Thanks to the rise of social media the beautiful art of hand balancing, and more specifically handstands has become an enchanting physical pursuit for more and more individuals. Often revered for its aesthetic eye pleasing admiration of strength, its true benefits can often be overlooked and under valued. So in today’s blog we are going peel back some of the layers and uncover the deeper beauty of the handstand.
Full disclosure, I personally love handstands and the expansive journey undertaken by both the mind and body. So this blog might involve some bias. The skill of holding a handstand demands both skill and strength, but also an acute awareness of the body that is rarely seen in other movements. The unfamiliarity of balancing on your hands opposed to your feet invigorates the inner child learning to stand up.
At the heart of all holistic movements is the integration of both the body and mind. The handstand is a bitter sweet symphony of concentration, body awareness and control. Their is a profound connection between your mental focus, physical actions and the ego’s ability to swallow inevitable failures. The practice of handstands is much more than the physical but lets start with those benefits first….
The transformative benefits of handstands on the hand, wrist and shoulder structure should not be undervalued. The movement requires complete engagement of the upper body, promoting strength and enhancing stability as you search for proper alignment. The load bearing nature of the pose cultivates bone density, robust ligaments and tendons, and improved joint stability. These benefits create a supreme confidence in your upper body.
Handstands demand a strong engaged core to support the body’s upright position, requiring activation of the abdominal and deep stabilising muscles. Flexibility in the hip flexors and engaging the hamstrings becomes integral to achieving proper alignment whilst inverted. Developing your practice creates a harmonious relationship between core strength and flexibility. The two key components support and compliment each other, embodying the essence of a centered practice.
There are often bold claims made by handstand advocates, improved blood circulation, digestion benefits, spinal relief and lymphatic drainage to name a few. However scientific data on these claims are often limited and more specifically based on inversion therapy, but one thing is for sure handstands unlock a new type of confidence and well-being. This I believe comes from the high level of neuroplasticity required when developing a new physical skill, especially one that requires a complex amount of balance. Even more so when that balance is in a very uncommon human position.
The creation of new neural pathways promote and enhance a range of cognitive changes. Motor skills, proprioception, cognitive engagement, and the challenge of adaptation. The multifaceted manner in which a handstand practice involves the mind is the essence of its true benefits. Our transitions away from a hunter gatherer society have resulted in a diminished exposure to challenges that require coordination between the mind and body, especially as we age. It’s a bold claim but I believe the practice of handstands could play a part in minimising the recent up turn in mental and cognitive health trends and replace them with a more creative outlook on life. Whatever my deep and meaningful view of handstands are, one thing is for sure, they look stunning, they are fun to learn and they will help you find balance internally and externally.
People with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart conditions, osteoporosis or issues with the neck or spine should avoid handstands without consulting a healthcare professional first. Additionally, individuals with a history of shoulder, wrist, or elbow injuries may want to approach the practice with caution.
As my handstand journey has developed, and my curiosity has blossomed I feel it is time to give back to the practice and create a beginners course that is initially available in my home town of Dudley (other locations to be announced later in the year). Not only do I have the insight of an older member of the practice but I have gained an extreme amount of knowledge which I wish I had implemented sooner. The course is broken down into 7 modules beginning with conditioning drills, followed by beating the fear of falling, and finally building the confidence to kick up like a boss. CLICK HERE for more details.
I hope this blog has sparked some intrigue into the practice of handstands, or if you do have any questions feel free to drop me a line or two. To register your interest for future locations or an online course (coming spring 2024) please drop us a MESSAGE
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