How long will it take me to achieve a handstand?
It will take you as long as it needs to.
We are all starting from different places physically and mentally, so everyone's path will be different. That being said, those who choose to work on it more often with more attention to detail will have more success.
My job is to guide your practice, help you through any roadblocks, and stop bad habits before they occur so that each training session is a productive one.
Do I need to have an existing handstand or inversion practice?
No, but everything you do and have done regarding inversion and balancing training will certainly help. Those who already have movement backgrounds such as yoga or gymnastics might find the process more comfortable than those without.
Achieving a handstand is not a linear process. However, it is generally thought that you should be able to do a Headstand and Crow Pose (a.k.a. Frogstand) to learn how to invert and balance on your hands, respectively, before moving on to handstands. (Don't worry though, I can work with you on these as well.)
My intent is to work with you wherever you are to build up to this skill, regardless of your background or experience.
Do I need to be strong and/or flexible to handstand?
No, but again, every little bit helps. Since you are essentially holding your entire body weight on your hands, those with stronger shoulders and hands will find it easier to balance. Also, the way you are able to enter a handstand and the "line" that you create is largely determined by your current flexibility.
All lessons will include the necessary conditioning and flexibility training to achieve an efficient and well-aligned handstand.
What if I have an injury?
Handstands are demanding both physically and mentally, so it is not advised to train if you are nursing an injury. Take rest whenever you need it. Handstands are never worth the health of your body.
If you are coming back from an injury, I can show you ways to stretch and rebuild the strength in your body. Improper form in handstands (or any activity for that matter) can result in injury over time, so we will prioritize the health of your body above all things.
Consult a medical professional if you are unsure of whether you are fit to train.
How often should I practice?
It depends on your goals, but you should train as often as you can.
Professional hand-balancers train for hours every day for years to perfect their craft. However, someone who is just beginning may only have the wrist stamina to train a few times a week without sacrificing form. Training sessions also don't have to be long; 15-30 minutes is plenty of time to warm-up and do some skill work, but more advanced skills typically require a greater degree of conditioning and practice to achieve.
Monitor the health of your body, and know that the more time you dedicate toward it, the further you are likely to go.
Why is this different than what my coach told me?
There are many schools of thought behind a handstand. You'll notice that the typical yogi will create a different handstand than a gymnast, who will look different than a circus artist.
I look to all forms of handstanding for inspiration, but my focus is on alignment and technique. Other teachers will have different points of view and different strategies they have used to get others into handstands.
If you come across something vastly different than what you have been told before, I would love to nerd out and discuss it with you. In the end handstands are a highly individualized thing, so we will find what works for you.