If you've spent any time in the gymnastics or calisthenics world, you've probably seen athletes training on what look like a pair of short metal handles fixed to a base. Those are handstand canes — and if you're serious about taking your handstand training to the next level, they might just be the most important piece of equipment you invest in.
But what exactly are they, how do they work, and do you actually need them? Let's break it down.
What Are Handstand Canes?
Handstand canes (also called handstand bars or parallettes) are a pair of raised handles that you grip during handstand training instead of placing your hands flat on the floor. They typically sit between 10-30cm off the ground and are designed specifically to improve the quality, comfort, and safety of handstand practice.
They come in various heights and styles — from low parallettes used for floor-level work, to taller canes used for more advanced training and specific skill development.
How Do Handstand Canes Work?
When you place your hands flat on the floor for a handstand, your wrists are forced into full extension — bent back at 90 degrees. For many people, this position is uncomfortable, painful, or simply not achievable due to limited wrist flexibility.
Handstand canes solve this problem by allowing you to grip a handle instead, which keeps your wrists in a neutral, more comfortable position. This means:
- Less wrist strain — you can train for longer without discomfort
- Better grip — a handle gives you more control than a flat palm on the floor
- Greater range of motion — the elevation allows your shoulders to drop lower, improving your shoulder alignment and overall handstand shape
- More training options — canes open up exercises and progressions that simply aren't possible on the floor
Handstand Canes vs Handstand Blocks: What's the Difference?
You might be wondering how canes differ from handstand blocks. Here's a quick comparison:
- Handstand blocks are lower to the ground and provide a slightly elevated, stable surface. They're brilliant for beginners and for reducing wrist pressure during early handstand training. Our Balance Addicts Handstand Blocks are a great starting point
- Handstand canes are taller and provide a grippable handle, offering greater elevation, more wrist relief, and access to more advanced training progressions
Think of blocks as the natural first step, and canes as the progression once your handstand is developing and you want to push further.
Who Are Handstand Canes For?
Handstand canes are suitable for a wide range of athletes, including:
- Gymnasts looking to develop cleaner, stronger handstands
- Calisthenics athletes working towards one-arm handstands or advanced pressing skills
- Yoga practitioners who want to explore inversions more safely
- Anyone with wrist discomfort who struggles to train handstands on the floor
- Intermediate to advanced beginners who have a basic handstand and want to progress further
Do You Actually Need Handstand Canes?
Strictly speaking, no — you can train handstands without any equipment at all. But if you're serious about progressing, the answer is almost certainly yes.
Here's why:
- They make training more comfortable, which means you'll train more consistently
- They reduce injury risk by taking pressure off your wrists
- They unlock training progressions that aren't possible on the floor
- They improve your handstand shape by allowing better shoulder alignment
- They're a one-time investment that will last for years
The athletes who progress fastest in handstand training are almost always the ones using the right equipment. Canes aren't a shortcut — they're a smarter way to train.
Our Recommendation
Our Balance Addicts Pro Mini Handstand Canes are compact, lightweight, and designed for home and gym use. They're the perfect next step for anyone who's outgrown training on the floor or on blocks, and they're built to support your training for years to come.
For those looking for a full-size option, our Balance Addicts Handstand Canes offer greater height and stability — ideal for more advanced athletes who want maximum elevation and control.
If you're just starting out, our Balance Addicts Handstand Blocks are the ideal entry point — and all three work brilliantly together as your skills develop.
Take a look at our full range at balanceaddicts.com and find the right tools for your training level.
Happy training! 🤸♂️