How to perform handstands ?

 

My obsession for handstands started on instagram. All these people performing perfect handstands… It seems to be the new fancy. This is not surprising as this exercise is not about body strength but goes beyond that. When performed correctly, a handstand gives an impression of strength and ease. This exercise is harder than it seems and it requires loads of technique. How to get perfect handstands ?

 

All things come to him who waits – and never gives up

 

In reality, The purpose of handstands is not to take beautiful pictures. Finding balance on one’s hands is, above all, about self confidence and learning a new way of moving. It requires time of course but also humility. And that is crucial in a healthy life : trying, failing, trying again and eventually, mastering it.

Don’t try to go too fast. It is the best way either to hurt yourself or to train in a bad position.

 

The steps to follow to master proper handstands

 

1 – Warm up !

Before you get started, don’t neglect to warmup your wrists and shoulders. A lot of strain will be put on them.

 

2 – Safety first

You will fall a few times during your journey to get perfect handstands. You have to know 2 moves that will be really useful in those situations : the pirouette and the roll – yes, that move you used to like so much as a child !

 

3 – What you have to know about handstands
  • Don’t arch your back – You can train by holding a hollow body position. Contract your abs as if you took a punch in the stomach. If you don’t keep your abs contracted, you will hurt your back and train in a bad position.
  • Shoulders opening – It is the second most common fault among beginners. Open your shoulders in order to have your body perfectly lined up from fingers to feet. The more you open your shoulders, the more stable you get.
  • Arms straight – Push the floor and keep your arms straight. If you bend your arms, you will lose stability and you will put too much strain on your wrists, shoulders, forearms.
  • Look between your hands – Don’t look too much in front of you otherwise, you will arch your back and shift your centre of gravity.
  • Don’t forget your feet – It is not only for aesthetic purpose, keep your feet pointed together. It helps keeping your body toned.

 

4 – Now the real fun begins

you can watch this video showing Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, a famous crossfitter, teaching how to get a proper handstand  

  • Step 1 – You have to get accustomed to the feeling of being upside down. This position does not feel natural and your arms are not used to bear your body weight. You will have to train regularly against a wall then, in order to strengthen your arms and get used to the position.
  • Step 2 – Once you can stand on your hands, the serious task of finding balance begins. Try to take your feet off the wall even if it is only for 2 sec. Always think about pushing the floor with your hands and keeping your abs contracted. Then, gradually increase the time off the wall.
  • Step 3 – No more wall, let’s go to free handstands. Pay attention not to hurt yourself.

 

A few tips to master free handstands

 

Use your wrists and fingers. Press your fingers against the floor when you fall towards and press your palm against the floor when you fell you are falling backwards.

Once you can hold the handstand position for 20 sec without moving, you can try and adjust the position with your shoulders

Our advice is to learn how to stay still before learning how to walk in the handstand position. If you  can hold an handstand for 30 sec you will quickly learn how to walk but not the other way around.

You need PRACTICE 5-10 min a day