Negative Handstand Push Up Progressions
Muscles worked
- Front Shoulder
- Serratus
- Tricep
- Upper Chest
- Upper Traps
Form Cues
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Keep the core tight and glutes + abs engaged throughout every rep
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Lower over 3-5 seconds - the slower the descent, the more strength you build
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Lean the shoulders forward as you descend, keeping hips stacked over wrists
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Bring the head in front of the hands, forming an equilateral triangle between hands and head
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Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees, not flared wide
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Completely open the shoulders at the top before starting each rep
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At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep
Progressions
01 Half-ROM Negative Handstand Push Up
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Kick up into a freestanding handstand and find your balance
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Lean the shoulders forward as you begin to descend
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Lower with control over 3-5 seconds until elbows reach about 90 degrees
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Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees, not flared wide
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Maintain a straight body line - squeeze glutes and abs
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At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep
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Focus on making each negative as slow and controlled as possible
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02 Negative Handstand Push Up
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Kick up into a freestanding handstand and find your balance
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Lean the shoulders forward and lower with control over 3-5 seconds
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Place the head in front of the hands, forming a tripod position
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Lower until the head gently touches the floor
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Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees throughout the descent
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Maintain a straight body line - squeeze glutes and abs
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At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep
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03 Paused Negative Handstand Push Up
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Kick up into a freestanding handstand and find your balance
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Lower slowly, pausing for 2-3 seconds at the top, middle, and bottom
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Lean the shoulders forward as you descend, forming a tripod position
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Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees throughout
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Maintain a straight body line and maximum tension during each pause
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Breathe steadily - don't hold your breath during the pauses
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At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep
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Common mistakes
Built into a program made for you
Every exercise here adapts to your goals, equipment and schedule inside the app.