Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: The first beginning
• Method 2 of 3: The side cartwheel
• Method 3 of 3: The forward cartwheel

The cartwheel is a basic gymnastic skill that gives you a strong upper body and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced movements. There are two basic types: the sideways and the forward cartwheels. At the side cartwheel you start and end in the same direction. While this type of cartwheel is easier for the beginner, the forward, or also known as the classic cartwheel (where you turn in the movement), is the traditional cartwheel that you encounter in gymnastics. If you want to know how to do a cartwheel, take the following steps.

To step

Method 1 of 3: The first beginning

1. Stretch. It is important to stretch your muscles before you start or you run the risk of straining or tearing a muscle. To prepare for a cartwheel, it's important to stretch your wrists, ankles, hamstrings, and inner thigh muscles by straddling and touching the floor in front of you. Take a moment to stretch your wrists by pushing your fingers back with your palms facing away from you. Stretch your ankles by twisting them in circles and twist with your shoulders and neck. Do this for a few minutes and you are good to go.
2. Make sure there is enough space for the exercise. Exercising on the beach, in a park, on a lawn, or on a large gym mat, you have plenty of room for this movement. It is also best to learn it on a soft surface, such as a mat or thick carpet. If practicing indoors is your only option, keep all furniture out of the way, and that all wires, books, lamps, etc. Not only can this get in the way, but it also causes you to be too careful when performing the movement.
3. Imagine a straight line on the ground. Both feet should be on that line; during the cartwheel, place your hands on that line, just in front of your leading foot.

Method 2 of 3: The side cartwheel

1. Get into the correct position. Look to the side instead of towards the cartwheel. Spread your feet just a little wider than your hips and extend your arms above your head with the palms facing forward. Keep your elbows straight so they don't fold over while doing the cartwheel, and make sure to bend your wrists back as soon as they hit the ground.
2. Decide whether to cartwheel left or right. Make this decision depending on what feels most comfortable to you. This does not necessarily mean that you choose your right hand because you are right-handed, but because this is easier for you.
3. Point one foot in the direction of movement. Turn the other foot out slightly for better balance.
4. Look at the place in front of you where your hands will come. This gives you control over the direction and prevents you from becoming disoriented.
5. Place your left hand on the floor in front of you as you initiate a handstand. After positioning the left foot, swing your left arm down and place the left hand on the floor just past the point where your foot is pointing.During this movement, your right leg rises. Your right hand lands on the floor just after your left hand, at a distance of about a shoulder width, and takes the left leg with you.
6. Place your right hand and throw your legs spread in the air. Push yourself off with force so that your legs are off the ground. You balance your body on your arms, with your shoulder and core providing support. You come out in a handstand, with your legs spread. Remember, you don't have to hold this position - the cartwheel should take no more than 3-4 seconds, so there is no time to come to a stop during the move. It's not as difficult as it looks (or sounds).
   • Your hands should be straight, firm and balanced.
   • Place your hips above your shoulders and keep your body as straight as possible.
7. Land on your non-leading foot. As the hand you started with comes off the ground, the opposite leg should swing down over your other hand, which is on the imaginary line. Once that foot is firmly on the ground, the second hand will lift off the ground as your other leg swings down. Remember that when you bring both legs to the floor, your knees should be slightly bent.
8. Remember the rule of thumb for the side cartwheel: hand, hand, foot, foot. So first one hand, then the other, then one foot, followed by the other. This is the basic formula for this cartwheel.
9. Practice this cartwheel as often as you can. It will take hard work and persistence to execute the movement perfectly, but this won't be a problem if you put in enough energy. Once you've mastered this cartwheel, you can build on it by doing the forward classic cartwheel. Some people even start with the latter form, as this is the standard in gymnastics, but it is a bit more difficult to learn.

Method 3 of 3: The forward cartwheel

1. Start with a lunge. Stand in a lunge position, arms extended overhead with palms facing forward. The foot that you put in front is the foot that leads, so choose the foot that you feel most comfortable with. As you lean forward, your body should be in a straight line from fingertips to heels.
2. Picture the imaginary line right in front of you. This helps guide your hands and feet. When preparing the cartwheel, turn your shoulders slightly to the side.
3. Plant your leading hand on the ground in front of you as you initiate a handstand. Start the cartwheel with the arm on the same side as your leading leg. For example, if you are leading with your right foot, swing your right arm down until you can place your hand a reasonable distance in front of your right foot. During this movement, your opposite leg will rise. Swing your back up and push off with your leg to support the movement.
4. Swing the other hand down, a few inches past the leading hand, on the imaginary line. Ensure proper continuation of the movement, with the first hand perpendicular to the imaginary line, but the second parallel, pointing to the first hand. As your second arm swings down, the opposite leg (the leading leg) comes up.
5. Spread your legs in the air. With both hands on the floor, your entire weight balances on your arms, with your shoulder and core providing support. You come out in a handstand, with your legs spread. Remember, you don't have to hold this position - the cartwheel should take no more than 3-4 seconds, so there is no time to come to a stop during the move. It's not as difficult as it looks (or sounds).
   • From this point on, it can help to complete the cartwheel by pretending to come out of a handstand.
6. Use your arms to push yourself off the ground. This is a sudden movement, where the hand pointing inward comes out well. When you shoot off the ground, your outstretched legs swing down from the hips.
7. Straighten your body and return to a lunge with your legs swinging downward. You should now keep your arms above your body and look in the opposite direction of your starting position.
8. Do a small backward jump on the landing. This keeps you in balance and gives the end of your cartwheel something elegant. Your front foot should be a comfortable distance from your back foot, front knee bent.