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Handstand Progressions

I really suck at the gymnastics components of CrossFit, and I’m terrified of most of them… which makes me really, really love them, too. I have zero expectation of doing well, so it’s way eaiser for me to try and fail and try and fail and try and fail. Plus, I love looking right into the acid green eyes of a scary monster and saying, Yeah, whatever. You’re scary… but I’m stubborn.

That’s why I was giggly and joyous when I finally learned to kick up into a handstand.

I spent three years learning to get over the fear of kicking up into a handstand and now, these videos – from GymnasticsWOD.com – recommend walking up the wall backwards instead of kicking up… which is EXACTLY how I used to do my handstands.

GRRRR!

And YAY!

Now I can do both.

Backwards walk-up to handstand…

Progression toward handstands OFF the wall…

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8 Responses to “Handstand Progressions”

  1. Mary says:

    These are great! Thanks for posting them! I am OK with kicking up, but don’t feel like I’ll ever get off of the wall. The video explaining the progression is a winner! And I like that he teaches how to bail out!

    • Mel says:

      That’s funny: I really liked that he emphasized the safe bailout, too. And yes, I agree… this seems like a good way to baby-step to freestanding handstand.

  2. Steph H says:

    this post totally could have been written by me! I am all giddy when i kick up into a handstand too!

    stephh

  3. Amy says:

    Thanks for posting these! I’m all sorts of awkward when I try to kick up the other way, so I’ll try this instead. Handstands are my goal for this month!

    • Mel says:

      The “walking up the wall backward” is less scary ’cause you don’t get that weightless sensation midway to the wall… but moving your hands while upside is its own kind of thrill, too!

  4. I’ve never tried these but I’m gonna do them in the morning. Maybe the impetus is because he’s so damn cute! LOL!

    • Mel says:

      He is pretty cute, it’s true! Also, he makes it look REALLY easy. Having walked backwards on my hands like that, I can attest to the fact that it’s pretty challenging to get into and out of that position.

  5. [...] From Rooftop to Rooftop Will Sprinting Hurt Your Heart? I Love My Vibram Five Fingers, But… Handstand Progressions Daily inspiration, courtesy of CrossFit athlete Paul Smith May 21st, 2011 | Category: [...]

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