Erin usually offers it near the end of class as one option for getting upside down, and she is clear that it is optional.
How to do Shoulder Stand
- Lie on your back and draw your knees into your chest.
- Rock your hips up off the floor.
- Take your hands to your low back with your elbows about shoulder distance apart.
- Extend your legs up and work toward getting your feet right over your hips.
- Keep your gaze up toward your toes and do not turn your head side to side.
Common mistakes
- Turning the head to look around while you are up.
- Letting the elbows splay wide.
- Kicking up with momentum instead of rolling up with control.
Make it easier
- Take Legs Up the Wall instead.
- Keep your knees bent and your hips supported by your hands.
Practice Shoulder Stand in a free class
15 of Erin's classes include Shoulder Stand. These are the most practiced. The time shows where it comes up.
Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class
Advanced Deep Stretch Yoga Class (40 Min)
Summer Vinyasa All Levels Flow Yoga Class - 60 min
Spine Strength & Stretch Yoga Class
Yoga for Intense Times
Yoga for Cross Training Athletes
Reset & Recharge Yoga Class
Little Bit of Everything Yoga Class
Hanumanasana - Splits Pose & Yoga Flow Class
Inversions & Stretches with a Wall Yoga Class
Let's do Middle Splits (or at least try!) - a Grounded 65 Minute Yoga Class
Fall Equinox: Embracing Balance Yoga ClassShoulder Stand: common questions
How do you do Shoulder Stand?
Lie on your back and draw your knees into your chest. Rock your hips up off the floor. Take your hands to your low back with your elbows about shoulder distance apart. Extend your legs up and work toward getting your feet right over your hips.
Is there an easier version of Shoulder Stand?
Yes. Take Legs Up the Wall instead. Keep your knees bent and your hips supported by your hands.
What are the most common Shoulder Stand mistakes?
Turning the head to look around while you are up. Letting the elbows splay wide. Kicking up with momentum instead of rolling up with control.
Where can I practice Shoulder Stand in a free class?
15 free Five Parks Yoga classes include Shoulder Stand. The most practiced is Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class.
Move within what feels right for your body, and check with your doctor if you have an injury.
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