Bent-arm handstand (Shoulder stand, Yaad hold)

Skill Tree

Muscles

Technique

  1. This exercise is an excellent progression towards the Handstand pushup , by making the requirements for balance and shoulder strength slightly lower than for the full Handstand pushup .
  2. It still places a lot of strain on your shoulders. If you can't hold this position, you might need to spend more time working on progressions like the Pike pushup and related exercises.
  3. Place your palms on the ground, with the fingers facing forward.
  4. Bend the elbows and lean forward while lifting your hips and legs up.
  5. Balance on your hands and straighten your legs so that they are aligned with your torso.
  6. Your body should be straight but not vertical: it will be at a slight angle, with your head in front of your hands.
  7. Aim for about 90 degree angle at the elbows. Your head should be a few centimeters (or a couple of inches) off the ground.

Form tips

  1. Aim to keep your elbows pointing back rather than outward. This is a slightly more difficult position for your shoulders but is also more stable and will protect them.

Risks

  1. During your first attempts at this exercise you should place a soft object in front of you, in case you faceplant.

Similar Exercises

Equipment