Press Handstand on Parallettes

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 straddled stand with feet wider than shoulder-width
• grab parallettes a few inches in front to settle into a compressed straddle stand position
• engage core and tilt shoulders forward until you find a point where you feel as though you may tip forward but can still maintain postural control
• compress body as much as possible and allow your feet to go on their tip-toes
• engage core and press down on the floor to allow legs to lift off the ground
• ensure that legs 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