<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 reasons to practice handstand</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have been committing to learn and practice handstand. They are part of my <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/yoga/">Yoga</a> practice, <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/product/global-bodyweight-athlete-training-program/">Bodyweight Training Program</a> and I even use some variations into my <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/group-fitness-classes/">Bootcamp</a> sometime. They are so exciting for me and full of surprises. Some day I am strong and balanced while others day it doesn’t work. It requires lots of discipline and consistency to master this movement. and you might need motivation before investing time into it. I listed 10 reasons why you can integrate handstands in your current training.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1- Did you know that practicing handstands could <strong>boost your mood</strong>? After researching about handstands I was so surprise to discover that they can make you feel happier because of all the blood flowing to your brain. “They can help your mood in by reducing the production of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can not only de-stress you in the short-term but could also help relieve minor depression and anxiety.”<a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11284/5-reasons-you-should-do-handstands-every-day.html">(1)</a></p>
 2- Handstands are a weight bearing exercise that <strong>strengthens your bones</strong> from wrist, shoulder, arms, and spine, making you less prone to osteoporosis. Your bones will thank you.

3 &amp; 4- Being upside down <strong>increases the circulation</strong> to your upper body and lungs, <strong>helps with breathing</strong> while stretching the diaphragm.
<p style="text-align: justify;">5- <strong>Connects all kinetic chain in your body</strong>; everything in your body is interconnected. Handstands require constant communication, neuromuscular efficiency, and amazing proprioception to maintain balance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">6- It will <strong>teach you total body tension</strong> and that will be transferable to other training you will do. They train your body to be one unit and increase activation and stabilization of all muscles, core, spine, shoulder girdle…</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">7- While researching about handstands I discovered that they can also <strong>stimulate the endocrine system</strong>. Your endocrine system is responsible for regulating mood, growth, development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual functions and other bodily functions. “When the body is turned upside down and blood moves to the head, the pituitary gland is stimulated which helps to set a point for healthy body weight. The inversion also brings blood to the thyroid glands to help regulate the production of T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones), which also affects metabolism.” <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/319675-the-many-benefits-of-handstands-for-health/">(2)</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">8- Handstands can <strong>make you a better person</strong>, lol. Seriously, it help you move through mental barriers and release fear. Handstands build confidence, perseverance and faith; you can bring theses qualities into your life. They will help you face the challenges in your life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> 9- They <strong>bring you into present moment</strong>. If you don’t pay attention, you fall. You have to clear the mind, let go of mental chatter and pay attention to what is happening, because there is a lot happening.</p>
10- Lastly, you probably knew this one, it <strong>build strength</strong>. As B.K.S. Iyengar, said, “it develops the body harmoniously. It strengthens the shoulders, arms and wrists and expands the chest fully.”
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you want to learn handstand I highly recommend you to watch the <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/product/hand-balancing-for-bodyweight-athlete/">Hand Balancing program</a> for from Mike Finch. He take you though so many progressions and variations to get strong handstand. Handstand are also part of <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/product/global-bodyweight-athlete-training-program/">Bodyweight athlete program</a>. You can also ask your <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/personaltraining/">personal trainer</a> and/or <a href="http://www.choose2be.ca/yoga/">yoga</a> instructor to help you so you can progress faster.</p>
I also made this video of different variations I've been practicing. Enjoy!

[embed]https://youtu.be/hXBemnCIgy8[/embed]