20 Reasons Why You Should Include Handstands in your Day

I know. They may seem over-the-top scary. I mean, why would you need to be upside down?! They may feel like one of those things you will “never do.” Yet, I bet you haven’t heard of the many benefits of handstands, including those on our emotional well-being.

I, too, used to fear them like crazy. I, too, told myself I’d be ok without them. I was already super fit and healthy. What would adding them into my repertoire do? Yet, I too want to be able to move in every way possible and seek practices that will keep this brain of mine healthy. I want to live to 100 and see my children reach their dreams. This won’t happen if I constantly stay in the “lane lines.” I, too, want to seek new physical and emotional challenges so I can develop a life of total and complete resilience. Don’t you?

Below are 20 benefits of handstands, some you possibly have never considered!

** Disclaimer: there is a progression to achieving a proper handstand. Just like there are more challenging exercises like pull ups, you don’t start practicing handstands by flipping up to a handstand on day 1. You wouldn’t complete a perfect pull up on Day one either. The same rule applies.

To complete a proper handstand takes time, preparing your body for them, and focus on reaching small milestones so you can eventually crush them.

Physical Benefits

1. Increase upper body strength
2. Increase core strength
3. Improve balance
4. Improve blood circulation
5. Ease pressure on the lower back
6. Focus on deep breathing
7. Improves digestion
8. Increases spine health
9. Regulate and boost metabolism
10. Improves bowel movements
11. Checks you for breathlessness
12. Improves skin
13. Decreases fluid build-up in legs, ankles, and feet

Emotional Benefits

14. Reduces stress + calms the brain
15. Improves memory and concentration
16. Increases concentration and focus
17. Relaxes the nervous system.
18. Strengthens immunity
19. You will feel so strong
20. They are so fun

To get started, check out these videos!

Handstands – The Benefits from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.

Handstands – The Benefits from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.

how to approach face the wall handstands from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.

The flip up style handstand from Adrien Cotton on Vimeo.

 
I am excited to hear about your foray into inversions. Start small. Celebrate successes from small habit change. Sign up for my newsletter to learn more cool tips like this at www.alexandriawellness.com.

• About the author
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Adrien Cotton

Owner + Founder | Alexandria Wellness

http://alexandriawellness.com

contact@alexandriawellness.com

Adrien founded Fitness on the Run in 2004 out of her home after a successful career in policy and public affairs communications. After spending 15 years developing her own personal definition of wellness and watching thousands struggle with theirs, in January 2019 Adrien founded Alexandria Wellness, the home for the Concierge Wellness Program and Corporate Wellness with Adrien Cotton. Over the course of 15 years, “FOR” was home to more than 2,000 clients, 30 instructors, and hundreds of inspirational success stories. Adrien is now, more-than-ever, passionate about helping women view their fitness as a journey, not a quick fix. Adrien’s recipe for success herself has evolved from a rigid training plan of sweaty and heart pumping workouts to some days getting in her 10,000 steps, consciously breathing, her 7.5 hours of sleep, and her beloved 5-Minute Flow. Adrien believes the most important ingredient is making small changes for big results, even if it’s one new habit formed each month. Still passionate about fitness, Adrien’s clients appreciate her ability to make sessions seriously challenging without a “beat down,” a healthy mix of strength and metabolic (cardio) work and ultimately helping her clients gain real strength in mind and body. She believes we all benefit from being curious about our bodies and that change, or improvement, is within reach despite what your “inner voice” or others may tell you. Adrien is bubbling with excitement to help women learn the importance of a comprehensive approach to wellness, weight loss, and contentedness with yourself, and that every person has the right to feel good about themselves. Most days, you can find her helping clients with their wellness, listening to success stories, and bragging about her twin 13-year-old children and “fittest man in Alexandria” Bill Cotton. Adrien prides herself on her practice of mindfulness, meditation, and putting it all into perspective.

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Alexandria Wellness offers achievable answers for anyone who is tired of chasing fitness and health without a clear plan, someone who has struggled and is not satisfied with their fitness and wellness or someone who is open to maximized healthful longevity and fitness along with healthful weight loss. Adrien and her team offer help with food guidance, body acceptance, sleep and stress issues, and insist you have fun along the way.

Schedule your free 30 minute consult here!

alexandriawellness.com

Alexandria Wellness
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703.299.9333

contact@alexandriawellness.com