'Hand walking' is an unusual
bipedal form of
human locomotion, in which the
walker moves primarily using their
hands. Before one can begin this method of motion, a
handstand position must be attained and maintained, which requires good
upperbody pressing
strength in the
deltoids and
triceps, as well as a heightened sense of
balance and
spatial awareness.
Hand walking is often used to keep balance in a free handstand (without a wall), and due to the shifting balance, for brief periods all the weight is held on one arm. It is an easier sort of acrobatic maneuver that is more easily learned than free one-armed handstands. Like any complex skill it requires practise to master efficient movement and develope adequate endurance. Unlike normal walking, the body is inverted so bloodflow to the brain will be much greater. Some arch their backs more while doing this to achieve equilibrium and keep their balance due to the forward and back swaying. Once balance is attained, handwalking can be done with different leg like the side/front splits, straddle, and/or flexed knees.
See also
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Johann Hurlinger
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Terrestrial locomotion in animals