2-Point Handstand
I love doing handstands during my routines and coming up with fun ways to get into and out of various handstands. I call this week’s trick a “two-point handstand”…because you have two different points of contact that allow you to execute your handstand. Before attempting the trick you should be comfortable with doing a traditional handstand. If you’re not quite ready for this handstand variation no worries! You can start by working on traditional handstands against the wall or against your pole.
Getting into the Move
Your first anchor point (hand) will be on the pole. This arm will be in a twisted grip position, thumb up. Your second anchor point (hand) will be on the floor in a traditional handstand position. Be sure that you are pushing hard into the floor with this hand, as this will help you keep your shoulders tight so that you can hold the elevated position. You will also want to slightly contract your abs, as they will stablize you. As you are going up into the handstand be sure NOT to lean forward or allow your legs to push your torso forward past the pole.
When beginning this trick it helps to first pop up into a tight ball. This will centralize your motion and once you can hold the position then work on extending your legs up straight. When doing the straight leg extension be sure to keep your feet together as flailing legs will disrupt your ability to balance. If you want to do a more advanced version, instead of popping into the ball you can use your core to slowly bring legs up from the floor in a Pike or Straddle position – you’ll want a steady balance before making the ascent. Make this trick your own by playing with the leg positioning. You can lower your legs into a pike position or do a controlled straddle decent into a split.
Watch and Learn!
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnsdUD7eFHQ
Things to keep in mind when doing this trick:
1. Use your CORE to control your movement.
2. Do NOT bend your arms when doing handstands. Bend (also called “breaking”) your arms that will cause you to buckle and hit the floor head first.
3. If you feel like you’re falling out of the trick lower your feet back to the ground or tuck your chin into your chest and then roll forward.
Next week’s trick is a continuation of this one!
I am honored to see the support that we are getting from studios that have been inspired to start scheduling FreeStyle Friday practice into studio time. I never imagined that a personal challenge could bloom and become part of the weekly schedule at pole studios.
This is a great way to summarize the “WHY” of many of the goals that I’ve set for myself this year. I’m always writing down random words, thoughts and ideas – many times in my phone’s note pad app. I was going through my phone and I came across this quote that I came up with and realized how perfect it would be as a start to this post. Funny because I was actually planning to use it for a product description for a client, but now I’ve decided to keep it for myself instead.
