[Fitness] That was a first

[digitaldiscipline]

Managed to do my very first full handstand (against a wall) pushup - from scalp on the floor to full extension - at lunch today. Triceps seemed the least happy about it, rather than the shoulders.

I'm working on various gymnastic holds to try and address core and upper-arm/upper-body strength as well. Also, being able to do the flag just looks cool.

Front lever: http://beastskills.com/FrontLever.htm

Handstand stuff: http://beastskills.com/Handstand.htm (scroll down to the "training" part)

Planche holds: http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/229/

Up to 2x1 minute tucked front levers; on the ground, I'm only able to maintain a frog planche for about ten seconds right now, because my balance sucks, and I have an aversion to falling on my face.

Comments

[sskipstress.livejournal.com]

The link etcet references shows the straddle with the toes pointing away from the head, but it sounds to me like you're describing the next step as a move with the toes pointing toward the head, basically straightening the knees from the frog planche. Am I interpreting your advice correctly?

[cheez-ball.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're asking, but the straddle is a bit easier to hold and balance than the perfectly straight bodied planche. Sommers lists additional steps, like the tuck planche (a frog planche with the knees off the arms), but they're all pretty much in the same progression.

[etcet.livejournal.com]

I think you're both on the same page here.

As I understand the progression:

1. Frog
2. Tuck (curved back)
3. Tuck (flat back)
4. Straddle (as wide as possible)
5. Straddle (narrower)
6. Straight

This is the same general progression for the front levers, just inverted (facing the ceiling).

Given my relatively limited flexibility in the straddle plane (hips, hamstrings, et al), that's also going to take some doing.