Straddle Handstand
Explanatory Video
Description
Balance on your hands with legs spread wide in a 'V' shape. Push actively through your shoulders to keep your body elevated and your weight centered over your palms. Keep your core tight and glutes engaged to prevent your hips from sagging. Look slightly forward between your hands to maintain balance and keep your legs locked with toes pointed.
Difficulty & Category
Intermediate
Isometric
Affected Muscles
Deltoid (Anterior)
Deltoid (Lateral)
Triceps Brachii
Rectus Abdominis
Trapezius (Upper)
Gluteus Medius
Flexor Carpi Radialis
Body Areas
Shoulders
Arms
Core
Back
Glutes
Forearms
Equipment
Parallettes
Similar Exercises
The Tuck Handstand is a balance-intensive variation of the handstand that shortens the lever of your body. To perform it:
1\. Kick up or press into a handstand position.
2\. Slowly bring your knees down towards your chest, tucking your legs while ensuring your hips and shoulders stay in line
3\. Keep your arms completely straight with elbows locked and push actively through the palms to maintain shoulder elevation.
4\. Use your fingers and core to micro-adjust and maintain balance. This variation is excellent for learning how to control your center of gravity.
Isometric
Intermediate
Skill
An advanced bodyweight exercise that involves balancing on the hands, targeting the shoulders and core.
Isometric
Intermediate
Skill
The Press to Handstand is an advanced calisthenics exercise that requires strength, balance, and control. Begin in a standing position with your feet together. Bend forward at the hips, placing your hands shoulder-width apart on the ground. Engage your core and shift your weight onto your hands. With control, lift your legs off the ground, keeping them straight, and press them upwards into a handstand position. Maintain a tight core and straight body line as you hold the handstand. To return, lower your legs with control back to the starting position.
Dynamic
Advanced
Last updated: 3/5/2026