Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: Handstands are a hands down health benefit
- Joel Pedersen | September 05, 2015
This past August was busy, and it really is hard to believe that summer is slipping away into autumn. Big shout out to NSCRD for partnering to bring a week of Functional Fitness programing to Creighton, Denare-Beach, and down the road to Flin Flon. The coaching staff and players of the Creighton Kodiak Football team gave 110% during their strength and conditioning sessions. Flin Flon Bombers hockey school dry-land training sessions were flying from start to finish. Creighton Zenergee brought out motivated and dedicated team for self-defence and bootcamp sessions. Denare-Beach just opened an awesome fitness center which is 2J2 Askiy approved, lots of options.
As most of us prepare to start another school year, and the after school activities, make time for yourself. If you are finding the only activity you have is driving from hockey rink to hockey rink, make a point to stay active, look for a group fitness class or some time on your own to stay fit. If you are in Saskatoon, the Pleasant-Hill Community St.Mary’s Functional Fitness boot-camp will be starting up 17 Sept to 17 Dec, Thursday nights 6 to 7 p.m.: still rolling at no cost to you, except some hard work and some sweat.
This month’s workout is more of a skil & drill development for core and upper body. Hand-stand progression…What! That’s loco! You can do it go slow it’s a progression.
So maybe you didn't do gymnastics when you were younger, and are not yet an advanced pilates or yoga buff. This doesn't mean you can't start doing handstands! For some of you who have tried, you know it’s like bringing out your inner kid and just fun to do. There are actually several ways handstands can benefit your health, especially if you do them regularly.
Increase your upper body and core strength. In order to stay upside down for any length of time, you need active shoulders, arm, and upper back strength. Building core strength as well engaging stabilizer’s of your abdominal core. It's not uncommon for beginners to start shaking after just a few seconds of holding a handstand. Start off with walk-the-wall (checkout the website or facebook for pics), then kick-up to handstand supported, finally up to a handstand, and if you can to a walk.
To build up strength, start by holding a handstand against a wall for three sets of 5-10 seconds. Work up to holding them for a minute or two at a time. Practice often, and watch as your upper body and core strength increase.
Circulation, breathing and bone density will improve. Handstands are a weight-bearing exercise that can help strengthen your bones, making you less prone to osteoporosis and good for your spine. Help aid bone health in your shoulders, arms and wrists, and while relieving pressure on your feet, legs and stretching your diaphragm at the same time, which can increase blood flow to your lungs.
You will increase your balance by constantly making small adjustments so you don’t crash. If you've ever tried a handstand, you know that besides needing to be strong to do them, you'll also need to have balancing ability to be able to hold yourself up.
Your mood will improve by the blood flow to your brain, has an energizing and calming effect, especially when you're feeling really stressed out. Handstands make you strong and help improve your balancing abilities; handstands can also make you feel happier even if it is short term. Sometimes upside down is the right way up, ask any kid.
2J2 is proud to recognize the UofS office for Aboriginal Initiative, Community Engagement and the Aboriginal Student Center. For partnering with 2J2 to provide Functional Fitness programing and self-defence training for this upcoming school year to students and staff. Meegwetch.
Check out more from Fitness 2J2:
- Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: From an epic journey to evacuees
- Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: Balance to achieving physical fitness
- Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: Getting a workout in just 10 minutes