The handstand is an ideal full-body workout. This exercise helps strengthen muscles, increase endurance, improve balance, and effectively combat stress. Learn more about the key benefits of the handstand in our article.
Don't underestimate the handstand. While this exercise may seem overly complex and repetitive, even someone with little exercise experience can do it. Practice is key. And the benefits of the handstand are simply colossal.
Here are five reasons to do this exercise regularly.
1. Handstand – The Perfect Total Body Workout
If you're looking to save time and maximize your body's benefits with minimal exercise, we have great news! The handstand is an explosive exercise that will strengthen every muscle in your body.
It can replace a targeted workout targeting various muscle groups, as absolutely everything is engaged during the handstand. The arms, back, lower back, abs, hips, and knees are all worked in one way or another during this exercise.
2. The body becomes stronger
Doing handstands every day will make your core very strong and resilient. The exercise requires a lot of strength. It's not enough to just get upside down on your hands; you also need to hold that position for a while. And the longer you hold it, the stronger your muscles and joints will be.
At first, you'll need to pay close attention to your technique and perform the exercise with utmost care. Even with support against a wall, you won't be able to hold the pose for more than a few seconds. But over time, you'll notice you can hold it for longer—even minutes.
3. Improves your sense of balance
While the handstand requires you to support your body weight with just your arms, it's also important to maintain balance. To avoid falling, you need to fully concentrate on your balance, preventing your arms and body from swinging.
Handstand is rightfully considered the best exercise for training balance.
4. Strengthens bones
Musculoskeletal problems are a common problem for anyone who spends a lot of time in sedentary or physically demanding jobs. In short, almost everyone. And handstands are excellent for combating these problems. The exercise strengthens virtually the entire musculoskeletal system: the spine, hands, forearms, and shoulders. The risk of developing osteoporosis is significantly lower for those who regularly do handstands.
5. Increases cheerfulness
This exercise will be beneficial not only for your well-being but also for your mood. Handstands increase blood flow to the brain. Experts have proven that increased blood circulation in this organ is important for reducing levels of the hormone cortisol, which is the enemy of a good mood, energy, and the ability to cope with stress.
People who practice handstands are less prone to anxiety and depression, are more calm in stressful situations, and are generally more cheerful. This is because their levels of this hormone are much lower.
Furthermore, when you stand on your hands, the pressure on your lower body decreases, while blood flow to your upper body increases exponentially. This allows some muscles to relax while others become intensely tense. The diaphragm also stretches, which in turn improves oxygenation of the lungs. Therefore, after a handstand, you'll feel a pleasant tone throughout your body.
Indeed, the handstand is a versatile exercise, engaging all your muscles just like the plank. If you do it every day, you'll soon notice positive results. If you feel like you can't do it on your own, you can ask a friend or trainer to help you get into the handstand at first. Then, you'll be able to do it on your own without any problem, using just a wall for support. The ultimate in handstand mastery is to perform it without support.
We're confident that these workouts will not only be beneficial but will also lift your spirits every time. And that's a compelling reason to try handstands now!
