Peak Pose: Tripod Headstand

Tripod headstand is one of those poses that tends to get students really excited— and a little nervous at the same time. It looks similar to a regular headstand but actually feels totally different once you’re in it.

Instead of the forearms and interlaced fingers, you’re balancing on your hands and the crown of the head— three points of contact that create a little triangle of support. It’s a fun new place to work if your students have a solid headstand practice and are ready to mix things up.

The great thing about building a sequence around this pose is that it’s easy to make it work for everyone. More experienced students can explore the tripod variation while others work on their regular Sirsasana or headstand prep. No one gets left out!
The prep work focuses on shoulder strength and core awareness— which honestly does most of the teaching before anyone even goes upside down.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Puttering

• Sukhasaka forward fold
• Cat/cow >> downward dog >> plank >> child’s pose >> downward dog
• 3 legged dog (right foot up) >> lizard lunge with cat back >> wide legged forward fold w/ Chaturanga arms >> supported pyramid pose >> downward dog >> plank >> lower to belly >> cobra pose >> downward dog (repeat on left side)

Basic Vinyasa Sun Salutation

Standing Poses

Round 1: Three Legged Dog >> low lunge >> Prasarita Padottanasana >> Eagle arms to stand >> Warrior 2 >> Peaceful Warrior >> Downward Facing Dog (optional plank > chaturanga > updog > downdog). *Repeat on the left side

Round 2: Repeat round 1 and add on: Triangle to the front >> Half Moon >> Downward Facing Dog (optional plank > chaturanga > updog > downdog). *Repeat on the left side

Round 3: Repeat round 2 and add on: >> Half Moon >> Three Legged Dog >> Warrior 1 >> Pyramid Pose >> Downward Facing Dog >> Side plank to the right >> Downward Facing Dog

Balance/Twist

• Uttanasana
• Tadasana
• Eagle Pose (stand on right leg)
• Supported Warrior 3 (left knee comes behind right ankle to sit down)
• Gomukhasana
• Boat Pose
• Downward Facing Dog
• Three Legged Dog (right leg lifts)
• Revolved Side Angle
• Prasarita Twist
• Uttanasana
• Tadasana
• Repeat on the left side

Peak: Tripod Headstand Prep/Tripod Headstand

Wind Down

• Parsva Upavistha Konasana
• Supported Fish
• Supine Twist
• Happy Baby
• Savasana