How to do a freestanding handstand for 10 seconds

[justtry]

The above, really. I think I would feel quite empowered if I could pull it off so really want to try (with benefit of much-needed strengthening of core and shaping up a bit along the way). But how to get there? Just keep on trying until I eventually can - like I did when I was a child (although it would have never been 10 seconds!) or is there a better way to learn to do this now in mid 40s?

You need to strengthen your arms and your core. Do you do weights? Yoga? Weightlifting will help and almost all of yoga, including headstands and shoulder stands.

Do you have somewhere safe at home to do a handstand against a wall (so that you won't crash into anything on either side). Practising holding a handstand against a wall for 10 seconds will help to ensure you have the arm strength.

Thanks! No weights at the moment, and yoga only done sometimes a bit with YouTube videos, but more like stretching and some downward dogs - never anything progressively further... So yes, am well aware that + it also being part of the purpose of doing this: I need to get fitter and stronger generally. I am just so bored of going to the gym or videos or classes again, that I would like to have a goal to help motivate me. Hence, I want to be able to do a proper freestanding handstand - it would be so cool.
So maybe go about by first trying against the wall whilst picking up exercise (and I suppose looking into yoga - but which one??) more generally again!

You'll also need to consider the strength and flexibility of your wrists. I danced from age 5, so was quite flexible but when I took up gymnastics at 20, I could not believe how hard it was. I had such bad DOMS that I struggled to walk upstairs!

If you want to join a class, look into adult gymnastics in your area or CrossFit.

Strong wrists, core and shoulders, and plenty of arm balancing exercises. Yoga is brill but you need to do this very consistently.

Can you do one against a wall and then work on getting your feet off the wall for longer and longer?
Thats how I re-learnt once I became a bit scared of accidentally flipping over onto my back

Can you do one against a wall and then work on getting your feet off the wall for longer and longer?
Thats how I re-learnt once I became a bit scared of accidentally flipping over onto my back

Can you do one against a wall and then work on getting your feet off the wall for longer and longer?
Thats how I re-learnt once I became a bit scared of accidentally flipping over onto my back

Or if you have an adult around who is not scared of maybe getting lightly kicked in the face- do it so they catch your ankles. Then you can get the right amount of force to get upright amd its closer to freestanding while you get the balance right

Practice ina swimming pool

Thanks all! I haven't tried against the wall yet, but will do next week. Am on holiday at the moment and the last thing I'd like is DH or DCs walking in (or the thought of that happening) whilst I try this for the very first time...

About the adult help, that's a great idea, if I can get a PT who will help me practice that may work (I wouldn't ask DH, too embarrassing) AND keep me going to the gym again?

Ok, next week when I am back home, I'll try if at all I can be up/walk up against the wall, at least start with some core/yoga you tube vids and find a gym with a PT (we moved a few months ago, so need to look into this) and will look into CrossFit as well - not done that before and not really considered so far but heard enough positive things about it.

Practising in a swimming pool isn't really for me. My head only comes under water if it accidentally happens in the pool with the DCs.

Yoga dolphin pose - going in and out of it several times – really strengthens the arms for shoulder and headstands. The rest is balance Once your weight is stacked evenly above your arms, it's easy to extend the length of time you can hold the pose.

So.... I have been to a gym and I have climbed up against the wall. I'll be honest I was a little bit unsure (fear) to start!! I did it three times, standing for about 4-5 seconds, hands about 70cm away from the wall. Tried but really could not walk my hands closer to the wall. A lot of work to do but the trainer is happy to help me to get me there! This should hopefully also keep me going to the gym!