How to Cartwheel
Practicing cartwheels can increase your shoulder strength and prepare you for demanding movements like the Handstand. This advanced exercise also helps improve flexibility in the hips and shoulders.
How to Cartwheel - the correct execution
- Start from a standing position and go to the start position for a cartwheel
- Put your hands side by side on a line
- Fingers of both hands point in the same direction
- Your legs remain stretched in the wheel
- Make sure your legs land on a line, like your starting position!
The exercise Cartwheel is intended to be used as a technique exercise.
Which muscles are trained by Cartwheel?
Secondary trained muscles for Cartwheel
Forearm - The forearm muscles are divided into flexors and extensors. The flexors bend your wrist, while the extensors straighten it.
Triceps - The triceps brachii muscle is located at the back of your upper arm. It extends your arm at the elbow and also helps move the arm backward.
Front Delts - The front part of the deltoid muscle, also known as the anterior shoulder, is located at the front of the shoulder. It is primarily involved in the forward movement of the arm, such as lifting the arm forward. It also assists in the internal rotation of the arm. This muscle is engaged in activities that involve lifting objects in front of the body or pushing forward.
Adductors - The adductors are muscle groups in the thigh that help bring your legs together. They stabilize your pelvis while walking and standing and also assist in movements like crossing your legs.
Alternative variants of How to Cartwheel:
Monkey lvl 2
This exercise primarily focuses on strengthening your shoulders and is perfect for beginners who want to learn the cartwheel.
Monkey lvl 2 - the correct execution
- Squat down and place your hands spread beside you
- Make sure that your arms are fully extended
- Jump up so that your upper body is in extension of your arms
- Try to make the flight phase slow
- Push out strongly from your arms
- Land quietly and controlled with both legs at the same time
- Each jump counts as one repetition
Small Cartwheel
With this exercise, you specifically strengthen your shoulders and optimally prepare yourself for the more complex cartwheel.
Small Cartwheel - the correct execution
- Start from a standing position and go to the start position for a cartwheel
- Put your hands side by side on a line
- Fingers of both hands point in the same direction
- Keep your hips and knees slightly bent on the wheel
- Make sure your legs land on a line, like your starting position!
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