This week I am sharing some coaching tips and progressions for the handstand push up!
The handstand push up is a combination of strength, stability, balance, body awareness, coordination, and more!
Who Can Benefit from Handstand Push Ups?
Handstand push ups are a phenomenal exercise that can benefit a wide range of people, regardless of their fitness levels or goals.
Here’s a breakdown of who might see the most benefit:
Athletes Looking to Build Upper Body Strength
Handstand push ups hit the shoulders, triceps, upper chest, and so much more, making them an excellent addition to any upper body strength and stability program. They also engage the core, improving overall functional strength.
Gymnasts and Calisthenics Enthusiasts
For individuals practicing gymnastics or bodyweight training, the handstand push up is a foundational movement that develops strength, stability, balance, and body awareness—key attributes in these disciplines.
CrossFit Athletes
Handstand push ups are a staple movement in CrossFit workouts. If you’re aiming to progress in this super fun style of functional fitness, learning the proper technique, scaling options, and progressions is essential to achieving this skill, developing overall base strength and stability while staying safe and healthy.
Anyone Seeking to Improve Core Stability and Balance
Because the handstand push up requires you to stabilize your entire body while inverted, it’s an excellent exercise for improving core strength and overall balance.
Fitness Enthusiasts Progressing Toward Advanced Movements
If your goal is to master advanced bodyweight exercises, such as the freestanding handstand or handstand walks, the handstand push up is a helpful variation to train on a consistent basis.
Those Who Want a Fun and Challenging Workout
Adding variety to your training keeps things exciting and motivating. Handstand push ups offer a unique challenge that breaks the monotony of standard weightlifting or cardio workouts.
Coaching tips:
Modify to a progression that allows you to maintain as best form as possible. No matter what variation of these you do the technique should stay the same.
- Set your hands shoulder width
- Aim for the top of your head to touch the floor out in front of your fingertips to form a wide tripod base
- Point elbows toward the back wall
- Keep your head and spine in a neutral position
Check out this video:
Remote Coaching to Help You Master Handstand Push Ups
Are you ready to incorporate handstand push ups into your training but not sure where to start?
That’s where my remote coaching program comes in! With my program, you’ll receive:
Customized Programming: I design a training plan tailored to your current abilities and goals.
Weekly Coaching Cues: Get detailed feedback and tips to refine your form and progress safely.
Movement Demonstrations: Access videos that break down each progression step-by-step.
Accountability and Support: Stay on track with direct email and SMS support, as well as monthly consultations.
The handstand push up is just one of many movements I can help you master as part of a comprehensive fitness plan.
Whether you’re looking to improve strength, mobility, or overall health, my program is designed to meet you where you are and take you to the next level.
Let’s work together to help you crush your fitness goals!
