Handstand

A handstand is the act of standing erect, but upside down, with one's hands on the ground and feet in the air. Hands are shoulder-width apart. The basic handstand has legs extended vertically with no knee bend, but there are numerous variations. Performing a handstand requires good upper body strength.

Variations

Popular variations of the handstand include positions with the legs extended in a side or front split, legs in a front split with knees bent ("stag split"), with back extremely arched, legs slightly bent and toes touching back of head, and one-handed.

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Handstand push-ups, in which one uses upper-body strength to raise and lower the body while holding a handstand, are a good advanced exercise.

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While learning the handstand, it is most common to hold the pose against a wall or other surface for support and balance.

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