VAIL — Even folks who have practiced yoga for years sometimes aren't comfortable doing handstands. Yoga teacher Tracy Long will break down this challenging pose during a special workshop held at the Vail Vitality Center on Thursday, Nov. 3.

A handstand is a practice unto itself, and for many people, it can take years to master. However, getting to a handstand is about more than holding your legs up in the air for a few seconds. It invites each practitioner into deep study on the mat, offering lessons on strength, perspective and trust.

"I believe once we turn the body upside down, it is a brave new world; we have left the familiar behind," Long said.

The workshop will help practitioners appreciate the key anatomical actions that contribute to a handstand.

"Tracy is a skillful instructor who specializes in taking folks at all levels of practice to a deeper experience," said Karen Anderson, yoga director at the Vail Vitality Center. "This workshop is a perfect opportunity to explore the edges of your practice in a safe and supported environment."

In the workshop, participants will explore thoughtful exercises to build awareness and confidently approach supported and unsupported handstand in the middle of the room.

Long is a lifelong athlete who first came to yoga in 2000 and has been teaching since 2009. She has her 500-hour yoga certification under Shannon Paige.

The handstand workshop will take place on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cost is $15. For more information or to register, call 970-476-7960.