Can I Learn to Handstand in a Month? 🤸‍♂️

[@philkugler2429]

I was a personal trainer for about 10 years. In that time, I had a 79 year old client who was a cancer survivor and wanted to do a handstand by his 80th birthday. We trained for about 4 months, and he wasn't able to get a handstand in his own. On his 80th birthday, there was a cancer awareness walk, and we both went. They gave an announcement that my client was going to do something special, he gave a very nice speech, handed back the mic, then threw himself into a handstand. He held it for around 12-15 seconds. It was absolutely one of my favorite moments as a trainer.

[@air1fire]

Dude, five seconds, even three seconds, is incredibly impressive! You should be proud of yourself! I am 14 years younger than you and this video literally gives me HOPE. Inspirational, engaging, hilarious, endearing - this video is WheezyWaiter at his absolute best.

[@rkb4238]

Could not agree more 💚

[@EzioAuditoreDaFirenze99]

Props to a 43 year old man for putting himself through this.

[@brettelizabethspore]

Amen!

[@therabbithat]

Which one?

[@PuffyNavel]

i’m only three minutes in, no need to thank me

[@sujurean]

y'know, if wheezy had a full head of hair, it'd be really hard to tell that he looks like he's in his 40s. All of these lifestyle challenges & health adjustments he's making is really reversing & freezing the clock for him.

[@hopegold883]

Not just for his age. Serious props anyway. To stick with something that challenging for that long? With 2 excellent excuses - getting sick and Xmas - to quit along The way? I could never. This is the most impressive challenge he’s done. (Except this Xmas movies. Idk if I could handle that)

[@drewbeta01]

People: "What does your husband do for work?" Chyna: "He does handstands in the basement."

[@meenah_s]

Oh hey here's some handstand advice that is completely unsolicited! 1. Work on the wall walks more. Especially moving your hands in closer to the wall. Try and essentially "walk" your feet up the wall, then your hands across the floor into a handstand position. It builds a ton of strength. 2. Have Chyna only grab one leg while spotting you. It gives you a ton more control, and allows you to work on the finer details of the balance. 3. Work on balance with your core, not your legs. That magical balance floaty feeling comes when your hands, shoulders, core and center of gravity are all stacked. 4. Put your feet on your bench then kick up from there. You'll waste a lot less energy on the kick up and can spend more time and energy focusing on the balance.

[@Frakenstien20]

Also elaborating on point 3. to make all those things stack look from the side and try to make sure your wrists, shoulders and hips are in line... those are the key to good handstands. Edit: Oh yeah, and don't forget to breath, I've found that a lot of people who are new to learning handstands stop breathing when in position which makes holding it even harder

[@AliceCdE]

Yes, and make sure your hands are not too far apart! Roughly shoulder width means a lot less energy is needed. (Plus a little fine tuneing the shoulder/arm/hand position goes a looong way towards stability, however explaining scapula positioning verbally is tough, sorry!)

[@ajdamronfamily]

I don't often see people struggling in public--most people keep that private and share only their successes. Thank you for sharing your full journey with us. And I'm glad you didn't kick Chyna in the head!

[@danohart]

The fact that it's been 13 years since the original handstand videos is wild.

[@chrislbaird]

I was thinking the same! When I saw the title I thought "Didn't he already learn how to do a handstand"?

[@X24453]

Every time your feet left the wall was absurdly impressive. Like DUDE!!! That's a handstand! At all! The balance!!! The strength!!!!!

[@BertBerg]

As a professional handbalancer (Circus Artist) & oldschool WheezyWaiterfan (Platoon of Power Squadron!!!) I always wondered if you'd do a handstand challenge. Now it feels like you custom build my personal dream video with my favourite elements: Handstands (that's the only one, except for Craig too, and China, anywaygetingtothepoint). 1st: (yeah I'm a list guy) Bravo for doing the handstands while being sick, the pressure on the head, nose and all is really not fun! 2nd: Not kidding: Jazz handing is defiantly a thing hand balancing acrobats do. I'm flapping my hands all around when I warm up. 3rd: Your improvement in only 12 days and 22 days were really nice, but day 24 was THE surprise for me. Getting to the importance of butt & core does wonders!! 4th: The joy of the HOOO of the 4 seconds made me so nerdly exited and happy to see. (It did miss a shredding guitarriff in edit though, but Yeaahahhhhhha!) 5th: the wrist warmup of day 27 is REALLY important, next to shoulders the wrists kinda take all the pressure of the weight and since they're not "made to stand on" without proper warm up you can hurt yourself. 6th OH MY GOD I'M SO HAPPY IT DOESN'T STOP HERE!! Pointer 1: In the short run searching with your legs (bent knees of straight) will feel easier / more natural. BUT in the longrun this is not what will help you the most. Pushing and opening your shoulders + keeping a tense core (butt & stomach) are the 2 big things I would focus on Pointer 2: If you're legs are pressed together, straight and stiff (during the balancing) it will help a lot to balance that half of the body (thing of balancing a straight stiff broomstick on your hand VS balancing a rubbery wobbly 'stick'). Pointer 3: GOOOOOO!!! I'm so happy proud and gleefully geeked out to see this journey!! Have fun :)

[@SmallAdvantages]

7:52 "Real life is ruining my KZbin life" ...truer words have never been spoken

[@Alliegoesbackpacking]

Just want to say, I was a competitive gymnast for a long time, many many years, and there were MANY days where I couldn’t do a 10 second handstand despite my best efforts and gold metals. It’s HARD

[@gregnstuff1118]

With a similar past, I kept thinking... Straighten those legs and point those toes 😂

[@jaclynrachellec]

Yes! This! I did gymnastics, and even though I could walk on my hands for long stretches, doing just straight holds without movement was always really challenging!

[@laifnow]

Yes! It’s like standing still on a bike 😅

[@ocaptainpriss]

The timing of the belly slap combined with the build-up is comedic genius

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@faithquist6635]

His description of that breakthrough moment for handstands was how I felt when I got to 5 tosses in juggling without dropping. Still learning, but it proved to me I could improve

[@Artofcarissa]

It took me way too long to realize that handstands were less about finding the perfect balance and more about engaging your core muscles to hold yourself up. I could never hold them for more than a few seconds

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@daylightsleeptight]

Yeah exactly! Gotta imagine that you're bracing your whole body and pushing the floor **away**

[@dudleydooright]

and shoulder mobility.. which he severely lacks. Good job to get those 5 seconds using what he has though!

[@pirlipat6508]

I was so rooting for you to get the 10 seconds in. But still, from Zero to 5, eben 4 is impressive. Seeing you try and work and being consistent and reaching is motivational and wholesome enough. And I'm looking forward to the moment you reach 10 seconds!

[@danalan]

Can't believe it's been 13 years since the daily handstands! Also love that that is definitely the same wind sound effect you've been using forever lol. Really diggin your current style of challenge videos with lots of wheezy humour. Keep it up!

[@TheWisestWizards]

I remember the good old days when you used to do this all the time. I think I tried it once after being inspired by you and that was a big mistake and it will never happen again.

[@juliebyrne7726]

I was cheering and yelling “Oh my god, you did 5 seconds!” This is GREAT! Don’t lose sight of that.

[@brettelizabethspore]

Love that you keep going even when you didn’t make your initial goal.

[@CarsonDarling]

Nice work so far! One tip I was given for handstands is to tuck your chin. When you stare at your hands, you forcing your back to bend to compensate. By keeping your head inline with your arms it's easier to stay vertically stacked.

[@AmandainGeorgia]

This is the goat of all episodes! I laughed until tears rolled down my face, but still have mad respect for the 5 seconds you did achieve. Chyna trying was the icing on the cake. You two rock.

[@invalidude]

Haven’t watched your videos in 12 years (so happy to see you’re still doing them!!). What were the chances that your latest video, first I check out in a long while, references the hand stand practice I knew from back in the day. Crazy!! Hope you’re well and healthy!

[@Sigriarian]

13 years... Oh man, I fondly remember the times when the teen me was doing handstands with you for while, I even remember the exact spot I was doing them at... Whipping out minute handstands and hand-walking was one on the few things in PE I could shine at! Thank you for this trip down memory lane Craig. Hope there won't be another 13 year break!

[@fdagpigj]

I think I used to be able to do handstands as a kid, though probably not for ten seconds. Now I haven't done them in over a decade and this video made me want to. Congrats on that at least, I mean inspiring others to use their body more in childlike ways.

[@Whywontyougrow]

I've always enjoyed your videos through the single/Clone years in Chicago, the Daily vids, the marriage, the family, the monthly challenges, and everything. And I love your (intentional?) use of The Format in this video. (Shouts to the Vlogbrothers.) Keep up the hard work and thank you for everything.

[@rolandtowen2595]

Something that has helped me a lot in developing that internal sense of balance is to do balancing yoga poses, like Tree, *with my eyes closed*. It's such a good workout for that mind/body connection.

[@thorshammer138]

That 5 seconds was amazing. You should be super proud of yourself. Handstands are super difficult, especially holding them for more than a few seconds.

[@forestaeon]

Good effort! You should look into hollow body position. It's what gymnasts use to control the energy they generate in most of their movements, including handstand-ing. Hollow body focuses on core strengthening and control so when you put yourself into the inverted position of a handstand you aren't fighting against so much chaotic energy coming from your spine and hips. Which is why you're having so much more success with the split bent legs, btw. You're distributing your leg weight over the front and back directions neutralizing the extra movements that will destabilize your handstand. Keep going! I want to see another 30 days ✨

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@air1fire]

This is an FANTASTIC video. My wrists are literally in pain just from watching. And Bunny had an amazing turtleneck.

[@Sjudit84]

I have never been able to do these things, not even when I was young. So I am really in awe of you trying so much and I am happy someone is there supporting you in the workout towards it and talking about some improvements that help in doing the handstand itself.

[@dannywoods17]

Happy to see John's long mic style is being played with by others :)

[@38lizzieb]

Nice to see that The Format has spread to other channels :D

[@TheFranklinFarmhouse]

Absolutely great progress!

[@dontjayjayme]

13:14 I was like "wait I have the same socks!!!" and then realised it makes a lot of sense that Chyna would wear awesome socks, that's so cool!!

[@thejtotti29]

After watching you attempt this for years, I was right there with you, overjoyed at your first 4+ second stand. So proud 🥲

[@chelseywithers4008]

I got copilot because of you 80 days ago and I'm down 25lbs and have an 80 day workout streak. Love copilot. Love my coach Catie and my interim coach while Catie is out for maternity leave. Love being able to move again. 10/10

[@anamireles7645]

Glad to see your trainer again! He seems lovely

[@kathrynbradley1264]

This is one of your most inspirational videos. Thank you!

[@jessherselfable]

I remember when you were handstanding the first time! It’s exciting to see you back at it! Also those are some Awesome Socks you and Chyna have.

[@HairyCheese]

The secret to learning is practicing success. Practice the bits you get good at and as you get to a milestone, then you can extend the time. The problem I've encountered over the past 53 years is repeating failure. You start getting good at failing. If you start with the most basic exercises you can build foundation. Strong foundation allows you to progress faster. Great video BTW 😂

[@nefertitimontoya]

This is such a wise comment

[@stitrock8595]

15:08 represents the best most fun part of working out to me. That weird moment when for a fraction of a second... you know success can happen. Ooooh

[@dinofrog926]

I am also learning this right now! Yeah, it takes more than a month to get it down :) Don’t give up though!

[@LuxisAlukard]

I like this video, something about that unusual inverted naration lying down is so cool!

[@MrTheHerder]

I love seeing "the format" is being updated and refined.

[@LordRostenl]

Tho you didn't achieve your goal in the 30 days as someone who watched when you 1st started to attempt to learn how to do a handstand I have to say the amount of progress you have made in just 30 days is very impressive and you should be proud of it. I know I'm proud of you and how far you've come. You'll get there one day I'm sure of it!

[@moxieboxie24]

I was there 13 years ago watching you do handstands each video! You can do it!

[@TReadsBooks]

this video unlocked a core memory of you doing a handstand at a DPC show and everyone (lovingly) freaking out about your wrists. I think I have a blurry 2011 photo of it, too. thank you for the memory! and your progress is wonderful to see :)

[@saturationstation1446]

right approach to use a wall for learning. some tips - you know how when we stand up and walk around , our balance instinctively centers around our hips and legs/knees? when you are doing a handstand you have to think of your shoulders and elbows as your new hips and knees. doing lots of pushup variations and isolation holds will help with that. also helps to have upper chest strength and coordination shored up. i found it easier to let my hip hinge towards my back when doing handstands but i have a different body size and shape so could just be me there

[@smilineyes_melanie]

TRY THIS!! ...In gymnastics we learned to look straight ahead(at the wall), not down (at the floor). TOTALLY changed my ability to balance / do a handstand. Then squeeze your shoulders tight, arms in and straight & straight & together legs - controlled hold makes for easy balance!

[@beththebubbly69]

2 notes: -really liked the editing of couch craig making faces while the sound of wallstand attempt #1 craig played over it -was just thinking of your old handstand thing and then you mentioned these exercises are a lot different than when you did that lmao

[@spalaum]

Loved the wind sound effect! Way to go man!

[@MsRakkatakka]

I was here when you were doing the first handstands. Man, what a great throwback to old Wheezy this video was. Loved it!

[@iRunningHunter]

As someone who has been unsuccessfully trying to walk on my hands for the better part of 3 years, I can say you put in a good effort! great work, Craig!

[@lauren_sunshine]

I’m sorry, its been how many years? *sighs in joint pain* It’s nice to know the handstand story will have a satisfying conclusion. 5 something seconds is already really impressive. I’ll be following along and cheering you on 👏🏾

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@mikaelaxelsson1099]

That clip of Chyna hitting your belly better be a reoccuring clip from now on!

[@TheRealKLT]

This video vicariously exhausted me, Craig. Good job.

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@Forcemaster2000]

You have improved by 1000%! You will achieve this goal!

[@priyamprasad3359]

This is the kind of inspiration we need!!

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@Smiles4lifepkn]

A great challenge and video. The wind sound effects with the legs away from the wall made me laugh every single time! 😂

[@samhblack]

Such a fantastically edited video! Funny as hell when the clock started and stopped everytime you touched the wall! I just turned 45 and I feel stale. Same thing everyday, not sure wth is going on half the time. Inspiring stuff!

[@nilssonschmillson5395]

BACK ON THE HANDSTAND GRIND! I remember you doing that like a decade ago 😉

[@siennadittmer2307]

good job! I've been working on trying to do one pull-up for a long time now and I do feel like working on pull-ups has increased my shoulder strength which then made my handstands easier. So maybe that's the next step.

[@TheParkourFencer]

Great job Weezy! You're getting there. I found shoulder stability and focusing on my balance point in my hands were the biggest factors for me.

[@AsiaThinks]

I've been watching since 2010, so this was like a wave of nostalgia. Craig, watch Tom Merrick on youtube, or any yogi teaching handstsnds! - Try to let your pelvis lead with the kick up, as opposed to your legs. Your pelvis becomes your new skull when upside down, so they should stack like they do when you stand normally. - You'd benefit from pushing through the armpits if that makes sense. Think about it as if your hands are now your feet, so your upper back becomes your glutes. - Also really active/engaged legs and feet assist greatly with stabilizing while you're finding balance. - I personally tuck one knee (think gluing your thigh to your ribcage) and extend the other. This will require hamstring flexibility and hip flexor strength. Good luck and keep up the good work!

[@suzannahkolbeck6973]

Also shoulder openers are great for opening up your chest/lungs.

[@julialist2447]

Thoroughly impressed. Would you consider doing a tour of homegym equipment (got it all once, one piece after the other, what did you spend, what do/don’t you use a lot)?

[@be6715]

As an older, fellow asthmatic, you're an inspiration! !

[@biteofdog]

I'm impressed, you kept at it and made a lot of progress in accomplishing your goal.

[@algotskog3577]

I was rooting so hard throughout the video! Great effort and I'm exited to see him succeed the goal

[@yrguitar1]

You've got this!!

[@handstandMAN]

I can totally relate. Great job man

[@Feealy]

Late to the party here but if you get Chyna to spot you again but stand to the side so she can help you straighten up in line with your head and shoulders, instead of just making sure you don’t fall - does that make sense? Great work so far though! To go from basically nothing to holding for 5 seconds?? That’s amazing! I did gymnastics for years as a kid and I could never hold for more than 5 or 6 seconds! Calm and confidence is also key, I find if you try clear your mind just before, roll your shoulders back to centre yourself and then go helps to bring your awareness back into yourself, instead of focusing on “GAH I can’t do it!” You’ll get there 😎

[@fugithegreat]

Dude you are doing great! Thanks for all the LOLs too.

[@LunaMail]

Wheezy, you have been such a hilarious inspiration since finding you! I used to do competitive gymnastics and loved being upside down (but it's been...15 years now?! D: !!! ) -- so when I saw CRAIG DOING HANDSTANDS, let's just say -- excitement ensued. Handstands are HARD, man. Great stuff. Awesome video!

[@pdxmonkee]

I can so relate to this😂 I’m 44 and started to learn how to handstand 3years ago and to this day I can’t go beyond 3 seconds! I just can’t find my balance!😂 looking forward for your first 10 seconds!

[@ggold3357]

As a Wisconsinite, I approve this shirt. Also, handstands have been on my physical bucket list for years... now I'm going to hit it. Thanks for the motivation!

[@BeefinOut]

This video teleported me straight back to high school, when I carefully tracked your original handstand challenge

[@Wakeofchaos25]

I mean this is the equivalent of a military press of your body weight where you just hold the bar above your head. It takes some strength to do that so it’s impressive to see you try just because you don’t seem like the athletic type who did sports in high school or whatever. Keep it up. I’m excited to see the additional videos.

[@kryxena]

You're awesome. You know what else is awesome? Those socks. The night and day ones are my favorite. I always love seeing someone else wearing them.

[@atikoma1553]

Jesus Christ the WheezyNews handstand video series is already 13 years old. I used to watch those every day.

[@Thunder029]

This is pretty inspiring. That looks hard.

[@jackiepenner-lourdes3374]

did not disappoint :)

[@emeebee3827]

wheezy!!! this is amazing!!

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@NonalignedVideos]

I love your videos. you naturally exude the perfect mix of humor and sincerity. neat trick

[@sgsax]

That was definitely pretty good. And way pretty gooder than I could do. Definitely accomplished somethig here. Thanks for sharing!

[@brasori]

This video motivated me to try learning handstands again, thanks Wheezy Waiter!

[@joywingfield708]

That made my shoulders hurt. But way to go! You're so close! Don't give up.

[@jaubury]

That is an epic amount of dedication and progress! Also this has to be one of my favourite vids you have done 😊

[@joemclean90]

My two cents for getting the balance; handstands are for me, mainly about where you put your weight in your hands. If you’re falling towards the wall, push with your fingertips. If you’re falling towards the floor, shift the weight to the heel of your palm. Generally I keep the weight just in my fingers when I’ve caught the handstand. It feels a bit like if you’re standing up and you lean forwards slightly so that you need to push off your toes to keep balance.

[@emilybrazzel6097]

Amazing work. I do believe he will meet the 10 sec goal soon. Afterwards for decades to come, I could totally see Craig insisting to his family that "could do handstand" makes it into his obituary.

[@Duifjaah]

I did gymnastics for about 20 years, but the last time was about 7 years ago. I just tried again and forgot how hard it actually is. I decided to also work to do 10 sec again.

[@JmmRelax]

👍

[@rosiehoy4736]

I am in awe😮

[@sanyo_neezy]

dat belly 🔥 Yo Wheeze, I've been here for over 10 years and watched probably 98-99% percent of videos on this channel and it's cool to see you finally tackling this. I'm excited to see you succeed at your 10s goal and CRUSH Geek Climbers 150-something days 😎

[@Bramble451]

I don't know about handstands, but I highly recommend headstands! They're a lot easier than handstands, and once you can do it, you can just chill there for as long as you want, and it's really relaxing!

[@Kitze]

amazing, kudos!

[@elderabby]

Way to go! 🎉 Keep up the great progress and maybe this winter storm we are having will help you stay in and out of boredom you'll do it! Snow day miracle!

[@mikeymad]

Big progress - congrats - and we need the outtakes from the belly slap -- Cheers

[@liquidgoldpictures]

You should check out ASH WATSON (British Gymnast + Guiness World Record holder + KZbinR) - maybe even do a second video with a zoom call to him as an expert... he even has a handstand course you could check out... also I think you guys would get along really well - he and his friends (also Gymnasts and Nile Wilson is even an OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST) are just awesome and they teach gymnastics to all kinds of people and make it look so fun :) Anyways, cool video as always XX

[@GeorgFuderer]

😅love the "inception hallway" also love the timer starting and restarting! 🤣👌🏽

[@unicorntamer2207]

Dude, I'm 29 and have always been sad I can't do a cartwheel. This was for reals inspiring.