Exercise guide · Advanced · Balance

Handstand: How to Do It & Muscles Worked

The handstand is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the triceps, while also engaging the shoulders and core. It requires significant balance, strength, and coordination to perform safely and effectively.

Primary muscles
Triceps
Secondary muscles
Abs , Shoulders , Obliques
Equipment
Body Weight
Level · type
Advanced · Balance
Demonstration of the handstand
Front view: muscles worked by the handstand. Primary: triceps. Secondary: abs, shoulders and obliques.
Back view: muscles worked by the handstand. Primary: triceps. Secondary: abs, shoulders and obliques.
Primary Secondary

How to do the handstand

  1. Step 1: Find an open space with enough room to perform a handstand.
  2. Step 2: Place your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward.
  3. Step 3: Kick your legs up towards the wall, using your core and shoulders to maintain balance.
  4. Step 4: Once in a handstand position, engage your triceps to support your body weight.
  5. Step 5: Hold the handstand for as long as you can maintain balance.
  6. Step 6: To come down, slowly lower your legs back to the ground.
  7. Step 7: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Handstand alternatives

More exercises that train the triceps as their main target:

More triceps exercises

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Step-by-step instructions and demonstration media are from the ExerciseDB exercise dataset.

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist about injuries or health conditions before starting a new programme.