I want to learn how to do a handstand.
I recall there used to have gym classes during the usual PE slots at some point way back in Secondary School where we were trained in stuff like these – backward flips, headstands, handstands and what-have-yous.
So, how I used to do a ‘handstand’ (in apostrophes, because I wouldn’t call those proper handstands) back then was to attempt a flip by supporting both hands on the ground and flinging both legs upwards – and two people will be on standby to grab them.
Unfortunately, due to the short duration of those ‘gym classes’ (they lasted only about 4-5 weeks, or 4-5 forty-minute PE sessions per week), we never ventured beyond attempting handstands without having anyone grabbing our legs.
What I can do now is err … I don’t know what to call it. It’s like a partial handstand – with one hand and one leg supporting my body weight instead of both hands.
Like so.
Taken in Perth, Australia in May 2009 – when I had short hair.
(No, don’t look at the bronze fella’s awesome handstand. Always pay attention to the underdog, I say!)
I attempt this all the time – at home when I’m bored, and especially in pictures when I’m in one of those quirky moods. You might have seen me attempt them in front of you, or you might also have seen me fall over in the process of doing one. (Pokes Ivy, Dayna and Cherlynn at this point.)
But, I want to do a proper handstand.
Just like that bronze fella you see in the above picture.
For obvious reasons, a couple of friends who have heard my plans are not too supportive (and rightly so too) about it, but I still want to try it anyway.
Just one successful handstand is enough to make me very happy.
Handstands, anyone?
