kipping-handstand-push-up

kipping-handstand-push-up
English Name Kipping Handstand Push-up
Difficulty Advanced
Exercise Types push, dynamic
Primary Muscle (EN) Anterior Deltoid

💠 Exercise guide

The handstand push-up kipping is one of the most advanced and challenging movements in the world of CrossFit and bodyweight training. This exercise combines the skill of maintaining an inverted position (handstand), shoulder pressing strength, and the smart use of lower-body momentum (kipping) to boost efficiency. The technique allows athletes to use the drive from their legs to better manage the intensity of the movement and perform more repetitions.

💠 How to perform the exercise

kipping-handstand-push-up

Preparation

✅ Stand facing a wall and move into a handstand position with your feet resting against it.
✅ Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, pressing your palms firmly into the floor.
✅ Keep your core engaged so your body stays in a straight line.
✅ Bend your legs slightly and get ready to push off.

Execution method

✅ Start from the top position with your arms fully extended.
✅ Slowly bend your elbows and lower your body until your head comes close to the ground.
✅ Bend your legs downward, bringing your knees toward your core.
✅ At the lowest point, explosively kick your legs upward.
✅ At the same time, push through your hands to return your body back up.
✅ Return to the starting position and repeat the movement.

Coaching tips and recommendations

✔ Controlling the bottom phase of the movement (near the floor) is crucial; never let your head hit the ground.
✔ Kipping should be performed with rhythm and control; uncontrolled kicks can cause your body to swing.
✔ Always train on a safe surface, and if needed, place a soft pad under your head.
✔ Use your core strength to stabilize your body position, not just the momentum of your legs.
✔ If you struggle with proper execution, start by practicing the Strict Handstand Push-Up first.

Benefits of the exercise

Functional Shoulder Strengthening
This exercise places the main load on the anterior deltoid, and since it engages the entire body weight, it serves as an effective movement for building practical shoulder strength.

Improved Core and Lower-Body Coordination
By incorporating kipping, this exercise enhances the coordination between the core muscles and the legs—a key factor in performing many dynamic movements effectively.

Enhanced Balance and Spatial Awareness
The inverted position and the need to maintain stability on your hands help strengthen the balance system, improve mental focus, and develop proprioception.

Development of Explosive Power
The leg drive and force transfer from the lower body to the upper body enhance explosive strength and improve power transfer throughout the kinetic chain.

Ideal for CrossFit Competitions and High-Performance Training
This exercise is widely used in standard CrossFit competitions and is highly effective for athletes seeking to improve their performance in multi-dimensional movements.

Mental and Technical Foundation for Advanced Inverted Movements
Mastering this exercise builds the confidence and preparedness needed for more advanced skills such as free handstands, wall walks, and handstand wall balls.

💠 Muscles engaged in the movement

In the handstand push-up kipping movement, the primary active muscle is the anterior deltoid. However, for coordinated and safe execution, a group of synergistic and stabilizing muscles are also engaged. The legs and hips are used explosively to accelerate the movement, indirectly involving several additional muscles.

Main muscles

Anterior Deltoid Muscle
Anterior Deltoid

Synergistic muscles

Triceps
Triceps Brachii
Clavicular pectoralis (upper chest)
Pectoralis Major, Clavicular Head
Lateral deltoid
Lateral Deltoid
Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Trapezius
Trapezius
Serratus Anterior
Serratus Anterior

Stabilizers

Levator Scapulae
Levator Scapulae

Dynamic stabilizers

Biceps Brachii
Biceps Brachii
dumbbell shoulder press muscle worked 300x300 1

Deltoid Muscle

Deltoideus Muscle

🔹 The deltoid muscle is one of the most important and voluminous muscles of the shoulder region. Its primary function is to move the arm in various directions and stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to its triangular shape, it is named “deltoid,” derived from the Greek word “Δέλτα” (delta), meaning triangle.

🔹 The deltoid muscle is divided into three distinct heads, each playing a specific role in shoulder movement. The anterior head assists in forward motions and arm flexion, the middle head is responsible for abduction and lifting the arm, and the posterior head supports extension and movements behind the body. This muscle is essential for the stability and strength of the shoulder joint, and its weakness can lead to limited range of motion, reduced shoulder power, and an increased risk of injury.

Deltoid Muscle

Triceps Brachii Muscle

Triceps Brachii Muscle

The triceps brachii is one of the strongest muscles at the back of the arm, primarily responsible for elbow extension and generating power in pushing movements. This three-headed muscle (long, medial, and lateral heads) is located on the back of the arm and attaches to the ulna bone in the forearm.

✅ Why is this muscle important?
✔ The sole muscle responsible for elbow extension and essential in strength movements.
✔ Stabilizes the elbow and shoulder joints during pressing exercises like the bench press.
✔ Directly impacts strength gains in bodybuilding, gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting.

Triceps brachii muscle

Pectoralis major muscle

Pectoralis major Muscle

The pectoralis major is one of the most important muscles of the chest, located at the front of the thorax. It is responsible for various shoulder movements such as adduction, rotation, and elevation of the arm. This muscle plays a key role in pushing exercises like the bench press and push-ups. Strengthening the pectoralis major enhances upper body power, improves chest aesthetics, and increases stability during strength training.

Pectoralis Major

Trapezius muscle

Trapezius Muscle

The trapezius muscle is one of the most important superficial back muscles, extending from the occipital region to the middle of the back. It plays a key role in shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and neck motions. Strengthening this muscle improves shoulder endurance, reduces neck pain, and enhances overall posture.

Trapezius muscle

Muscle training

Pelank is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the body’s muscles, providing an accurate and scientific review of all muscles. Below, you can find muscle groups. By clicking on each muscle group, you will have access to complete information about it, including:

1️⃣ Basic information about the muscle
2️⃣ Muscle anatomy
3️⃣ Muscle physiology
4️⃣ Innervation and blood supply
5️⃣ Importance of the muscle in the body and sports
6️⃣ Strengthening exercises
7️⃣ Scientific and interesting facts

📌 At the end, a summary review of each muscle will be provided.

Body muscles training guide link

🔹 The muscle group engaged in this movement is highlighted in color.

References

Anatomy and medical books :

Sports and training references :

  • Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
  • Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
  • Well-known articles and training programs by international coaches

Medical databases :

  • PubMed (for scientific and research articles)
  • MedlinePlus (health and medical information)
  • WebMD (for practical and general health information)

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