A handstand is a gymnastics position where you balance upside down on your hands with your feet pointing straight up toward the ceiling. Your body forms a vertical line, just flipped: instead of standing on your feet, you're standing on your hands.

Learning to hold a handstand takes practice and strength. At first, most people need to kick up against a wall for support. Your arms have to stay straight and strong, your core muscles need to stay tight, and you have to find that exact point of balance where you're not tipping forward or backward. It's like balancing a broomstick upright on your palm, except you're the broomstick and your hands are doing the balancing.

Gymnasts, dancers, acrobats, and yoga practitioners all practice handstands. Some can hold the position for minutes, walk on their hands, or even do pushups upside down. Kids often try handstands during recess or in gym class, though it's wise to practice on soft grass or mats with an adult's guidance until you get the hang of it. The satisfaction of finally holding a steady handstand, even for just a few seconds, makes all those wobbly attempts worthwhile.