
A discussion on wrist range of motion, how to test it, and how to improve it
A discussion on shoulder range of motion, and how to test it
A discussion on hip positioning, how to test if they're straight, and how to improve it
A couple more hamstring specific exercises to aid in the down dog position
This section features exercises essential for handstand training. Body shaping refers to how one must train and shape the body through certain exercises before being able to execute a straight, strong handstand.
A discussion on how to engage the fingers and shoulders to improve handstand stability
A brief overview of diaphragmatic breathing and how to apply it for handstand training
We will train the handstand shape in various dimensions: laying down, standing, 3/4 positions, and handstand drills that serve as an important precursor before trying the full handstand
This section provides structured training templates that you can use as a guide to your handstand practice. Each PDF is designed to give you a clear, repeatable framework, while still leaving some room for personalization. The Glossary and Exercise Bank provides as a reference for what the main body positions and exercises are. This downloadable goes hand in hand with the Handstand Course Workout Plans, attached below.
Handstand Course Workout Plans (Beginner & Intermediate):
These charts outline four training days per week, with focused sections for warm-up, body shaping, handstand shaping, and kicking to handstand. They help you build consistency, alignment, and progress at the right level for your experience.
The intermediate chart outlines a similar overview but with some more challenging exercises and static holds.
The Essential 8:
This template introduces eight key categories: wrist, shoulder, hip preparation, hamstring flexibility, core work, handstand shaping, kicking up to handstand, and endurance work in handstand. Instead of prescribed drills, you’ll choose your own exercise for each category. This gives you flexibility while ensuring you cover all the foundations needed for handstand success.
How to Use:
Print or save the PDFs and use them as your training roadmap. Beginners can follow the structured 4-day chart, while more experienced individuals or those seeking variety may prefer the Essential 8. Over time, revisit and adjust your chosen exercises as your strength, mobility, and balance improve.
Welcome to our Udemy course Get Upside Down! The Path To A Strong, Aligned Handstand! This course was created to help you build the strongest and most aligned handstand possible. Whether you are an absolute beginner, or experienced with handstands this course will take you through progressions, and drills to build the shape, flexibility, technique, and strength to create a strong handstand foundation. Because on top of a strong foundation, you can build so much more! This course will lead you through warmups, handstand shaping, handstand strengthening, flexibility exercises, and kick up progressions to help you build consistency and confidence upside down! The Gymnastics Source, and coaches Rebecca Caplan, and Jesse Kitzen-Abelson, are so excited to share their experiences as former NCAA D1 Gymnasts, and Elite Coaches with the Udemy Community. You will find our course is broken down into carefully structured sections to take you through a prescreening, strengthing, flexibility, technique, and shape work, along with tips and tricks, to help you build your overall understanding of handstand technique from the ground up. Our course also includes downloadables with training plans, checklists, and a glossary bank section. To help you develop a full understanding of the positioning and shapes to successfully build your handstand on. We are so excited to see your handstand progress!