Cartwheel
A bodyweight compound movement that develops shoulder strength, core stability, and body coordination by moving the body laterally while supporting weight on the hands.
Instructions
- Stand upright in an open area with plenty of space around you.
- Position your feet about hip-width apart and take a strong stance.
- Raise your dominant arm overhead as if reaching toward the opposite side and backward.
- Lean to the side, placing your dominant hand on the ground while maintaining a strong core.
- Continue the lateral motion, kicking your legs over your body in a rotating motion.
- Place your other hand on the ground as your first hand lifts off.
- Complete the rotation by landing on your feet, returning to the starting position.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions or continue the movement dynamically.
Tips
- Practice on a padded surface or mat for safety and comfort
- Keep your core engaged throughout to maintain body control
- This movement requires significant shoulder and core strength
- Beginners should practice the basic movement first before attempting full cartwheels
- Ensure adequate space and a clear environment before attempting this exercise
- Focus on controlled, smooth transitions rather than speed
- This exercise builds exceptional shoulder strength and body awareness
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
10 to 2 (Steel Mace)
Learn more about 10 to 2 (steel mace) intermediate strength
beginner strength
Alternating Shoulder Press (Cable)
Learn more about alternating shoulder press (cable) intermediate strength
Alternating Waves (Battle Rope)
Learn more about alternating waves (battle rope) beginner strength
Arnold Press (Band)
Learn more about arnold press (band) beginner strength
Arnold Press (Cable)
Learn more about arnold press (cable) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Behind The Neck Press (Barbell)
Learn more about behind the neck press (barbell) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Dead Hang Shoulder Press
Learn more about dead hang shoulder press intermediate strength
Diagonal Shoulder Press
Learn more about diagonal shoulder press intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Double Kettlebell Long Cycle
Learn more about double kettlebell long cycle intermediate strength
Double Kettlebell Overhead Carry
Learn more about double kettlebell overhead carry intermediate strength
Double Kettlebell Press
Learn more about double kettlebell press intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Double Waves (Battle Rope)
Learn more about double waves (battle rope) beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Machine Iso-Lateral Shoulder Press
Learn more about machine iso-lateral shoulder press beginner strength
beginner strength
Military Press
Learn more about military press intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
One-Arm Kettlebell Military Press To The Side
Learn more about one-arm kettlebell military press to the side intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Overhead Press (Band)
Learn more about overhead press (band) beginner strength
Overhead Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about overhead press (dumbbell) intermediate strength
beginner strength
Pike Push-Up
Learn more about pike push-up intermediate strength
Push Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about push press (kettlebell) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Seated Shoulder Press (Cable)
Learn more about seated shoulder press (cable) beginner strength
Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about seated shoulder press (dumbbell) beginner strength
Seated Shoulder Press (Smith Machine)
Learn more about seated shoulder press (smith machine) beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Shoulder Circles (Battle Rope)
Learn more about shoulder circles (battle rope) beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Shoulder Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about shoulder press (kettlebell) intermediate strength
Shoulder Press (Machine)
Learn more about shoulder press (machine) beginner strength
Shoulder Press (Plate-Loaded Machine)
Learn more about shoulder press (plate-loaded machine) beginner strength
Shoulder Press (Smith Machine)
Learn more about shoulder press (smith machine) beginner strength
Shoulder Press, on Multi Press
Learn more about shoulder press, on multi press intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength