Use Scientific Method to Do Handstand Straddle in 3 Practice Stages

Upon blundering through practicing handstand straddle one day, I realized my approach was chaotic and unfocused. I was practicing consistently, but I was getting inconsistent results. Frustrating as that was, I finally had the realization that I needed to establish a strategy and then implement a routine approach of said strategy. I remembered about the scientific method and thought to use it. Surprisingly enough, it worked and has helped me understand the importance of a consistent approach. Consider it a recipe for success. It works every time (well, almost!).

Here’s a refresher of the scientific method:

1. Ask a question
2. Do background research
3. Construct a hypothesis
4. Test your hypothesis by doing an experiment
5. Analyze your data and draw a conclusion
6. Communicate your results

A simplified version:

1. Ask the right question (Ex: What steps can I take to do handstand straddle?)
2. If I do this, then what happens?
3. What else can I do?
4. Repeat the successful approach every time.
5. Show off. Share with everyone.

Watch this video and then follow the steps below:

Steps for the basic handstand and handstand straddle:

1. Establish hand and foot placement on the mat.
2. Mark these points on the mat with painter’s tape.
3. Position your hands and feet on the tape marks.
4. Exhale. Relax body into the position, neck relaxed.
5. Inhale. Lean body forward, shoulders moving toward fingertips, and bring torso weight more onto arms.
6. Exhale. Relax body into the position, neck relaxed.
7. Inhale. Visualize and imagine yourself doing handstand or handstand straddle. Exhale.
8. Inhale. Open eyes, look at hands, kick up into handstand or handstand straddle.
9. Repeat the exact sequence. Repeat again. Practice, practice, and more practice.

If or when you hit a mental block, make sure you continue to inhale and imagine seeing yourself performing the position. It took me around fifty attempts to calibrate hand and foot placement and how to breathe and at what point to kick up. Remember, this is a work in progress. Rework your sequence and stages as you need and make massive attitude shifts toward having fun when you get frustrated.

Email me (willow@breakingmuscle.com) your results or post them to the comments below. Consider where else you can apply this method in your life, practice, or other activity. I am deeply curious about your findings.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.