Handstand are gaining in popularity, thanks in part to the awareness and inspiration provided by social media.
It’s not without merit though, there are some really awesome benefits to performing a handstand.
Read on to find out why you should start your handstand journey today.
1. Handstands Look Cool!
Let’s be honest, if you were to ask most people who handstand why they got into it, the first answer would be because handstands are impressive, they look super cool!
If you’re after that perfect shot or video to get a good reaction on Instagram or TikTok, a good handstand tends to do well.
It makes a super party trick to impress your friends, though if you’re going to do it at a party, maybe do it before you hit the vodka!
2. Increases Coordination, Motor Control and Hand to Eye Coordination
Performing a handstand requires incredible levels of coordination and motor control.
By practising and building up your handstand capabilities, you’ll improve your overall coordination.
3. Improves Body Control and Awareness
Balancing on your hands requires really good body control as well as being aware of your body in space.
Often when holding a handstand, you’ll be consciously thinking about how your body looks, what the shape looks like and what you need to do to improve.
This gives you an incredible amount of body awareness that carries over into other activities.
4. You Can Handstand Everywhere!
On holiday and want to get a quick workout in? No problem, find a 2m x 2m free space and you’re good to go.
At the beach and want the perfect shot to remember your day? Kick up into a handstand, all backgrounds look better when performing a handstand.
5. Increases Shoulder Stability and Strength
Handstands require a huge amount of stabilisation.
Whilst working on these, you will strengthen not just your delts, but all the stabilisation muscles of the shoulder too.
Stable shoulders equals less injuries.
6. Increased Mobility
In order to perform a straight handstand, you will require good mobility in the shoulders, lats and thoracic spine, as well as decent hip mobility.
If you’re working to pursue this, you will know that a good mobility routine is a part of your handstand practice.
7. Increased Discipline
Learning to handstand is not like some skills (such as a muscle-up), that once you’re strong enough and have done the right drills, you’ll just be able to do it.
Handstands require a big commitment and regular practice, which will grow your discipline and reap the benefits of habit-forming.
8. Increased Mindfulness
To perform a handstand requires being present in the moment, no outside distractions.
This is why handstand practice can be considered almost meditative and can help with anxiety.
9. Builds a Strong Core
To perform a strict handstand requires that your body remains perfectly still.
In order to do so, you need a really strong core, from your abs to your glutes, the entire mid-section must maintain tension throughout.
10. It's a Progressive Skill
It’s not like you wake up one day and can handstand, there are progressions for even those who have never held a handstand before, such as a crow-stand.
Then for those who are really good at handstands, the learning can go and on and on with one-arm handstands and many other advanced handstand skills.
11. Requires No Equipment
No access to any equipment, no problem.
Performing a handstand only requires the floor and most places you visit are going to have a floor.
12. Handstands Look Really Really Cool
Okay did I mention how cool they look? Yeah well, they look so cool, I thought I should mention it again!
So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today.
Not sure where to start? Download our free beginner’s guide to kicking up, by filling in the form below.
Training Options
If you’re looking for further help with your handstand, we offer the following options in Sydney and Sutherland Shire.
One on one training with a specialised coach to help fast track your handstand.
Regular small group training working through drills and practising your handstand.
Beginner handstand workshops to get you started on your handstand – subject to availability.
