Feb/109
Artur
I don’t know anything about this hand balancer except that he’s good.
A variety of skills are displayed in a fun to watch free flowing manner. Using the spinning discs on the floor allows him to do some great moves.
The move at 2:43 (I don’t know what to call it) has to be one of the coolest looking moves I’ve ever seen. Thanks to Nick for sending this one to me.
Good Luck and Good Hand Balancing,
Logan Christopher
P.S. I can’t promise you’ll ever become this good but if you want to increase your skills check out these hand balancing products.
Jan/100
Planche Progression Video
The planche is one of hand balancing’s most advanced moves. In this video you’ll discover one tip on planche progression.
This is just one of four methods that is included in the Hand Balancing Mastery Course. Be sure to check that out for many more details on not just planche progression but so much more.
Even beginners can get started working on the tuck planche. Once that’s stable its just a matter of opening up the hips more and more each time.
But don’t think you’ll master this skill overnight. It takes tremendous strength all across the body.
For more details on this be sure to check out this other post on planche progression.
Good Luck and Good Hand Balancing,
Logan Christopher
Jan/102
Gymnastic Handstand
The gymnastic handstand or straight handstand is a more difficult move then the natural or curved handstand. For that reason I believe a beginner should work on the curved handstand first and once they become proficient at that then they can move onto the straight handstand.
Working on the straight handstand will take a good bit of dedication as you must learn to maintain a straight body while upside-down, something that certainly doesn’t come natural. As with any move its best to learn it in the easiest possible way first. For that reason we go to the wall.
When working on the gymnastic handstand it is better to face the wall with your body rather then have your back to it. This makes it easier to get into the straight body position. You can cartwheel into position or walk your feet up the wall.
Once you are in the handstand get your hands as close to the wall as possible. Stick your head through your arms. This alone will help your back to stop curving. While keeping the arms locked push through with your chest to open up the shoulders. If this is difficult you may need to work on shoulder flexibility.
Another key part is the lower body. You want to maintain what is known in gymnastics as a hollow body position. That is you tuck your pelvis in. Think as if you were trying to reach your tail bone to your navel and shorten that distance. You may need to practice this position while not in a handstand if it is unfamiliar to you.
Once you have a good position hold for time against the wall. Work up to 2 minutes for multiple sets. If you can do this you have good endurance not just to hold the handstand but to keep your position while you do it. At that point the gymnastic handstand should feel natural to you.
The next step is to transition to freestanding. Instead of just kicking up out in the open start in the straight handstand against the wall and come off a little bit to find your balance. But that will have to be an article for another time…
Good Luck and Good Hand Balancing,
Logan Christopher
Aug/093
One Finger Handstand
Is a one finger handstand even possible?
Most would say that no human could possibly do this feat. But then most would agree Shaolin monks are anything but normal people!
This video shows a 91 year old monk Hal-tank from the Sil Lum Temple in China perform that feat.
As I’m sure you’ll agree this move goes beyond just finger strength, requiring intense focus of chi.
There are many other monks who have mastered a two finger handstand like this picture shows. Thanks to Gay Ng for sending it to me.
Two Finger Handstand by Shaolin Monk
(You can also witness this feat from another Shaolin monk in the awesome DVD Shaolin: Wheel of Life available for cheap on Amazon.)
But getting down to a single finger handstand takes many more years of dedicated practice.
Its sure to be an entirely different approach but there’s a full chapter by Bob Jones, famous for his thumbstand, on doing fingertip pushups and handstands in The True Art and Science of Hand Balancing.
You can get started with the basics. Whether you’ll work up to two or one finger handstand like the monks do is up to you.
Good Luck and Good Hand Balancing,
Logan Christopher
Aug/092
Great Rings Routine
People that have never used the gymnastic rings may know they are difficult but it takes a try on them to truly grasp the strength it takes to do an impressive routine.
I came upon this video awhile back. It shows gymnast Andreas Aguilar at the 1991 World Professional Gymnastics Championships. Its most likely just an exhibition, rather then competing, due to the moves he performs.
Of particular note I want you to pay attention to the muscle up in the L-sit position. That may very well be one of the smoothest muscle ups ever. A far cry from the kipping action most athletes use.
There’s quite a few iron crosses and you’ll want to pay attention to the very unique dismount.
Good Luck and Good Ring Training,
Logan Christopher
P.S. Rings can build awesome strength and you can buy a set of gymnastic rings here.
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