Pullups and Handstands
One of my resolutions for 2013 is to be able to do 3 unassisted pull-ups. I have yet to do ONE without the help of bands. Grrrr, it’s so darn frustrating!
So I bought an at-home pull-up bar and the rule is every time I walk past it I have to do a pull-up. Of course, it’s a jumping pull-up, but it’s a pull-up none the less. I figure that has to be worth something? 
Plus, C is really into it, too. He can do one pull-up already, but wants to be able to do 5 (and show his mom up, obviously).
Showoff. 
But once we started doing handstands at Crossfit, I really got into those, too. The first time we did them, we had to do 2 minutes total and record the number of attempts it took us to get to 2 minutes. I think it took me 3? And the next time we had to do 3 minutes total. It’s definitely harder than it sounds!
So I started practicing. After class I always have J time me to see how long I can last.
I started at 50 seconds.
And yesterday I made it 1 minute and 25 seconds before I collapsed. Every second matters!
My goal is to get to 2 minutes. And then I want to be able to do them without the wall (but I’m sure it’ll be awhile before that happens!).
For now I’m just trying to get better and stronger every day. I’m really hoping this is my year for strength.
Anyone have any tips for pull-ups and/or handstands? What are you working on right now?
Oh, and the winner of the No Fibber Bib Sticker is Katie!! Katie, email me your new address and I’ll get it out to you asap!
I totally want to work on pullups! Great goals
Forget planking a day, head standing a day is where it’s at! That’s great that you’re already holding it for nearly a minute and a half.
Don’t be afraid to practice away from the wall: you’ll get used to having the wall there and then will train yourself to overshoot your balance point – instead of just shooting for the sweet spot in the first place.
If You find a trick (err method) to building up to do a pull-up …please share! I have never been able to do one!
Andy just got one of those at-home pull-up bars! We played this game last night that anytime we went into the kitchen we had to do, or try to do, one pull-up. You guys should try it sometime while you’re watching a movie or something. I’m determined to do five but not sure what my deadline will be. I’m going to try and do at least one every day for two weeks and then try and do two.
I have no tips on pull-up since I also cannot even get one. Get it girl!!
Ugh – I still can’t do unassisted pull ups either. I was getting a lot closer when I had access to a gym. They had an assisted machine so I would practice. Definitely stronger back for it!
Oh my gosh! I’ve been trying chin ups, pull ups any kind of ups for years. I just don’t have the upper body strength. It seems that shorter, stocky people can do them easily. Me…I am resolved in the fact that I need assitance to do even one.
Good luck though. I’m sure you’ll get it.
As for handstands – LOVE THEM! Did you know they are really good after a hard run or race? They redirct the build up of lactate acid.
I can’t do pull ups/chin ups. Gosh, I really need to work on that!
My tip for handstands is to squeeze everything from your butt to your toes.The tighter you are the less chance you have to wiggle and lose balance. The more you do it the better it gets.
you are so strong!! Bad ass too