17d • Training 💪
🐦 Crow Won’t Get You A Handstand
A very common belief in calisthenics is that you must learn crow pose before learning a handstand.
This sounds logical… but it is actually not true.
Crow pose is a fantastic skill with real benefits.
It is just not a requirement for the handstand.
Let’s break down where it helps… and where it doesn’t.
🤔 Why People Think Crow Leads To Handstands
Both skills involve balancing on your hands, so it feels like a natural progression.
But the body positions are completely different.
Crow Pose:
• Bent arms
• Knees resting on elbows
• Lower center of gravity
• Minimal shoulder mobility required
Handstand:
• Straight arms
• Full body alignment
• High center of gravity
• Requires shoulder mobility and core positioning
• Requires awareness of multiple body segments
You can master crow pose and still struggle with handstands because the balance mechanics are very different.
🎯 If Your Goal Is A Handstand
You are better off training movements that place your body in handstand-like positions, such as:
• Pike holds
• Elevated pike holds
• Wall-supported handstands
• Kick-up balance drills
These teach the exact mechanics your body needs.
Crow pose teaches balance… but not the specific balance pattern required for handstands.
🐒 Why Crow Pose IS Still Worth Learning
Even though it is not required, crow pose has huge value.
✅ It Builds Balance Confidence
You learn how to shift weight into your hands safely.
✅ It Teaches Micro Progressions
Crow pose shows how bodyweight skills improve through tiny adjustments instead of large jumps.
✅ It Helps With Combo Skills
Crow transitions are common in:
• Crow → Handstand
• Crow → Headstand
• Crow → L-sit
• Crow → Planche progressions
✅ It Helps Develop Wrist & Arm Awareness
Which transfers well into many other upper-body skills.
⚠️ When Crow Pose Might Not Be The Priority
Crow pose might not be your main focus if:
• Your main goal is handstand mastery
• Your wrists or elbows are overloaded
• Your training already includes heavy pushing and balancing work
Remember, skill training still creates fatigue, especially in tendons and joints.
🗓️ When To Train Crow Pose
Crow pose works best when treated like a short skill practice, not a full workout.
Good options include:
• Skill or movement days
• Handstand practice days
• Push-focused training days
• Combo or play sessions
Keep it short and intentional:
• 1 to 2 minutes of focused practice
• Max 5 minutes total
More time does not always equal faster progress with balance skills.
🧠 The Bigger Lesson
Crow pose represents something important in hybrid calisthenics:
You do not need every skill to unlock another skill.
Some skills are:
• Foundations
• Connectors
• Expression skills
• Exploration tools
Crow pose falls more into the exploration and transition category.
And honestly… it is just a fun skill to have.
📞 Book A Call (If You Want Help Structuring Skills)
If you are unsure:
• Which skills to focus on
• How to structure strength vs skill days
• How to avoid wrist or elbow overload
• How to progress toward handstands or advanced skills
I offer free clarity / strategy calls where we map out your next steps.
This is NOT a sales call.
It is simply a coaching conversation to help you train smarter and safer.
👉 Book here:
5:54
9
21 comments
🐦 Crow Won’t Get You A Handstand
skool.com/awesome-ninja-fitness
Master bodyweight strength, skills like handstands & muscle-ups. Build strength, movement, and control while unlocking your full potential! 💪🔥
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
🔥
+657
2
🔥
+543
3
🔥
+525
4
+396
5
+390
Powered by