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I have been trying to do a handstand, I find upside down poses really hard for a while now and I really have a few problems with this pose. I can't seem to get up easily and without really banging onthe wall - I can't do it free yet. Also when I'm up there I can't seem to stay very still or for long. Are there some special techniques that I need to know about for this hard pose?

Hi Bev - I'd try going back to your foundations if you're having trouble with this pose (it is a hard one, and you do need good core and upper body strength). Have you tried the half handstand against the wall? It's a great one to practise with till your core and upper body feels stronger.

Face about a leg distance or so away from the wall and place your palms on the mat, arms straight. Then slowly raise your legs up behind you one at a time so that your body is 90 degrees from the floor and your wrists are stacked under your shoulders. (If you're flexible it's easy to over arch the back here, so make sure that you keep your core firm as you go up - drawing in your pubic abdomen in towards your spine). Your back should be flat.

Once you're up, actively feel that you're rolling your shoulders away from your ears, broadening your upper back. Stay for 5 breaths or as long as comfortable and then slowly come down to the mat and rest in childs pose.

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whynot try practising this pose with support. in my classes where possible I help those who need it to get up or I ask people to pair up to do it. it's easier if there is someone to help u out. hopping up (and drawing in your moola bandha as u exhale) is a good way into the pose too, when u are up there press the ball of the feet to the ceiling and this will make yr whole body come into line, making it easier to get a straight alignment u need.

Can anyone tell me if you shake when you are up there is this a bad thing?