H&W: Why Handstands?

SO ORIGINALLY... I chose handstands because it's good foundation for breakdancing. I also wanted to tighten up my shoulders and lower back for aesthetics. THEN I decided to do a google search.

I got this:

What started out as a personal workout JUST NOW became something of a mission. I need to tell everyone WHY Handstands are beneficial!

SO without getting too detailed,

LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT.

Muscles worked:

- Shoulders

- Back

- Arms

- Chest

(^These all bear most of your weight while upside down.)

- Abdomen

- Leg

- Glutes

(^All have to be squeezed very tight or you'll fall over.)

SO mission accomplished for ME. Other benefits from handstands I've found are from yoga sites. They mention that handstands can:

- Build confidence

- Increases focus

- Improve blood flow

- Relieve stress

- Lower depression

MAKE SURE. That BEFORE you do your handstands, develop some form of warmup for your wrists and arms, especially if it is the first time you're doing them. I have my own warmup which I might make a post for eventually (waiting on someone to request). And then AFTER you practice handstands, MAKE SURE TO STRETCH. To be honest, I did a handstand workout two days ago, and the day after, I was sore. I breakdance but I don't normally condition my handstands anymore (which is really bad). So because I didn't stretch, I was very sore. And being sore sucks when you have things to do that day.

NEW INFORMATION ADDED: tightness in the back and hamstrings can lead to sciatica. (Like the tightest hamstring you’ve ever felt/ pins and needles/shooting pain in hamstrings). So make sure that you stretch out those back muscles with static stretching to help them relax afterward. Be wary of your whole body especially your spine. Start off prepping your wrists for the weight upside down, keep your core muscles tight and legs up straight. Start with leaning handstands on a wall then move up to falling forward and doing a tuck and roll if you fall out of a handstand. If you’re absolutely unsure of how to do them, go to your local gymnasium for more tips or talk to your medical professional for safety tips. Safety first!

All in all, I encourage handstands as a workout. If you are unable to do them, there are alternative workouts for your arms. If you currently struggle with them, don't be discouraged and be patient. I consider handstands to be a skill. And skills take a while to hone, so don't give up if you really want it. If you already have handstands down pat and are already doing handstand walks and one handed handstands, then I'll be salty about it with you until I get em. -_-,

Jk. I'm proud of all of you. And I wish all of you the best of health.