3 Reasons older men should learn handstands

This article has minimal merit in the function department. Good. It doesn’t always have to be fundamental and perfect. Especially if we plan on strength training as we age. My favorite exercise to spice up my fitness is the Handstand. It is hard. It is fun. It is challenging. It takes a long time to achieve. These are just a few of the reasons I love training handstands. However, there is a bit of functional use in training handstands. This article will discuss 3 reasons men need Handstands as part of their strength training program. 

3 reasons handstands need to be in your exercise program..

1. Posterior health
2. Core Strength
3. Shoulder strength

Let’s invert our thinking and get to the good stuff!

1.Posterior health

Put your arms overhead. Can you do it? Is it easy or hard? Many men cannot. The reason for this is poor posterior strength coupled with a few other factors we will discuss shortly.  The drills and skills one must exercise to achieve a handstand, increase the strength of our back muscles. Exercises such as the Superman or headstand, engage the necessary muscles for posterior strength. In all actuality, the handstand is just the end goal. The drills and skills are what create the strength. To finalize this argument for handstands as part of men's strength training, handstands can be trained far into our golden years! Maybe handstand training is why they are golden.

2. Core strength

Abs. Abs. Abs. Everybody wants them but no one really wants to work for them. If you want abs, you need a strong core. A strong core means muscle. Muscles create the shape of the abs. I could stop here but I will not. A strong core means a solid foundation for all exercises. Barbell lifts, and olympic lifts are just a few exercises benefited by a strong core. Not to mention ambulatory health(walking). Yes. Handstand training increases core strength which equates to a healthy walk. Healthy walking means healthy hips. Handstands are necessary for men's strength training past 40.

3. Shoulder strength

The most obvious benefit is shoulder health. Weak shoulders lean to injuries. Shoulder injuries lead to limitations. Range of motion is the best weapon for shoulder injury prevention. Handstands require a ton of range of motion from the shoulders. Pretty straight forward ride there. Handstands increase flexibility and strength of the shoulder girdle and assist muscles. As we age, this will also help us stay formidable in the event of a fall. We must stay strong for simple longevity of quality of life. I believe handstands are vital for men's strength training.

3 reasons handstands need to be in your exercise program..

1. Posterior health
2. Core Strength
3. Shoulder strength

My argument for handstands makes it clear. Hip, core, and shoulder strength can all be trained in one simple movement with one simple tool. Your body. In this article, I only touched on the physical benefits. The mental benefits of pursuing a challenging exercise are mutually important. If you have not attempted a handstand, do it. You may get hurt. You may not. You will be on the way to a healthy, strong body!

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