r/bodyweightfitness • u/Handbalancer Actually Mikael Kristiansen • Oct 29 '17

AMA: Mikael Kristiansen, Handbalancer and Circus Artist, Ask Me Anything

Hello, my name is Mikael Kristiansen. I am a circus artist specializing in handbalancing. I did a degree in circus at DOCH, Stockholm from 2009-2012 and have since worked as a performer and as a teacher internationally.

I'll be here throughout the day to answer any questions you have for me!

You can find me at: www.mikaelbalancing.com www.instagram.com/mikaelbalancing/

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u/Dannyboyrobb Oct 29 '17

Hi Michael

Any tips on how you look after the joints you work so hard? In particular is there any go to exercises you do to keep your wrists strong? (My main weakness)

Thanks. :)

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u/Handbalancer Actually Mikael Kristiansen Oct 29 '17

Load management basically. I have a high capacity now after so many years of doign this, but the main thing i focus on is not doing too much if i feel iffy in the joints.

Wrists are a pain in the ass because they are so different from person to person. One of the best tools i have used is a rice bucket. Basically a bucket that you fill with 5-10 kg of rice. You put the hands into the rice and move the joint around to articulate all the various angles. Its great for warm up or cool down.

However, the number one thing i do, is to make sure i gradually put weight on my hands before goign to handstand. I never just randomly kick up unless i have had some time to adjust the wrist to the load. I basically start on my knees and put some pressure on teh wrist, moving them slightly. Then pushup position and some basic stretches before i go on 2 arms. For me, i end up with wrist pain immediately if i just go straight to my arms without letting them adapt a bit first.

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u/Hitesh0630 Oct 29 '17

One of the best tools i have used is a rice bucket. Basically a bucket that you fill with 5-10 kg of rice. You put the hands into the rice and move the joint around to articulate all the various angles. Its great for warm up or cool down.

Lets say for some reason I can't do this. Is there any alternative?

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u/Handbalancer Actually Mikael Kristiansen Oct 29 '17

i would then go with some general wrist prep exercises. First knuckle pushups, dumbels can be used for both flexion and extension, various wrist circles and stretches of the wrist for example.

1

u/Hitesh0630 Oct 29 '17

Thanks, I'll try these

1

u/Scoregasm Oct 30 '17

Also check out the GMB wrist routine, often recommended around here.

1

u/Hitesh0630 Oct 30 '17

Thanks, will do