Express the Aesthetic Curve of Your Back
What is the American handstand you might ask? Well, let us explain that for you by going back in history to the 1920s. In the ancient tome of knowledge called “The True Art and Science of Handbalancing”, the straight handstand is referred to as the “Continental handstand”! While the European style had a straighter back, the American approach advocates arching the back as much as you can. Not only does the deep arch make it easier to access the anterior chain of your shoulders for strength, but it also displays the “aesthetic curvature of the back”.
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Why Learn The American Handstand?
Liberate Your Line
Unlearn the stringent rules so-often prescribed without context to balancing on your hands, liberating yourself from the limiting cues and constraints of the European-style ‘straight’ handstand. Be free to just work on experiencing balance!
From the York Handbalancing Course
The 3rd Position
The American handstand is the ideal shape to explore the third general shoulder position for balancing inverted. The other two being the straight configuration and the Mexican/hollowback configuration. In this position, your shoulder ends up somewhere between your straight handstand and your standard plank position – allowing for greater muscle recruitment and new rebalancing techniques.
Why Did We Make This Program?
After we brought our resident American onto the HSF team, he insisted that the people deserved to know the truth behind the straight line handstand – that it’s not in fact the ‘right’ way, but just a way to balance on your hands. We sympathized with his plight, having felt restricted by the arbitrary standards of The Federation ourselves over the years. So we set out to unbury the past and reveal the truth THEY don’t want you to know, that the arch can be beautiful and free!
FAQ
I'm not American, can I still learn this handstand variation?
Of course you can! Just as the poem on the Statue of Liberty reads “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”, Handstand Factory welcomes all who wish to be free to create expressive shapes on their hands.
Can I combine The American training with the other Handstand Factory Programs?
Yes, absolutely. The program is actually designed to be trained as an add-on to your main handbalancing practice. If you are using one of our other online programs, our general suggestion is to adopt this balance into the Play section of your training. If this is your first Handstand Factory program, we recommend following the program template at the end of your training session, when your wrists and shoulders are feeling good and warm.
Do I need a training partner to train The American?
Nope, you can declare independence and train The American program on your own! But if you really want to start a handstand revolution, gather some friends and train the American-style handstand together!
Do I need equipment to train The American program?
The Handstand Factory programs are designed to be trained with little to no equipment. The most important things are a flat floor and a free wall. However, US flag apparel may improve your back arch (results not guaranteed).
I can't do a freestanding straight handstand yet, can I still train the American?
Yes! We have provided a wall-assisted American handstand drill that will allow you to practice the shape without needing a freestanding handstand. You might find that balancing in this position is actually easier than the straight handstand, especially if you lack shoulder mobility but have strong pecs and delts!
This has to be a joke right? You released this on April 1st!
Nope! Just as McDonalds (surprisingly) serves 100% USDA-inspected beef, this online program is 100% real and accessible from the Handstand Factory Members Area upon purchase.