Handstand Push Ups: Why They Rock (And How to Start Doing Them)

handstand push ups

If you’re like most people I know, then then there’s a high probability that of the hundreds of different exercises we do during 12 Minute Athlete workouts, handstand push ups intimidate you the most.

Maybe they’re so intimidating that you’ve never even tried them, and have a habit of skipping any workouts where they’re included.

In fact, you probably think they’re near impossible — that they’re only for gymnast types with insanely broad shoulders, and strong, compact bodies.

But let me tell you a secret: you can do handstand push ups.

I don’t care how strong you are, how long your arms are (my nickname for years was spaghetti arms, so I can relate), how unbalanced and uncoordinated you are.

Unless you have a shoulder injury or something else actually prohibiting you from standing upside down, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t do handstand push ups.

Because here’s the thing: you don’t have to be superhuman to do handstand push ups. And just like anything else, you can break them down into progressions that will eventually lead you to working the full thing.

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100 Burpees Challenge

Continuing on yesterday’s burpee theme, today we’re going to do a 100 burpee time challenge workout.

Go as fast as you can, and make sure and write down your time—you can be sure we’ll do this workout again in the future.

Now GO!

 

Workout equipment:

Workout type: Challenge

Timer setting: Stopwatch

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Daredevil AMRAP Challenge Workout

Workout equipment:

Workout type: AMRAP

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Kick-Ass No Equipment Challenge Workout

 

Workout equipment:

Workout type: AMRAP

Workout time: 10 minutes

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Endless Burpees and V Ups Challenge Workout

  Workout equipment: Workout type: Challenge Time: ? Complete the following in any order: 100 100 —————————————————— Make sure and write down your time for today’s workout. We’ll be sure to do this one again in the future! Did you do this workout?

Killer Bodyweight HIIT Workout

 

Workout equipment:

Workout type: 16 minute

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Extra Special Valentine's Day Workout

Valentine's Day workout

This Valentine’s Day, forget the chocolates and flowers (ok, maybe keep the chocolates…).

If you want to get closer to your significant other on this annoyingly romantic holiday, work out together!

Because it’s true:

“Couples who train together stay together.”

And it makes sense, right?

Working out together is fun and challenging, and also reassures the other person that you’ll make an effort to stay fit and healthy throughout your life and not just let yourself go.

Plus, exercising releases a flood of endorphins, which will make you happier (and less likely to argue) all day long.

So before your romantic dinner tonight (or, if you’re single, your dinner alone or party with your other single friends… I’ve been there!), grab your lover or your friend and put your heart into this workout together.

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Finally: Watch a Full 12 Minute Athlete Workout in Action

All right, I did it.

I finally filmed a full length 12 Minute Athlete video.

I’d been putting it off for some time because… well, as you know… these workouts are hard.

Staying pretty and sweat-free just isn’t an option when doing this kind of ass-kicking HIIT.

But that’s OK. Because I wanted you to see exactly how hard I work… how much I sweat… and how exhausting but incredibly effective these workouts actually are.

My hope? That it’ll motivate you to work even harder. Sweat like you’ve never sweated before. Push till your muscles burn like fire. Jump till your legs won’t even lift off the ground.

Work hard. I do.

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Friday Challenge Workout

lunges

 

Workout equipment:

Workout type: Challenge
Time: ?

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Friday Challenge Workout

 

Workout equipment:

Workout type: Challenge
Workout time: ?

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