Variations in how to enter and exit the handstand is definitely a good idea to explore for your handstand practice.
Can you hold a good free-standing handstand? Let’s have a look what’s next.
The handstand is an excellent exercise that provides so many benefits that you can’t pass up. It improves your body strength, control, and awareness. A handstand is also an excellent form of meditation. Focus and proper breathing are required when performing the movement.
If you’re hooked on free-standing handstands, it unlocks so many doors for more difficult and fun variations. The free-standing handstand is just the start of your many years of the journey ahead. There is plenty of variation and challenges to achieve. If you wish to continue to develop your handstand skills, learning new skills that are more difficult and complex is your next goal.
After your body gets used to certain moves they become easier to do and you don’t get as much benefit. Therefore it’s time to move on to the next level.
Variations in how to enter and exit the handstand are definitely a good idea to explore for your handstand practice. There are plenty of handstand variations and transitions to learn once you’ve developed your basic straight arm handstand.
The handstand practice itself can be a form of endless possibilities open to pursuing.
Changing training location can give you different sensory input and have interesting effects on your skills. If you regularly practice at home, try going to the park. Try practicing at a public location. Having other people around and possibly watching can give some people a boost they would not get at home by themselves. I recommend starting practice handstands everywhere. Different conditions and surroundings give you a flexible impression and you can learn something different. Outdoor practice is fun because it is sometimes windy, some audience around you, and a great feeling of freedom.
Change training locations. Location can give you different sensory input and have interesting effects on your skills. If you regularly practice at home, try going to the park. Try practicing at a public location. Having other people around and possibly watching can give some people a boost they would not get at home by themselves. I recommend starting practice handstands everywhere. Different conditions and surroundings give you a flexible impression and you will learn more than practicing always in the same conditions. Outdoor practice is fun because it is sometimes windy, some audience around you, and a great feeling of freedom.
- Variations in leg shapes
- Variations in how to enter and exit the handstand
- Balancing on different surfaces and places
There are different shapes to develop your skill. Be curious and explore accessible shapes and entries to develop your balance and hold skills.
Pike / Crow / Straddle Press Handstand
is a type of handstand entrance. It makes use of hamstring and lower back mobility to get to handstand.
From a standing pike position, you’ll lean forward to stack your hips over your shoulder. Lean more to inevitably lift your legs off the ground. With the said mobility and core engagement, lift your legs completely straight into a handstand.
It’s definitely a cool move to learn. After learning this pike entrance press, you can develop your press skill from crow pose/lotus position/seated straddle to full handstand. The variation is endless!
Handstand Walk
When you can already stand on your hands, you’ll also try to aim to walk with them too.
Handstand walk are amazing at further solidifying your handstand. You’ll learn how to control your handstand while in motion.
You can do them first against the wall and moving side to side instead of forward.
One Arm Handstand
Train for the real deal and hold it as long as you can and want. You’ll need to master a basic handstand first, but you’ll be already very near once you get there. Just train hard and smart with the right progressions.
Mexican/Hollow back Handstand
Mexican handstand, also known as a hollow back, is literally an intentional curved body handstand.
You’ll curve to the point where your feet is way past your head and your head’s already looking to the sky.
It’s such as difficult skill with higher strength, mobility and skill level requirement compared to the regular handstand.
Forearm Handstand
The base is your forearm. Mechanics is very much similar to handstand but you’ll feel your shoulder bearing much of the load. You’ll also control your balance using your hands but it’s going to be easier since having a larger base.
Closing Words
There are more difficult shapes and easier to try and explore. Don’t hesitate what works for you better and try those first, gradually you will get better skills and be ready for the next shapes. Find your weakness and work more on your weakness. The more shapes you learn, the better your sense of body control will become. Keep exploring and be curious. Try different shapes as often as you like. You will soon find what works better or is easier for you. By doing so, you will enjoy your handstand practice even more. Having fun Is the key to improve your skill faster.
Thanks for reading this article so far. I appreciate that. See you in my next article. My next blog post will be released on next Thursday.
Please feel free to comment with any questions or feedback below. I am happy to hear from you and will do my best to answer your feedback.
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