I know. They may seem over-the-top scary. I mean, why would you need to be upside down?! They may feel like one of those things you will “never do.” Yet, I bet you haven’t heard of the many benefits of handstands, including those on our emotional well-being. I, too, used to fear them like crazy. I, too, told myself I’d be ok without them. I was already super fit and healthy. What would adding them into my repertoire do? Yet, I too want to be able to move in every way possible and seek practices that will keep this brain of mine healthy. I want to live to 100 and see my children reach their dreams. This won’t happen if I constantly stay in the “lane lines.” I, too, want to seek new physical and emotional challenges so I can develop a life of total and complete resilience. Don’t you?
Below are 20 benefits of handstands, some you possibly have never considered!
** Disclaimer: there is a progression to achieving a proper handstand. Just like there are more challenging exercises like pull ups, you don’t start practicing handstands by flipping up to a handstand on day 1. You wouldn’t complete a perfect pull up on Day one either. The same rule applies. To complete a proper handstand takes time, preparing your body for them, and focus on reaching small milestones so you can eventually crush them.
Physical Benefits
- Increase upper body strength
- Increase core strength
- Improve balance
- Improve blood circulation
- Ease pressure on the lower back
- Focus on deep breathing
- Improves digestion
- Increases spine health
- Regulate and boost metabolism
- Improves bowel movements
- Checks you for breathlessness
- Improves skin
- Decreases fluid build-up in legs, ankles, and feet
Emotional Benefits
- Reduces stress + calms the brain
- Improves memory and concentration
- Increases concentration and focus
- Relaxes the nervous system.
- Strengthens immunity
- You will feel so strong
- They are so fun
To get started, check out these videos!
Handstands – The Benefits from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.
Handstands – The Benefits from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.
The flip up style handstand from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.
I am excited to hear about your foray into inversions. Start small. Celebrate successes from small habit change. Sign up for my newsletter below to learn more cool tips like this.
