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I've been trying to do this pose for a while now and I just can't seem to get it for a couple of reasons. I'm frightened that I'm going to fall on my face and I my arms don't feel strong enough to hold me up. I always see people around me going up in it and it makes me mad that I can't do it too. Any advice would be great.

I find this one really hard too - my teacher tells us to put our knees under our armpits to help us go it. I don't know about you, but I feel that my core strength isn't there (it's not so much a shoulder issue for me). I'm also frightened to fall on my head! I always do this pathetic little jump - looking like I'm trying to do it () but in my mind I'm miles away ...

Hi Bev - these balancing poses are always tricky in the beginning, it took me ages to work this one out so you're not alone!

Start in a squat with your knees out wide, feet together and come up on the balls of your feet. I've found it really important to make sure that you spread your fingers wide and really find your foundation in your hands so that the weight is evenly distributed. Place your knees into your armpits (they will naturally slide down a bit when you get in to the position). Then when you're ready, exhale and make sure you draw in your moulabunda (public abdomen in towards your spine) so that your core is firm. Inhale and raise one foot slowly off the floor. Lean forward as much as you can so that your armpits are over your wrists. If you can't get your other foot off the floor don't worry.

Just keep practising this until you feel you have the strength in your core and your arms to help you lift (practise the handstand or the handstand prep against the wall to strengthen your arms). Good luck with it! Hope this helps, let us know how you get on

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Thanks for this - it's really helpful, great advice I will work on my arms and core strengh...