Dear Lesley and readers,
I have a problem when practising headstand that no teacher ever seems to mention or has a solution for. It's also not mentioned in the alignment course (which is absolutely wonderful so far!).
The problem is: my arms are too short to practise headstand.
When I stand in tadasana and take my arms in the headstand position, my head sticks out over my parallel arms about 10 cm (+/- 4 inches). So it's fysically impossible for me to put both my head and forearms onto the floor without drawing my shoulders way up to my ears. So I can't practise headstand safely and comfortably.
Is there a trick or modification I can use to overcome this problem? I'd love to hear your suggestions!
Love, Suzanne (The Netherlands)
Hello Suzanne,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the course so far. I’m sorry that headstands give you so much trouble. I would be best if I could see you set up and try to get into the pose, but I know that’s not so easy to do. I would recommend trying the same set up at the wall but instead of placing your forearms on the floor, try placing them on two blocks at the lowest level instead. That way, if your head touches the floor, it would probably be just touching lightly. Still practice all of the actions for the headstand as taught in Align. I’m visualizing that this would give your head more space and keep your neck safer. Be sure there’s enough space between the blocks for your head and still be mindful about keeping your elbows not wider than shoulders distance. Let me know if this makes sense!
xx,
Lesley
Hello Suzanne,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the course so far. I’m sorry that headstands give you so much trouble. I would be best if I could see you set up and try to get into the pose, but I know that’s not so easy to do. I would recommend trying the same set up at the wall but instead of placing your forearms on the floor, try placing them on two blocks at the lowest level instead. That way, if your head touches the floor, it would probably be just touching lightly. Still practice all of the actions for the headstand as taught in Align. I’m visualizing that this would give your head more space and keep your neck safer. Be sure there’s enough space between the blocks for your head and still be mindful about keeping your elbows not wider than shoulders distance. Let me know if this makes sense!
xx,
Lesley
Hi Lesley,
Thank you so much for replying! I gave the blocks a try, but unfortunately they didn't work. The blocks (at least, the blocks I own) were too high, even on the lowest level, and they were too wobbly. Another problem I experienced was that my wrist weren't supported so I was unable to correct my balance to the front and back.
BUT!!! I had an idea. In stead of 2 blocks I used 2 folded towels. By folding them trice I got enough height to comfortably rest my head on the floor and get full support for my lower arms. I still had the problem with my wrists being unsupported, but I solved it by folding a blanket and putting it in between the towels and the wall.
I'm glad I can finally start practising this pose in a safe and comfortable way. I can take these props with me to any class on the back of my bicycle, which is great. I will pay attention to the pointers you give in the course and slowly build this one up over time. Thanks again and happy new year!!!
Lots of love,
Suzanne
This is how it looks:
