Jim

Zero to Handstand

Wow! This is starting to sound familiar, isn’t it?

With my training, there is a lot of emphasis on strengthening, especially for someone older. That’s good because I’m sure it will make a positive impact on my running. But I just don’t want it to be a means to an end. So, I decided to spice things up with another ‘small’ goal: to be able to do a handstand for 10 seconds.

I might have been able to do a very poor handstand for a few seconds when I was younger but I can’t remember doing it specifically. But there is something amazing about watching someone do a handstand well – straight up, toes pointed, no wavering, just a slow up, hold and then a slow down. I can picture it in my mind!

For this goal I don’t have a timeline or anything. It would be nice if I could do it in 6 months but that’s just an idea, not really a concrete goal. For now, I’ll be adding the handstand training in the evenings as a kind of wrap of the days exercise. And I’ll let you know how my journey goes with the handstand too.

Handstand Plan

The Devil is in the Details

There is a pretty extensive warm-up for a handstand. And for a cool-down, there is also a little core work. And you’ll notice that this doesn’t go to a full handstand yet. Let me get through some of these steps first.

I researched a lot of about handstands on the internet and the plan I’ve made up is mostly following those trainers who show how to do a ‘gymnastic’ handstand as opposed to a ‘yoga’ handstand.

The progression is pretty straight forward: 1) first work on strengthening the body to do a handstand, 2) then work on balance so I can hold the handstand once I get up, and 3) working on alignment so I can do the perfect handstand.

So, for this first workout, I’ll just be doing the warm-up. As I do more in the sequence, I’ll give you all more details.

Links I Found Useful

Featured photo at top of page – People photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com

Leave a comment