Triceps exercise · body weight
Handstand
The handstand is a bodyweight exercise that targets the triceps, with the shoulders and core assisting.
- Target muscle
- Triceps
- Also works
- Shoulders, core
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Upper arms
How to do the handstand
- Find an open space with enough room to perform a handstand.
- Place your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward.
- Kick your legs up towards the wall, using your core and shoulders to maintain balance.
- Once in a handstand position, engage your triceps to support your body weight.
- Hold the handstand for as long as you can maintain balance.
- To come down, slowly lower your legs back to the ground.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps
Start with 3 sets of 10–15 reps, resting 45–60 seconds. When every set feels easy, add reps, slow the lowering phase or move to a harder variation.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is the triceps. The shoulders and core work as secondary muscles. See all triceps exercises or every bodyweight exercise.
