emmye1984 started this discussion ·
Hi everyone, I am trying to learn how to do a proper handstand or even a headstand to start with. Does anyone have any tips on how to progress with these sounds stupid I know :-) If I try to do one from standing I can only kick my legs up part of the way! Are there any exercises I can do to prepare myself :-) Thanks Em x
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Sarahb69 ·
https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/4e8a0ff6-cbc8-410f-aa0e-56850ac37250 I didn't start here, but I didn't finish here either. I no longer need the pole or a wall behind me. I'd be happy to help you.
amy ·
this is for head/forearm stands... i hope this helps! http://aerialamy.com/blog/2011/08/09/tuesday-tips-forearm-stands/
I don't go into too much detail but I did a blog post about my progress with handstands not that long ago and am happy to elaborate on any of it:) https://www.studioveena.com/blogs/view/The_Handstand_Project_20120503041143
kasanya ·
You might find this site helpful: http://gymnasticswod.com/progressions You just need to filter for Handstand in the Movement list. Most of the useful results are on pages 2 and 3.
Veena ·
Some great idea's here! I'll add that I do have lessons on the handstand, these are to be used against a wall or the pole. Here is the Handstand https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/b6392600-b882-11df-856f-001b214581be Here is the Handstand press https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d384b3e-930c-4b99-a56c-198e0ac37250 This is demo I did showing the balance points for all the "stands" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmIciddJyPY You will find that the more flexible the hamstrings are the easier it is to place the hips over the head, allowing for more control.
Don't ever do a headstand! Do a forarm for a variation.
Tried the forearm stand yesterday ... keep putting too much pressure on my head :-) Any tips abig problem for me is fear so need to try overcome it
Handstands and elbowstands are currently a problem for me too, just wanted you to know you are not alone! Hang in there! The girls have given some good advice...
muroo ·
Hi, emmye! I'm not sure what "from standing" means, but you can always do the reverse handstand thing when you walk your feet up into the handstand position so you know the feeling before you kick up into it. As far as fear goes, invite a friend over to spot you! :-) And do it against a wall first. It sounds weird but if it works for you, learn a good cartwheel first! Better yet a roundoff. Channel your inner child. :-) If nothing else it'll be fun. Slow down the cartwheel, get used the handstand feeling. I'm not sure if it's the same for everyone, but handstands for me are easier than elbowstands (without the pole/wall) since you're more manueverable in a handstand to help balance. But as far as a press goes, I'm elbowstand all the way. Don't see the handstand press happening anytime soon. :-)
Veena ·
If you feel lots of pressure on your head, check to make sure you're engaging the shoulders properly. If you are taking the lessons I cover this. It can take time to learn but it's worth it.
Saphyre ·
You haven't listed your age here, but I've found that being over 40 (I'm 47) is a big factor in the fear department. I used to do headstands and handstands all the time when I was way younger. I can get into the forearm stand position and scooch my legs up so my back is against the pole, but I cannot bring myself to lift my legs up. Even to a tuck. I had a super hard time going backward off the pole (like Cross Knee Release) for a while, but I can finally do it. As some have suggested, use a spotter. If you can do this on a mat up against the wall first, that will help as well. Take Veena's advise and make sure the shoulders are engaged. Your head should not be touching the ground. Good Luck, Emmye! You can do this!
I think headstands are not good b/c of the pressure on the c-digits of your spine(your neck).When I hear headstand I am thinking the head is truly on the floor? That would seem... well dangerous to me...
Veena ·
I don't think anyone is talking about headstands..... :) But anyway, headstands can be done safely if your experienced. I feel starting with the elbowstand is best though, I never really use the headstand for anything.
You are right, Veena! I have just tried your elbow stand. It is much, much better than headstand. A good exercise for press handstand. This will really help me in my training for this.
I am 28 and its just the fear of landing of my head that is the problem! I am not planning to try headstands due to the amount of pressure on your head so was starting with a forearm stand I will make sure I'm engaging my shoulders I think this maybe part of my trouble :-) Thanks ladies I'll keep you updated.
RoseMay ·
If you have a wall/pole where there's a cupboard or another wall opposite to it you can use that to get comfortable in the end position of your elbow/forearm/handstand first. The wall/pole is behind your back so that you won't fall over and the cupboard/other wall/chair or whatever it is should be something over 1m away from the wall/pole - so that you can walk your feet halfway up. (I used for example a cupboard next to my pole to walk my feet up while my back was against the pole) It's best if you have a bit of room next to it so you have a free landing area for your feet. Just be careful to control the landing so that you don't hit anything. In the beginning the feet can stay there where they walked up, but if you get more comfortable with supporting the weight on your arms you can "kick" one up over your body... if that feels comfortable take the other up over your body too. It doesn't really require a kick, just a small shift of weight. Then when you know how it feels at the top and build some strength it will be easier to get into it without the help.
byrdgrrl ·
I'm not if anyone else has mentioned this yet, but I find doing handstand practice facing the wall has been more comfortable for me. I can get closer to the "real" handstand positon this way and get the feel for getting away from the wall. Also, there is no kick up into it. The entry is a controlled walk up the wall. It does require you to already have some pretty good upper body strength though.
