The 3 Levels of Handstand Training:
Which Level Are You On?

Learning to handstand isn’t one big leap — it’s a clear, progressive journey. Whether you’re brand-new to going upside down or already practicing balance drills, knowing your exact level helps you train safely, build confidence, and see faster results.

Here’s a breakdown of the three stages of handstand training and how to know which one you’re in.

LEVEL 1 — “New to Handstands”
(Private Coaching Recommended)

You’re here if:

• You can’t yet kick up into a handstand against the wall

• You feel scared or unsure about going upside down

• You don’t know where to start with strength or mobility

• You want hands-on guidance and a personalized plan

At this stage, the goal isn’t to “balance” — the goal is to build the foundation your body needs to feel safe upside down. In Level 1 we focus on:

• Wrist prep

• Shoulder strength & stability

• Core engagement

• Hamstring flexibility

• Fear management + spotting

• Intro drills

• First kick-up attempts with support

Why this level is private coaching only:
Everyone’s starting point and fears are different. Private coaching lets me tailor drills, spot you safely, and quickly get you strong and confident enough to join group classes.

This level can take some time, because you’re building the strength, flexibility, and body awareness needed for advanced skills. Think of it as personal training—gymnast style! I recommend training 2–3 times per week for the best progress.

LEVEL 2 — "Can kick up to the wall but not free-standing"
(Handstand Foundations Group Class)

You’re here if:

• You can kick up to the wall (even if it’s messy or inconsistent)

• You want to feel safer and more controlled upside down

• You’re ready to learn how to cartwheel out

• You want structure, cues, and repetition

The goal of Level 2 is to make handstands feel repeatable — not lucky, not scary, not chaotic.

In Handstand Foundations, we focus on:

• Alignment & technique

• Wall drills with purpose

• Core + shoulder strength specific to handstands

• Mobility for better line shaping

• How to cartwheel out safely every time

Once you can kick up under control and cartwheel out, you’re ready for Level 3.

LEVEL 3 — "Can kick-up into a free-standing handstand and cartwheel out"
(Handstand Lab Group Class)

You’re here if:

• You can kick up consistently

• You can cartwheel out confidently

• You want to start balancing and flowing through different shapes

Handstand Lab is where we get into the artistry and precision of handbalancing. Here we work on:

• Balance holds

• Freestanding drills

• Different entries

• Line refinement

• Strength for pressing + future progressions

• Shoulder endurance

• Body awareness and micro-corrections

This is where handstands become art.

Classes vs Private Coaching — Which One Do You Need?

Private Coaching is best if:

• You’re brand new and can’t kick up yet

• You feel nervous being upside down

• You need hands-on spotting

• You want faster progress

• You prefer a personalized plan

Group Classes are best if:

• You can already kick up to the wall

• You love a fun, supportive community

• You want structure + consistent practice

• You’re ready to build toward balancing

Most students move between both over time — starting with private sessions, joining Foundations, and eventually leveling up to Handstand Lab with private lessons still sprinkled in.

Ready to Start Training?

👉🏼 Sign up for private coaching here:
https://www.saltcitycalisthenics.com/personal-training-calisthenics-slc

👉🏼 Book Handstand Foundations or Handstand Lab here:
https://saltcitycalisthenics.as.me/schedule/fb62d5ad?template=class

P.S. Not in Utah? You can still train with me.
The strength, flexibility & drills I teach in all three handstand levels is inside my Gymnast Method Online Program. If you’re working toward a handstand but can’t come to class, this is where to start. 👉🏼 Get the program here.