Am i too old to learn to do a handstand?

samthepanda

I realise this is probably a crazy thought as a) i am nearly 48, b) i never learnt to do one as a child, c) my balance isnt good! I have been watching people in the gym and at crossfit and it just set me wondering. I would like to be able to do one handstand and one pull up. The pull up is harder as i dont always have access to a gym. Is this a crazy idea? I am reasonably fit and do circuit type exercise. Am i just old and deluded? I have a 6 year old who would love to see it though!

AnnPT77

After I lost down to a healthy weight, I tried to do a chin up. I could do one (without training for it). I was 60 at the time.

I think you can train/learn to do the somewhat more challenging pull-up, and to do a headstand, as long as you have no disqualifying injuries or disabilities, even at the advanced age of 48.

(You kids are so cute when you think an age like 48 is old ! ).

L1zardQueen

You CAN do this! Don’t let your age define you.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/29/senior-photo-series-aging-stereotype_n_7154008.html

LJay89

48 is not old - don't be daft!

If you think you can or think you can't you are probably right!

VUA21

This is Bette Calman, in this picture she is 83 years old. You are never too old to get into shape.

Machafin

Most definitely not. I previously did crossfit and there were people in their 50s and 60s that would do handstand walks across the gym floor. You are definitely not too old!

DX2JX2

No way you're too old to do a handstand. The question is why do you want to do one? I totally missed the whole handstand bus. When did they become the pinnacle of fitness measurements?

mbaker566

i had an 80 something lady in my yoga class who could do a full standing splits

if your dr says you can, you can

mom23mangos

DX2JX2 wrote: »

No way you're too old to do a handstand. The question is why do you want to do one? I totally missed the whole handstand bus. When did they become the pinnacle of fitness measurements?

I don't think anyone ever claimed a handstand was the pinnacle of fitness measurements. LOL. But it's a fun "skill" to have and it does work your core and shoulders quite a bit. I think people are drawn to it because it brings out their inner child. Exercise can be fun and silly at times.

OP - I'm 43 and never could do one as a kid either. I've gotten to the point I can hold one for 20-30s, but not consistently. We've got a handstand challenge thread going with lots of useful pointers and encouragement. Come join us!

Here's the link - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10671026/handstand-challenge#latest

AnnPT77

L1zardQueen wrote: »

You CAN do this! Don’t let your age define you.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/29/senior-photo-series-aging-stereotype_n_7154008.html

No Ernestine Shepard (started bodybuilding at age 56, went on to become "world's oldest competitive woman bodybuilder" at about age 75)? No Madonna Buder (the "Iron Nun", started training at 48, became the oldest woman ever to finish an Iron Man triathlon at age 82 in 2012)? No Fauja Singh (took up serious running at 89, set 5 age group world running record times in one day at different distances, then finished the Toronto Marathon 3 days later at age 100, first centenarian to finish a marathon)? No Paul Randall (my personal idol, here qualifying for World Indoor Rowing Championships in 2014 at age 96)?

https://youtu.be/WtVZbu03RS4

P.S. Nearly anyone who machine rows a race piece properly needs help getting up afterward, not just 96-year-olds.

Go get it, OP. :drinker:

Kathryn247

A handstand is one of my goals, and I'm 45! You might want to start with a headstand - WAY easier, gets you used to being inverted, and helps improve your balance/core strength.

hesn92

48 is not old lol. If you want to be able to do a handstand, make it a goal, and work towards it. Handstand is one of my goals too. I just think it looks like fun, and I want to be able to say I can do a handstand. And I want a picture of myself doing a handstand lol. Why not??

FL_Hiker

VUA21 wrote: »

This is Bette Calman, in this picture she is 83 years old. You are never too old to get into shape.

I'm pretty sure that's my neighbor. After a storm one day I looked out the window to see my little 100 year old neighbor on the roof of her house cleaning out the gutters. You can do anything you set your mind to!

ARGriffy

never to late!! I LOVE handstands I do handstand February every year and am amazed at the progression every year! Focus on form form form and do wall assisted for as long as you feel you need and consistency is key!