Cool. So I'd say, next, try the modification with a chair (you don't need the bolster, it's just nice if you've got one).
If that's a struggle, you could move the chair further away from the wall so your arms are closer to a down-dog angle (though you need to ensure that the chair's braced so the backwards force doesn't tip it). Then edge it closer to the wall over time.
Stealing from this article, I'd suggest working on plank and half down dog as well, to strengthen your shoulders and get the feel of bearing weight through them without collapsing in your back.
All IMHO, YMMV, etc..
But for what it's worth, three or four years ago I'd have laughed at anyone who told me I would one day be able to do a handstand. It was firmly on my mental list of things that are Not For Me, Not Ever. And it's been a really long, slow progression, propelled at various points by extreme boredom and a severe desire not to be in my own head.
But progress has occurred. Much to my surprise.
And ultimately, getting into the pose is kind of a party trick; it's really cool, but the important stuff is what you acquire on the way there, in terms of shoulder alignment and stability and balance.
(Which is also easy for me to say when I'm basking in smugness at my newfound achievements. Still true, though.)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2011-10-26 05:35 pm (UTC)If that's a struggle, you could move the chair further away from the wall so your arms are closer to a down-dog angle (though you need to ensure that the chair's braced so the backwards force doesn't tip it). Then edge it closer to the wall over time.
Stealing from this article, I'd suggest working on plank and half down dog as well, to strengthen your shoulders and get the feel of bearing weight through them without collapsing in your back.
All IMHO, YMMV, etc..
But for what it's worth, three or four years ago I'd have laughed at anyone who told me I would one day be able to do a handstand. It was firmly on my mental list of things that are Not For Me, Not Ever. And it's been a really long, slow progression, propelled at various points by extreme boredom and a severe desire not to be in my own head.
But progress has occurred. Much to my surprise.
And ultimately, getting into the pose is kind of a party trick; it's really cool, but the important stuff is what you acquire on the way there, in terms of shoulder alignment and stability and balance.
(Which is also easy for me to say when I'm basking in smugness at my newfound achievements. Still true, though.)