Page 111 - Demo

www.MOSTmag.com || FITNESS MAG A ZINE || 111Once you are comfortable with one foot off the floor, the goal is to move towards getting both feet off the floor. You can practice this against a wall or with friend. With hips over shoulders and one foot off the ground, engage your core (try less hop and more lifting with your core as hopping will work against you, and throw off your balance). Breathe and lift the second leg off the ground. Stay in a tucked position. Some teachers refer to this as the %u201cmagic egg%u201d. You will look like an egg. Keep the knees in, toes pointed up, breathe and think of rotating the hips up, as though you were going to moon the sky. Stay in this position. You might feel your stomach muscles moving. This is normal. Headstands strengthen your core. Also, your body is trying to find its natural balance, just as it does when you are on your feet. Stay in this position, if you need to, come out and take a break in child%u2019s pose and repeat going back up, but keep working on this egg shape. If you work on this egg shape for exactly one week, a little bit in the morning and a little bit in the evening, because our balance is different in the morning and the evening, then after the 7th day you will feel solid and secure. It is important not to rush taking both legs straight up. Finding balance is easier with a lower center of gravity and it is all about having a strong base.You feel comfortable with your %u201cmagic egg%u201d? Gravity is not the deciding factor when you come down, you are. It is empowering and you are ready for the next step. Try taking one leg straight up and keeping one tucked in the egg position. Then switch out and try the other leg up. Feels great?! Awesome! Take both legs straight up. Breathe. Relax. Enjoy. A goal would be to work up to 3-5 minutes upside down. Come down and rest in child%u2019s pose. Let your mind, neck, and balance reset.