How to start your handstand walking journey

If you’re starting to feel proficient with handstand holds and want to turn that skill into walking, here are some drills you can try to help you understand the lateral shift required to get from one hand to the other, and build strength on your hands so you can successfully learn to walk.

Exercise Quick Navigation

Pike on Box Shift

What You’ll Need

A 20″ x 24″ x 30″ box.

Technique

In a nicely stacked pike with your feet on the box (hips over hands), shift sideways so your weight is in one hand. Then, shift the other way. At this stage, you don’t need to pick the hand up off the floor, but that will be where this drill heads next as you progress it.

Common Mistakes

Not getting the hips over the hands! Make sure your hips are directly over the middle of your hands – you can take a photo or video of yourself if it helps. It has to be the middle of the hands or the knuckles, not the heel of the hand.

Single Arm Pike on Box

What is it?

Exactly the same as the shift, but you’re holding the single arm position on one side for time. Hang on for as long as you can to build strength here!

What You’ll Need

A 20″ x 24″ x 30″ box.

Single Arm HS Shifts

What is it?

In a handstand position, shifting your body weight from one hand to the other.

What You’ll Need

A wall.

Technique

Kick up to a handstand against the wall, as tall as you can with your eyes on the wall opposite you, and shift your body weight into one hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can lift the hand off the floor completely and tap the hip, or just lift it slightly off the floor.