Akshay Kumar walks on his hands in throwback video: ‘Superman he is’

Actor Akshay Kumar recently shared a nostalgic throwback video of himself performing a handstand walk at a live event. The video was shared by Salil Acharya, a former actor and video jockey who recently wished Kumar a happy birthday. In the post, Salil expressed his admiration for Kumar's skills, saying, "Superman he is."

Handstand walks are considered a challenging exercise that requires a high level of fitness and body control. Unlike a stationary handstand, a walking handstand demands the individual to shift their body weight from one hand to the other while moving forward. This movement engages the shoulders, arms, and upper back, particularly the muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. The triceps, wrists, and forearms also play crucial roles in maintaining balance and controlling the movement.

According to consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal, moving handstands require exceptional coordination as the hands act as the body's "feet," supporting almost the entire body weight. A strong core is also essential to maintain proper alignment and prevent excessive arching in the lower back. Balancing these requirements, Goyal noted that handstand walking is an advanced skill that typically demands building up from basic strength exercises, plank variations, and wall-supported handstands before progressing to freestanding handstands.

While handstand walks offer numerous benefits for upper-body strength, shoulder stability, core control, balance, and body awareness, they are not an exercise suitable for beginners. Safety is a significant concern as improper falling can put stress on the wrists, shoulders, neck, and head. Goyal emphasized the importance of practising under supervision, in adequate space, and preferably with a wall or a trained coach to ensure safe progress.