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Coach Jerry

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November 17, 2025

TIP TUESDAY

The handstand push-up (HSPU) is important because it develops a unique combination of strength, balance, and body control that transfers to many other movements: It builds pressing power in shoulders, triceps, and chest, which supports lifts like the press, jerk, and bench press. HSPU requires a tight midline (tummy) and glute (booty) engagement, reinforcing the foundation for nearly all functional movements. The inverted position challenges your body awareness, improving overall athleticism. Mastering the strict HSPU will lay the groundwork for kipping variations and freestanding handstand work. Strict strength protects the neck and spine, ensuring you can progress without injury.

Tips

  • Build strict strength first: Don’t rush into kipping. Strict reps protect your spine and improve control.
  • Perfect the tripod: Always aim for the triangle (hands + head). It sets you up for freestanding balance later.
  • Control the descent: Think “tap, don’t rest.” Avoid bouncing off your head.
  • Scale smartly: Use box push-ups or pike push-ups to progress. Increase box height or lift one leg for added     challenge.
  • Skip the AbMat shortcut: Full range of motion is non-negotiable for safe strength development.
  • Engage the core: Tight tummy + squeezed booty =  stability and protection.
  • Practice patience: Treat gymnastics as a long game. Mechanics → consistency → intensity.

In short, the HSPU isn’t just a flashy skill—it’s a cornerstone gymnastics movement that teaches patience, discipline, and control while building transferable strength for other lifts and skills.

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