Definition

Noun An acrobatic feat or exercise in which a person supports their body upside down in a vertical position by balancing on their head, typically with the support of their hands and forearms.

Usage

The word "headstand" is used to describe the specific inverted posture itself. It is commonly used in contexts related to yoga, gymnastics, calisthenics, and acrobatics. * Example: She practices a headstand every morning as part of her yoga routine. * Example: The gymnast finished her routine with a perfect headstand.

Advanced Usage

• "to do a headstand" / "to hold a headstand": These are the most common verb collocations for performing or maintaining the pose.
  • It took me months to learn how to do a headstand safely.
  • He can hold a headstand for over two minutes.

Variants and Related Words

• Headstander (n., informal): A person who performs headstands, often regularly.
• Inversion (n.): A broader term for any pose where the head is below the heart, which includes headstands, handstands, and shoulder stands.
• Sirsasana (n.): The Sanskrit name for the headstand pose in yoga.

Synonyms

• Upside-down balance
• Cranial balance (technical/rare)

Related Phrases

• Tripod headstand: A variation where the head and both hands form a triangular "tripod" base on the ground.
• Forearm headstand: A more advanced variation where the forearms, rather than just the hands, are placed on the ground for support.

Noun

1. an acrobatic feat in which a person balances on the head (usually with the help of the hands)