Handstand Walk
An advanced calisthenics movement where you support your body weight inverted and walk forward on your hands. Builds shoulder strength, balance, and core stability.
Instructions
- Start in a handstand position against a wall with your hands shoulder-width apart, arms fully extended, and body in a straight vertical line.
- Engage your core and glutes to maintain a rigid body position throughout.
- Shift your weight slightly forward and take a small step forward with one hand, followed by the other hand.
- Continue walking forward in controlled steps, keeping your arms straight and your body aligned.
- Maintain continuous tension and avoid letting your hips pike or sag during the movement.
- Walk the desired distance or number of steps, then carefully walk back to the wall or lower down.
Tips
- Practice against a wall first to build confidence and balance
- Keep your hands directly under your shoulders for optimal stability
- Engage your core actively to prevent your hips from piking or sagging
- Look at your hands rather than forward to maintain better balance
- Start with short distances and progressively increase as strength improves
- Use a spotter or practice in an area with protection for safety
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 |
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