The headstand is T2 in the balance progression — a three-point inversion (two hands + crown of head) that builds inverted comfort, balance, and body position awareness before the full two-point handstand. It’s more stable than the handstand and provides a slower, lower-consequence way to experience full inversion balance.
Setup
Create a triangle on the floor: two hands and the crown (top) of your head. The head placement is specific — not the forehead, not the back of the head. The crown. Hands are shoulder-width apart, slightly in front of your head. The triangle formed by these three points is your base of support.
Getting Up
Tuck to pike to straight. From the tripod setup with knees on elbows, extend your hips toward the ceiling (pike), then extend your legs from pike to straight. Alternatively: kick up directly with one leg (once you’re comfortable with the position).
Balance vs. Compression
A headstand with three points of contact is primarily a compression exercise — you’re not balancing primarily, you’re pressing up through the structure. As you work toward less head contact and more of the balance through the hands, you’re transitioning toward handstand mechanics. This transition is natural and unforced — just be aware of it happening over weeks of practice.
Progression Standards
3 × 30-second holds, straight body, consistent → Freestanding Handstand work → | Continue alongside Wall Handstand
Move. Groove. Repeat. Smooth.
← Wall Handstand | Next: Freestanding Handstand →
Move. Groove. Repeat. Smooth.
You're on your way. And we're here with you.