12d • Training 💪
📍 Where to Start If You Want to Learn Handstands
Do you want to get a handstand, but you’re not even sure if you’re strong enough or where to start?
Most videos make it look like kicking up is the first step.
It isn’t.
If you’ve tried kicking up and it feels awkward, unstable, or like something just isn’t connecting, that’s actually normal. And honestly, it’s not a bad attempt. It just means you’re missing the real starting point.
What we’re aiming for long-term is a straight handstand.
Not the banana shape where the core isn’t engaged and the lower back takes the load. That banana position can still balance, but it’s harder on the body and harder to control long-term. The straight line is easier once you earn it.
Before balance, before falling drills, before freestanding…
We need to answer one simple question:
Are you strong enough to support your body on straight arms?
Good news: the strength requirement for a handstand is not huge.
The hard part is everything else… being upside down, coordination, confidence, balance, and tiny stabilizing muscles.
So here’s the actual first step 👇
🐻 Bear hops / Bunny hops (your handstand readiness test)
This is one of the best ways to see if you’re ready to start handstands.
• Start in a pike position, similar to a pike push-up
• Arms straight the entire time
• Push the floor away and try to “cover your ears” with your shoulders
• Hop your feet lightly off the floor
• Focus on keeping your elbows locked and shoulders active
Bear hops = feet slightly apart
Bunny hops = feet together
Same concept, same benefit.
If you can do this without your arms bending or collapsing, you’re strong enough to begin handstand training.
That’s it.
🙌 One drill to build toward the handstand
From that same pike position, start jumping a little higher.
• Goal is to get your hips above your shoulders
• Feet stay behind you, so falling isn’t scary
• This is basically a “jumping pike handstand”
• Over time, you’ll jump higher and control it more
This drill alone teaches strength, confidence, and awareness upside down.
🧱 Afraid of falling? Use the wall
Do the exact same thing facing a wall.
• Hands close to the wall
• Jump your hips up
• Your feet hit the wall instead of falling over
• Zero risk, same benefits
This is also a stepping stone toward a chest-to-wall handstand later.
🧠 Big reminder
You don’t need crow pose to start.
Crow is harder on the wrists and arms than a handstand and isn’t required.
Start here.
Build confidence.
Then we layer in wall work, falling mechanics, and balance.
Handstands aren’t magic.
They’re just stacked steps done in the right order.
If you want, film your HANDSTAND below and I’ll point you to the next step based on where you’re at 👇
3:32
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📍 Where to Start If You Want to Learn Handstands
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Master bodyweight strength, skills like handstands & muscle-ups. Build strength, movement, and control while unlocking your full potential! 💪🔥
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