handstands with KFred
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of practicing alongside Kristin Frederick, you may have seen her “effortlessly” float up to handstand. We’re thrilled she’s bringing her extensive knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to our Handstands with KFred Series, every Saturday in February. You can read more about the series here, but we also wanted to hear from our Functional Flow expert on her approach.
What has you most excited about offering this series?
Handstands can be a tool for self-discovery, help calm the mind, and are just plain fun. I believe with practice students will to be able to experience them in that capacity too.
You could offer this series any time – why now?
For a while, my practice and teaching were focused on other things, but I’ve recently re-discovered the joy handstands can bring. So, what better time than now?
When the pandemic hit, I experienced some of the worst anxiety in my life. So, I went back to Handstand based practices, because they allow me to more easily calm my nervous system. I know many people might pick Yin or gentle yoga for anxiety relief, but for me Handstands are a moving meditation.
Describe your ideal student for this series.
Someone who has an existing yoga practice and likes to be challenged.
What are some common barriers people have when trying to find handstand?
Sometimes it can be a lack of body awareness, in the sense that once you are upside down it can be tricky for your brain to understand where parts of your body are in space, compared to others. Other times there are mobility barriers, such as tighter shoulders which can cause you to move from your spine and not your shoulder. Most often, I find that it’s fear.
What would you say to those people who hold back from handstands because of fear?
Facing fear is a practice just like anything else. Once you learn the mechanics of the pose, you can slowly build strength and take baby steps towards the pose, ultimately increasing your confidence. You don’t know what you are capable of until you try.
Anything else you’d like for us to know?
Handstands have taught me that we are stronger than we think and capable of more than we believe is possible.
click here for dates, description and pricing for handstands with KFred
We love this last line – “We are stronger than we think and capable of more than we believe is possible.” It’s time.
