The first time I heard about doing handstand underwater I didn’t think it was a good idea. But since then I’ve changed my mind.
Let’s look at some of the benefits and drawbacks.
Why should you do handstands underwater? The balance will be easier. Because the water has a greater resistance then the air your body will not fall out of position as quickly and you’ll have an easier time correcting it.
This can also be made progressive by having your body less and less underwater. In the beginning, if you have a pool deep enough you can be completely submerged, but as you improve your legs will stick out more. This is where a nice sloping pool would come in handy.
The main drawback I see is that you won’t be able to breathe, so unless you’re also working to improve how long you can hold your breath you won’t last too long.
Also you have to be careful to still maintain all the body position and everything you’re going for with an underwater handstand, like you would in a real handstand.
So yes you can add in underwater handstands to how you practice but I wouldn’t make it the only thing you do. For more info be sure to check out my handstand getting system.
