Yoga supported headstand

[Robert Siegel]

Any comments on this headstand with hands clasped behind the head? Seems like it would relieve compression on the neck compared to a regular headstand. I'm new to all of this, and it seems like a gentler way to start getting upside down!

[Blairbob]

trickier to balance

strong neck is better when landing or rolling on head.

[Guest]

A regular HeS (head and hands form a supporting triangle) allows you to freely shift weight from your hands to your head and vice versa (thus relieving excessive neck compression). You can also start in a tucked HeS with your knee supported on your elbows and gradually extend over time. I'm not sure how to achieve the same with this position. Plus, as Blairbob said, it will be harder to maintain balance.

[Cole Dano]

The yoga headstand done correctly will have less strain in the neck, as in yoga the idea is to hold it for what can be a considerable amount of time. However it is a more 'technical' version of headstand as there are many issues for some with getting the shoulders open enough to hold the position correctly, and done incorrectly it will give you a sore neck, more so than the tripod version.

For gymnastic purposes, the tripod is preferable, for doing yoga, and long holds, the clasped hand, once the proper shoulder mechanics are there.