Press Handstand on Parallel Bars

Description:

A Press Handstand is a gymnastics movement that is commonly used to transition from a stand or support position to a handstand.  This skill is beginning to make its way into CrossFit and calisthenic workouts as an exercise to develop upper body strength and endurance.  The main point to keep in mind is that this skill is incredibly technical – less strength is required if correct balance position and flexibility is used.  For best results, allow your shoulders to tilt slightly forward before pressing up and have legs travel around the side of your body for better weight distribution.

Process:

• begin in a support position on the parallel bars
• engage core and tilt shoulders forward while compressing the body as much as possible
• maintain constant downward pressure on the parallel bars to allow hips to elevate over the head
• once the hips have come moved over head, straddle the legs and make sure they travel along the side of the body as much as possible
• open up shoulder angle as you allow the feet to join together in a handstand