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Negative Handstand Push Up Progressions

Muscles worked

  • Front Shoulder
  • Serratus
  • Tricep
  • Upper Chest
  • Upper Traps

Form Cues

  • Keep the core tight and glutes + abs engaged throughout every rep

  • Lower over 3-5 seconds - the slower the descent, the more strength you build

  • Lean the shoulders forward as you descend, keeping hips stacked over wrists

  • Bring the head in front of the hands, forming an equilateral triangle between hands and head

  • Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees, not flared wide

  • Completely open the shoulders at the top before starting each rep

  • At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep

Progressions

  1. 01

    Half-ROM Negative Handstand Push Up

    • Kick up into a freestanding handstand and find your balance

    • Lean the shoulders forward as you begin to descend

    • Lower with control over 3-5 seconds until elbows reach about 90 degrees

    • Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees, not flared wide

    • Maintain a straight body line - squeeze glutes and abs

    • At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep

    • Focus on making each negative as slow and controlled as possible

  2. 02

    Negative Handstand Push Up

    • Kick up into a freestanding handstand and find your balance

    • Lean the shoulders forward and lower with control over 3-5 seconds

    • Place the head in front of the hands, forming a tripod position

    • Lower until the head gently touches the floor

    • Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees throughout the descent

    • Maintain a straight body line - squeeze glutes and abs

    • At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep

  3. 03

    Paused Negative Handstand Push Up

    • Kick up into a freestanding handstand and find your balance

    • Lower slowly, pausing for 2-3 seconds at the top, middle, and bottom

    • Lean the shoulders forward as you descend, forming a tripod position

    • Keep elbows tucked at roughly 45 degrees throughout

    • Maintain a straight body line and maximum tension during each pause

    • Breathe steadily - don't hold your breath during the pauses

    • At the bottom, fall to your feet, then kick back up for the next rep

Common mistakes

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