How To: Supported Headstand on a Paddleboard

If you’re looking for a yoga pose that will help strengthen your arms, legs, and spine, as well as calm your brain and help improve your digestion, try a supported headstand. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way!

1. From a kneeling position, interlace the fingers and bring the forearms onto the board. Place the base of the crown of the head on the board and nestle the back of the head into the interlaced hands.

2. Inhale, lift the knees off the board, and slowly walk the feet towards the elbows, keeping a straight spine and creating an inverted “V”. Stack the hips over the torso and firm the shoulder blades to prevent the weight from collapsing onto your head and neck.

3. Engage the core and life up the toes while keeping the knees bent. Slowly begin to straighten the knees and actively point the toes toward the sky. Keep the weight evenly balanced with the core still engaged. Tuck the tailbone to decrease the strain on the lower back and to create one long, straight line of energy. Hold for three breaths.

4. Slowly begin to lower one leg at a time back into dolphin pose. Drop the knees and take a long child’s pose.

* To see this article in print, check out the Summer 2013 edition of Womens Surf Style Magazine.