5 Signs Your Handstands Are Improving

1. Your straight line is improving

Improving the straight line in hand balance serves as a foundational element, influencing the quality of other shapes in your practice. As this straight line refines, you'll notice an overall improvement in your overall performance - increased body mobility and heightened awareness will contribute to aligning your body more vertically, creating a more direct and stable stack.

2. Your past best attempts are now your warm-ups

Reaching a point where your past best attempts become your warm-ups means major progress, this shift reflects the cumulative effects of consistent training. The ease with which you now perform movements that were once challenging highlights not only physical advancement but also a heightened confidence and familiarity with each position. 

3. Your consistency is high

Consistent training means consistent results. One of the hardest parts of hand balance training is to maintain a high level of consistency, because of the elusive nature of the art. If you notice that you’re successful in the majority of your attempts, it means you’re on the right track. The frequency of your practice sessions not only enhances muscle memory but also reinforces the neuromuscular connections crucial for maintaining stability in balance.

4. Smoother entries

One of the hardest parts of handstands is the entries. Not only does it involve good technique, and detailed timing, but it can also be scary for most beginners because of the constant fear of falling. If you’re able to confidently kick-up/straddle-up/tuck-up to a stable handstand consistently, then you’ve established a great level of familiarity with your body. Overcoming the initial fears and achieving a reliable entry method is a testament to your progress in handstand practice, showcasing both technical skill and increased self-assurance.


5. Better Balance

Whether you're extending the duration of your handstand holds or playing with leg transitions, the key lies in a better understanding of your alignment and the capacity to balance both in stillness and movement. Achieving an intuitive sense of balance requires time and repetitive practice. When your handstands become more effortless, allowing you to explore a broader range of movements, it means you’ve got an upgraded sense of balance. This improvement reflects not only technical proficiency but also a heightened connection with the subtle nuances of balance acquired through consistent dedication and repetition in your handstand practice.