Wrist Warm-Up Exercises for Handstands
Warming up your wrists is essential before practicing handstands to prevent injuries and improve performance. Start with gentle wrist circles to increase blood flow and loosen up the joints. Perform these circles in both directions, gradually increasing the range of motion. Next, practice wrist flexor and extensor stretches. Extend your arm in front of you, palm facing down, and gently pull your fingers back with your other hand. Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.
In addition to stretches, incorporate wrist strengthening exercises into your warm-up. Wrist push-ups are excellent for building wrist strength and stability. Start in a kneeling position and place your hands on the ground, fingers facing forward. Gently lower yourself down, bending your wrists, and then push back up. Perform 10-15 repetitions. Another effective exercise is the fingertip push-up. Begin in a push-up position, but support your weight on your fingertips instead of your palms. Perform as many push-ups as you can with proper form.
Finish your warm-up with wrist mobilization drills. Place your hands flat on the ground, fingers facing forward, and gently rock back and forth, side to side, and in circular motions. This helps to mobilize the wrist joints and prepare them for the demands of handstands. By incorporating these warm-up exercises into your routine, you’ll protect your wrists and improve your handstand performance.