The TikTok headstand challenge will blow you away

Who needs a gym membership when you have a FYP? The TikTok headstand challenge is the latest fitness trend to sweep through feeds. 

On the heels of the Hot Girl Walk, the Cupid Shuffle and the 12/3/30 workout routine, this new yoga-inspired trick will satisfy the "zen" vibes you're craving and make you say "namaste," so grab the best yoga mats from your collection.

Do be warned: this isn't a routine for those who've just discovered yoga, so do be cautious before attempting and seek professional guidance if necessary. Never exert yourself and risk an injury if you feel uneasy.

TikTok headstand challenge

So, what exactly is this trendy new wellness fad? Let's turn to its founder, Bryce McKenzie, a Gumby-like figure who seemingly has no issue with limbs or weight. 

He begins in what appears to be a high plank before transitioning to a headstand, and then he uses ninja abilities to flip back on his feet when all is said and done. While some of us might get dizzy just looking at the clip, he nonchalantly makes it seem like any 'ol yoga routine. (Child's pose it's not.)

Unsurprisingly, his agility has garnered over six million views and copycat styles all over the platform. 

@brycemckenzie (opens in new tab)

How about this for a challenge?

♬ original sound - Ian Asher (opens in new tab)

Some TikTokers decided to shake things up with a mid-air split—definitely no easy feat.

@courtneyhodgson1999 (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Ian Asher (opens in new tab)

Others have opted for a simpler landing than McKenzie's kick and gracefully get back on their feet, one at a time. (Some of us might not have even left the ground.) 

@tbrosnahan (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Ian Asher (opens in new tab)

We even caught brave souls looking to do a few wiggle waggles while balancing on their head. (Some of us find those moves challenging when we're simply standing on our feet.)

@humberlyg (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Ian Asher (opens in new tab)

It's no surprise that the new fad has been yoga related, especially coming into the nurturing, down-low Cancer season. According to the pros, 2022 fitness trends have seen a demand in yoga for its emotional and physical benefits. 

"Pilates and yoga have had an increase," Dan Savage, personal trainer at A Body Forever (opens in new tab) previously told My Imperfect Life. "They're home workout exercises we could participate in with limited space and equipment. Also, there's a mental health side of it—we know pilates and yoga fall into the mind and body section." 

A few tips

If you are new to the practice and wondering which yoga is best for beginners, do follow our professionally-backed guide.  

Kat Farrants, founder of the online yoga platform Movement For Modern Life (opens in new tab)suggests you begin with hatha or restorative yoga before trying ultra-complicated moves like the TikTok headstand challenge. 

"The former is great for beginners since it is a slower-paced style, focused on building strength and calming your mind—where you hold the poses for longer, allowing you to familiarize yourself with each pose," she previously told My Imperfect Life. "Similarly, the latter, which works to release habitual, long-held tension, involves long, passive stretches supported by props."

Work with some yoga accessories and the best resistance bands for yoga before attempting to put your own spin on McKenzie's trendy trick. There are no filters with this viral video—it's as challenging as it looks if you're inexperienced.