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New Year Handstand Challenge

Name: Overland Expo PNW with the YogaSlackers: Slackline Yoga, AcroYoga & Overland Travel
Start: 2026-06-26
End: 2026-06-28
Location: Deschutes County Expo Center

Yearly Challenge and Giveaway Alert!

Jan 1 - 12

Back in January 2017, a bunch of us were kicking off the New Year in New Zealand. We had this little tradition inspired by my mom: she believed the first 12 days of the year represent the 12 months ahead. Basically, whatever you do with intention in those first days helps set the tone for everything that follows.

So, in true YogaSlackers fashion, we decided to do something fun… and a little extra challenging. We each threw in an idea: I said handstands (of course), a friend added cold water dips, and someone else suggested running (that may have been me too!). Then we made it cumulative. Increasing the length every day for 12 days.

And that’s how 12 Days of Handstands was born!

At first it was just three of us. By the end of that first month, it had grown to a couple handfuls of people… and when February 1st came, we did it again! Why? Because we’re a little bit masochistic (just kinda kidding 😅) and because we noticed how much we improved in just 12 days of consistent practice.

The challenge was simple enough that we could do it anywhere, and little by little more people joined in. Over time, people started asking for drills and progressions (which absolutely work!), so the challenge evolved to the monthly training program. But the heart of it stayed the same: show up for 12 days and build something that lasts.

And every January 1st we take on the Original 12 Days of Handstand Challenge!

The Challenge

From January 1st to the 12th practice freestanding cumulative handstands for one minute, building up to 12 minutes.

No walls. No spotters.

Start a timer as soon as your feet leave the ground. Stop the timer as soon as they return.

Next day. Add an extra minute. And we keep going until Day 12, for 12 minutes total.

Schedule

Jan 1:
1 min cumulative Handstand
1 min meditation

Jan 2:
2 min cumulative Handstand
2 min meditation

Jan 3:
3 min cumulative Handstand
3 min meditation

Jan 4:
4 min cumulative Handstand
4 min meditation

Jan 5:
5 min cumulative Handstand
5 min meditation

Jan 6:
6 min cumulative Handstand
6 min meditation

Jan 7:
7 min cumulative Handstand
7 min meditation

Jan 8:
8 min cumulative Handstand
8 min meditation

Jan 9:
9 min cumulative Handstand
9 min meditation

Jan 10:
10 min cumulative Handstand
10 min meditation

Jan 11:
11 min cumulative Handstand
11 min meditation

Jan 12:
12 min cumulative Handstand
12 min meditation

Take As long as you Need... each day

Here’s the best part: take the entire day!

It doesn’t have to be pretty, it doesn’t have to be one hold, and it definitely doesn’t have to happen in one session. If you get 5 seconds at a time? Perfect. Stack your seconds. Take breaks and come back later. Make it work for your daily schedule. But do finish!

Rule exception: If you forget a day, you can add the time to the next day. But be done in 12 days!

Why should I do this to myself?

We hope the main incentive is that you end up with more stable, stronger handstands! That’s kind of the whole idea here: a little challenge that leads to a whole lot of progress.

But honestly, it’s not just about the handstands. For us, it’s also about reconnecting with friends. The ones right next door and the ones halfway around the world. It’s about creating a little community moment where we all get to laugh at our wobbles, cheer each other on, and share the journey. That’s why part of the challenge is to post on social media. Not just to prove you did it, but to reconnect with your friends and let them see what you’re up to.

And yes, to give you a little extra motivation, we’ll acknowledge that hard work with some sweet discounts.

Everyone that finishes: you’ll get a 15% discount on anything in our online store. Retreats, teacher trainings, gear, you name it!
One lucky winner: you could snag a 50% discount for you and a friend to one of our retreats.

To qualify, you must post daily! A pic, a clip, or even a screenshot of your attempts. Your options are: