Why Learn Handstands?

I could sit here and type a whole load of cool sounding things - reflexive stability this, core integration that, closed-chain this, spinal alignment that - but it doesn’t really mean that much to most people… Might as well type it up in a foreign language… So here is a nice, quick, hopefully easy to understand reason to build your handbalancing abilities… If your goal is to control external objects - barbells, kettlebells, a partner / opponent, etc - it’s a good idea to have control over your own body first... Training balance, coordination, and agility while (for want of a better term) simultaneously f***ing around with an external object only adds extra complexity and frustration because now you’re trying to learn two + challenging skills at once - how to move well, how to move the weight, etc.

By developing your spatial awareness, proprioception, coordination etc through some simple handbalancing progressions without the interference of an external object, you give yourself a head start. With a few crawls and a little inversion, you build a new baseline of body awareness and control, making the transition to loaded movements smoother, the progress faster, and the learning curve far less steep.

Cheers,

~ Collins

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/3e4a5f_b03d5001bbe846ad8c4c75062c0300e0/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Neil Collins is a personal trainer and movement specialist based in Haywards Heath. With over 15 years of experience, he helps people overcome pain, improve the way they move, and build functional strength and impressive skills.