Heather Morton, Handstand to Wheel

Shot at the yoga school in Toronto. This is the transition from single leg handstand to vapriata (inverted) chakrasana (wheel) to hastha padasana (forward bend). The inversion into the wheel pose is also called full arm balance (upside down tree or in Sanskrit as adho mukha vrksasana). Before practising this asana sequence, it is necessary to have already mastered the wheel (see other videos) and a simple handstand.

Having learned the wheel posture first and other backbends it was combined later on to the handstand. Most people would probably find the basic handstand easier than holding a backbend upside down. However, the leverage and balance are actually much more evenly placed. By working with the energy of gravity (the natural force of moving to the ground) this brings a sense of stability. For balance, strength and control this posture demands concentration and focus. Using the breath as a force of energy the body is guided from one pose to the next. Without this focus and an inner connection to the prana the position is not much more than gymnastics.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• handstand
• wheel
• posture
• yoga
• breathing
• sequence
• handstand to wheel
• back bending

[TakeFlightWithLove13]

hello im trying to learn how to do all of these move to help me with doing my rhythmic gymnastics. how do you find the balance to do this

[TheYogaWay]

@TakeFlightWithLove13

Hi. The balance stems from a multiple of different parts of the body and the breath. Maintaining the balance is similiar to concentration. With a focus on the breath and understanding that the breath comes first, balance is naturally restored in the body. On the physical level, use your hands like your feet, draw the low abdomen in as you exhale, contract the thighs and buttocks and roll the shoulder blades down. Visualize the balance of your 'whole' body!

[TheYogaWay]

Thanks for watching and leaving your feedback!

[rolandsc]

Fantastic control and flexibility.

[TheYogaWay]

@rolandsc

An important aspect in this sequence in learning first the wheel. Maintaining and developing an equal stretch in the 'whole' body helps to lengthen and extend the back. When upside-down, it is it actually easier on the back but more difficult on the arms!

[dospooks]

Great form and control!

[DanceMoms1231]

I can also do that but it is actually easier than it looks I will post a video of me doing it but I'm only 10 :) but great job your amazing!

[yogibeertje2]

I can not decide what is most impressing, your strength, your flexibility or your sense of equilibrium.

Let every serious student of hatha yoga be inspired by this advanced series of asanas.