One of the greatest gifts of being a yoga teacher is being able to provide an experience that shifts someone’s mindset and mood in a positive way.
I’ve taught classes on some “heavy” days over the years where emotions are high and you can feel that students are craving some type of relief from whatever it is they’re carrying.
My favorite way to do that?
Teach a handstand class.
There’s honestly almost nothing more fun than leading a group of adults through a class that flips them upside down and has them acting like kids again. It’s immediately uplifting to the spirit and it recharges the energy. That’s exactly what a handstand class does.
I definitely recommend practicing this at the wall. And, depending on the level of students you have, leading them through L-shaped handstand using the wall first is a great way to get everyone upside down, while still keeping your class accessible.
The key with this big post is to create a sequence that focuses on a lot of shoulder and side body opening while incorporating core integration and straight leg poses.
I keep a handstand class in my mental back pocket at all times so if I ever need to teach a fun class last minute, I always have one ready.
Have fun and let me know how it goes!
Puttering/Warm-Up:
- High lunge with hooked thumbs
- Low Lunge Twist
- Modified Parsvottanasana (use blocks!)
- Tadasana with Gomukhasana Arms
Sun Salutations:
- 3-4 Rounds
Standing Poses:
- Warrior 2
- Triangle Pose
- Extended Side Angle (with hand outside of the ankle)
- Ardha Chandrasana
- Warrior 1
- Parsvotanasana
Balancing Poses:
- Tree Pose
- Standing Split
Twist Pose:
- Revolved Triangle
Peak Pose:
- Handstand
Wind Down Poses:
- Wheel
- Reclined Spinal Twist
- Happy Baby
Savasana
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