The biggest limiting factor to handstands is a lack of body awareness upside down. People kick up but then they freak out because they have no idea which way is up and which way is down.

Thus, gaining body awareness is the first step in being comfortable upside down.

Below are five progressive exercises to focus on to build that body awareness.

Adding tempo makes the movement considerably harder and helps you gain more strength and stability, especially in areas of the range of motion you’re currently weakest.

Chin Over the Bar Hold

Handstand Push-Up Negative

Negative Pull-Up

Headstands are great place to begin your journey to a handstand push-up (HSPU). They allow you to get comfortable upside down while building your balance. Headstands might be the end goal for some or a progression to the HSPU for others. Either way, they build your core and your bent-arm strength while also strengthening your shoulder stabilizers.