Four reasons to include handstands in your training

Shortly before his 30th birthday, Danny O’Sullivan came across a handstand class and gave it a go.

He found it highlighted some major discrepancies in his body and showed him movements he was restricted in.

It was more than just a party trick.  Handstand training became something that gave him structure, purpose and changed his life for the better.

Several years on, you’ll find Danny balancing on one or two hands on Sydney clifftops, on our blue floor, and teaching and inspiring his clients at Movement HQ to do the same.

According to Danny, here is why you need to include handstands in your training.

Strengthens the whole body

The more common benefits of handstands are that they help us to develop upper body strength, core and back strength, as well as strengthen the shoulders, elbows and wrists.

Not to mention handstand training also helps strengthen the legs.

Enhances our emotional and mental wellbeing

Although it is often underrated, the ability to maintain an inverted position against a wall can have a powerful effect on our bodies and minds.

It can help you be more relaxed, carefree and positive. It can give you confidence and strength, improve your mood and mental discipline. You might even find that spending time upside down helps you improve your focus and cognitive function or just helps you feel more connected with yourself in the present moment!

Here are some of the ways in which handstands can benefit us emotionally and mentally:

• We become more confident because we know that we are capable of doing things we used to believe were impossible
• We get a feeling of freedom as well as self expression as we learn how to overcome our fears and push past our limits both physically and mentally
• We increase our mental strength by learning how to deal with different kinds of pressure (the pressure coming from pushing against the wall) in order to find balance in an upside down position
• We experience greater discipline within ourselves because we learn how to practice handstands regularly without giving up at first sight of difficulty or failure which is something most people struggle with when trying new things
• We become more focused on what’s happening right now instead of worrying about things outside our control (like work deadlines). This is something that happens naturally when practicing handstands because they require concentration while holding them, so there isn’t much room left for thinking about anything else during that time.

Relaxes our mind

Some people like going out for a night on the town, some prefer curling up on the couch with a good book and tea, and some find their relaxation balancing on their hands.

It’s true: handstands are relaxing! No matter how much time you have to dedicate to handstand practice, you can take the time to focus your attention on something totally different from what you do all day. When you’re concentrating that hard, it’s harder (or impossible) to think about whatever else is stressing you out at that moment.

Plus regular handstand practice will help you to feel good about yourself when your handstand gets better or when you learn new variations of it.

A complete workout, whilst you chill out

Handstand training gives you a great workout, and it’s not just because you’re using your whole body at once. It builds strength, endurance, balance, confidence and flexibility—in a way that feels like fun. We’ve all been kids before. If you don’t believe me, try it out for yourself!

Handstands are also an excellent way to relieve stress. When you’re upside down, your blood is circulating differently than usual. This change in circulation helps improve your mood and creates a more relaxed state of mind.

It’s more difficult to be stressed out when you’re standing upside down on your hands!

Who is handstand training for?

Related article:

FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO DO UNCONVENTIONAL TRAINING

By Movement HQ Co-Founder Mark Glanville

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