Handstands: How To

I have always spent more time on my hands than on my feet. Normal. Handstands don't happen overnight. They are a combination of strength and perfect balance. The biggest key to achieving a handstand is persistence. If you want to join the handstand club bad enough, it will happen.

HANDSTAND TIPS:

1. Upper body strength is extremely important. Half cooked spaghetti arms will not support your entire body. One of the ways to help relieve tired arms is to lock out. Your elbows should have no bend at all. The strain on your arms will disappear once doing so.

2. Core strength will help you balance. Keeping your abs tight will help get rid of those hideous banana back handstands. The perfect shape for a handstand is called hollow body. If you're not sure what a hollow body is, lay flat on the ground on your back. Naturally your spine should create a small arch above your hips. You should be able to fit your hand underneath of your lower back. Now try and push the gap closed by turning your hips up. That is the position you should be in for your handstand. BYE BANANA.

3. There are two types of against the wall handstands that are perfect for training. The first handstand is with your back against the wall. Hands should be as close to the wall as possible when kicking up. Position your head so that your arms are by your ears. For this drill do not look at the ground. Press your entire body against the wall just like on the ground for hollow body. Hold this for as long as you can and do at least three.

The second handstand is with your stomach against the wall. Place your hands in a push up position with feet closest to the wall. Walk your feet up the wall while moving your hands in closer with each step. Hands should be as close to the wall as possible once in full handstand. Face the wall and do not look at the ground. It should feel like you are in handstand time out. Keep your arms locked while pressing your entire body against the wall. Hold and repeat three times.

4. Use your finger tips! As you lean over your fingers you should feel the ability to push back with them to help find your balance.

5. Spot something on the ground directly below you. For instance; when I kick up to a handstand on pavement, I will look at one specific stone or rock. If I'm on carpet, I'm looking at the threads. Handstand enthusiasts love details.

6. Practice. Seriously. The only way to truly be able to do a handstand is to get out and do them. Everywhere. You see that wall in the gym? Handstand against it. Cool statue at the park? HANDSTAND. Grocery store? HANDSTAND. Public restroom? Don't handstand there.

I hope these tips help you find your balance! Please feel free to comment below if you have any questions!