Handstand Walking Intensive

Day 3 Handstand Focus

Here is the full workout. This overview includes name, reps, and most important cues. IMPORTANT!!  To see the video click the (“+”) symbol next to the exercise name, and it will expand.

Look after yourself and only do what feels safe enough.
Make sure to warm up well. 

General Warm Up - 3 min rope skipping

Stretches

DemoExerciseReps/SetsHow to/Cues
Assisted 1 Legged Pike Stretch30sec each sideLegs hip width apart. Feet pointing towards the front with locked knees. Lower back is straight or even arched. Work on your anterior pelvic tilt to lengthen the hamstrings!
Active Runners Stretch12x each sideLock your knee fully every time and pull the toes of your front foot towards your face. Work on arching your back and your anterior pelvic tilt!
Half Middle Split8x each sideBoth knees, standing foot and pubic bone in line. Move side ways only.
Hip Opener10x each sideBoth feet pointed. While pushing hips back simoutaniously push chest towards the floor

Specific Warm Up

DemoExerciseReps/SetsHow to/Cues
Forehead to W8xRotate your thumbs up during the W part. Make sure that your elbows are 90 degrees bent and in line with the shoulders. Do not lift the entire upper body. Only lift the elbows and hands.
Straight to W8xFirst reach out towards the front to elevate the scapula then lift the hands up towards the ceiling. On the way back stop with your elbows in line with the shoulders. Lift your elbows and hands up towards the ceiling here as well. Keep your chest on the floor at all times.
Back Extensions8xStart by internally rotating your arms so the back rounds and the pinky fingers touch the floor. Then externally rotate the arm, squeeze your shoulder blades together in the back, look up towards the ceiling and engage the whole back lifting the upper body of the floor. Open your legs sligthly for this exercise.
Arm Circles10x each directionIsolate the movement into the arms only. The rest of the body stays tight and immobile. Quick, small and dynamic circles to wake the shoulders up and get them ready.
Elbow Lifts8xKeep your forehead on the floor and interlock your fingers behind your head.
Wrist Warm UpAs neededStretch your wrists on the floor in all possible directions.

Wall handstand training

DemoExerciseReps/SetsHow to/Cues
Wall Walks2x2Scapular elevated at all times. Look at hands at all times. Walk as close as possible to the wall. Do not allow your stomach to touch the wall. Feet only!
Tuck Slides2x3Knees touch the wall. Knees stay together. Hands shoulder width apart! Look at your hands at all times. Do not round your lower back. Do not close shoulders.
45 Handstand Single Leg Isolation2x2 each sideIsolate the movement into 1 leg at the time. Align the working leg with the already perfectly aligned hands, shoulders & hips. Elevate your scapula fully at all times. Do not round your back or slip into a posterior pelvic tilt when you bring the leg back to the wall.
45 Handstand Leg Isolations2x1 each sideFocus on isolation! Move 1 leg at the time only. Do not jump away from the wall. Do not bring the foot further away from the wall than the hands as a counterweight! Keep your shoulders over your hands at all times and do not arch your back!
Half Slide Away1x3Start with your body in a perfectly straight line. Feet are the only thing touching the wall. Look at your hands and push out tall. Elbows locked. Move your shoulders to the front and slide the feet down the wall. When you are about to fall over stop and push your feet back up on the wall back to your starting position. Do not pull your hips during this movement. Do not arch your back. The only position change should be in the shoulders!
Slide Away2x2Start with your body in a perfectly straight line. Feet are the only thing touching the wall. Look at your hands and push out tall. Elbows locked. Move your shoulders to the front and slide the feet down the wall. When you are about to fall over take off from the wall and align yourself in a straight, freestanding handstand. Come abck to the wall as one straight unit. Do not close your shoulders on the way back. Do not pull your hips during the slide away. Do not arch your back. The only position change should be in the shoulders!
Wall Tuck Jump6xHands as close as possible to the wall. Shoulders stay over hands at all times! Keep your knees together!

Conditioning

DemoExerciseReps/SetsHow to/Cues
Walking Dead2x10Lean your shoulders in front and push your index finger into the floor. Push your hips towards the ceiling so your feet lift off the floor. Keep your hips in that high position, striaghten out your shoulders and pull your feet towards your hands using your hip flexors and compression muscles. Place your feet on the floor right by your wrist, replace your hands and start again from the top!
Zombie2x4Start in a push up position with your hands under your shoulders, elbows locked and core engaged. Lean your shoulders to the front. When they can not travel any further start pulling your hips up and eventually bring your shoulders back. Ideally your hands, shoulders and hips are in 1 straight line at the end!
Kneeling Shoulder Shrugs with Elastic2x12Look at hands. Elbows locked. Hands shoulder width apart. Extra slow on way down
DemoExerciseReps/SetsHow to/Cues
Sissors on Back2x30secQuick and dynamic movements. Lock your knees fully. Keep your core engaged.
Handstand Dog Circles2x8 each side & each directionKeep your hips and shoulders squared. Keep even weight on both hands. Fully lock your knee and externally rotate the working leg. Keep the center of the circle parallel to the floor
Knee Extensions on Stomach2x10Lock your knees 120% on each rep. Point your feet with the ankles and big toes touching each other. Hold the top squeeze for a moment on each rep.
V-Up Combi6xLeft, Right, Both, Both = 1 Rep. Knees locked, back straight!

You made it!

You’ve reached the end of this workout. Go use your legs and get food, a drink or whatever else gives you joy! 

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