How to Handstand?

A handstand is the act of supporting the body in a stable, inverted vertical position by balancing on the hands. In a basic handstand the body is held straight with arms and legs fully extended, with hands placed approximately shoulder-width apart. There are many variations of the basic handstand, but in all cases a handstand performer must have good upper body strength and balance.

Handstands are performed in many athletic activities, including [freerunning], breakdance, acro dance, fitness competitions, circus acrobatics, cheerleading and Capoeira. In yoga, the handstand is known as Adho Mukha Vrksasana (downward-facing tree pose). Handstand dives are one of the main categories found in competitive platform diving. Some variation of the handstand is performed on every gymnastic apparatus, and many tumbling skills pass through a handstand position during their execution.