Headstand

What it is

A balance on the head and forearms or hands with the legs straight overhead. It is a common first inversion before handstands and builds shoulder and core control. Most of the weight should go through the arms, not the neck.

Technique tips

• Form a stable tripod with head and hands
• Push through the arms to protect the neck
• Walk the feet in and lift slowly
• Squeeze the legs together at the top

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.