The process of learning a skill is a long path that builds resilience and character. Almost all skills look impossible at first but at the same time some people make it look easy. So, when we try and struggle during the first few days, the goal seems very far away, and we can’t even imagine ourselves accomplishing it. Handstanding is such a skill that requires a combination of strength, balance and mobility. It’s a common move performed in advanced calisthenics and yoga.
Balancing on hands is a skill that people should learn as it opens up another dimension of moves. Balancing on hands is same as trying to balance on feet. Who knew that kids would walk after looking at them fall multiple times. It’s just the lack of awareness of what our body is doing in space, that makes it hard to balance at first. So, it’s suggested to start off a handstand by using a support like a wall and building up strength, but more importantly being calm upside down. Strength sounds cool and there’s enough content online to guide you through the entire set of progressions but the major barrier to break is fear, the fear of falling. It’s only when you are prepared to fall, is that you start making progress without a support. Learning to bail out while falling is another skill to master. It’s the minimal, consistent effort applied over days that builds balance and confidence to make a free handstand. Set smaller goals and achieve them. Be patient and let the consistency pay off.
I personally was very good at handstanding against a wall. I could hold for over 1 minute with both arms and over 20 seconds on one arm. But, I couldn’t balance without the wall, and was having a fear of falling over which held me back. On one fine day, I decided to go for it. I was prepared to fall,and even to this day, everytime I try the free handstand I’m prepared to fall. The only difference is that I fall under control and without any fear.
-Likhith Shivaprasad ,Karnataka
Ultra-runner,
Student at the Manipal Institute of Technology