Q&A for How to Do a Cartwheel

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Why can't I do a cartwheel?
    Tanya Berenson
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Tanya Berenson is a Gymnastics Instructor and the General Manager of the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. With over 25 years of professional gymnastics experience, Tanya has also served as a consultant to USA Gymnastics, has served as the USA World Maccabi Games Head Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and RAS counselor. She holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Nailing a cartwheel is all about confidence so just go out there and keep trying it. If your arms feel weak, you can do exercises to build up your strength or wear wrist braces.
  • Question
    How do you learn to do cartwheels if you're scared?
    Tanya Berenson
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Tanya Berenson is a Gymnastics Instructor and the General Manager of the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. With over 25 years of professional gymnastics experience, Tanya has also served as a consultant to USA Gymnastics, has served as the USA World Maccabi Games Head Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and RAS counselor. She holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Start by practicing hand stands to get comfortable being upside down. Additionally, work on your confidence because it's key to succeeding at cart wheels.
  • Question
    Is it possible to break my neck while trying a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    It is highly unlikely. If you are scared of doing a cartwheel, just know that your brain is thinking of the worst case scenario. Think of the positives instead: for example, you can show all your friends your cartwheel. Either way, you should try doing cartwheels on a soft surface first.
  • Question
    What if I am scared to do it because I think I am going to get hurt?
    Community Answer
    Practice a lot on a soft surface like carpet until you get it right. Then you will become confident enough to do it on no-soft surfaces. On a soft surface you won't get hurt very much if you fall, so it's fine. Have the courage to test your body to its limits and it'll take good care of your fears.
  • Question
    Is it possible to do a one handed cartwheel?
    Laura Leo
    Community Answer
    Yes. The only difference is that you'll lift your less dominant hand off the ground during steps 4 and 5. Before attempting this, make sure you have a strong cartwheel with good form.
  • Question
    Will knowing a cartwheel help with being able to do a handstand?
    Community Answer
    If you have your shoulders directly above your wrists in a handstand during a cartwheel, there should be no concern with kicking up to a regular handstand. If you aren't in a full straddle handstand during a cartwheel, try some against a wall.
  • Question
    I keep doing a round off and not a cartwheel. Any suggestions?
    Community Answer
    Round offs are a more advanced move than a cartwheel so you should be proud of what you have achieved. Get a spotter to help you stop at a cartwheel.
  • Question
    I can never get my legs straight in the air - do you have any tips?
    Magical Unicornz
    Community Answer
    Try squeezing your buttocks in, keeping your hands straight at all times, and pointing your toes.
  • Question
    How do I get over the fear of hurting myself?
    Community Answer
    Stay positive and remind yourself that you can do it. Start out on a softer surface like grass, that way you won't get hurt if you fall.
  • Question
    Do my hands need to be strong to do cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Practice handstands with the help of a wall and a pillow to get prepared.
  • Question
    Do I have to know how to do a handstand in order to do a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    No, you just have to be fit and flexible. Don't worry if you don't get it the first time. It takes lots of practice.
  • Question
    What can I do if I can't get my legs up, but I can do the basics?
    Community Answer
    Anyone can get their legs up! Normally, if you don't have your legs up, it's because you aren't confident -- so try to gain some confident and it should be fine. Try practicing handstands to help with this skill.
  • Question
    Can I do this even if I am a little overweight?
    Community Answer
    Yes, certainly, as long as you are fit and flexible.
  • Question
    Why do we need to stretch our body?
    Community Answer
    You need to stretch out your body in order to make sure that you don't pull any muscles, tear any ligaments, etc. Doing this will also help you while doing the cartwheel as you will be able to more your legs with greater freedom.
  • Question
    Are there any extra tips for those who still can't do one?
    Community Answer
    Try going to gymnastics classes or do a lot of muscle building and conditioning. Mastering the handstand will also help with cartwheels. Soon enough, you'll be stronger than ever before!
  • Question
    How do you get enough strength for a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Try to learn a handstand. If you keep practicing that, in time, you will be strong enough to do a cartwheel.
  • Question
    How do I not bend my legs?
    Community Answer
    People tend to bend their legs because they're afraid to bump into something. Try to practice in a wide-open area.
  • Question
    I can't get my hands up quick enough. Am I doing it wrong?
    Community Answer
    Try doing it slowly at first. The problem might be you are rushing into the cartwheel.
  • Question
    How much time does it take, and how do I lift my legs in the air?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how much you practice and how naturally it comes to you; everyone is different. Try to lift your legs against the wall first see how much you need to push.
  • Question
    How do I become flexible enough to do a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Stretch and flex your arms and your legs. Practice running up to a wall, and placing your hands on it and kick your good leg up as high as you can as fast as you can. This helps stretch your legs and prepares then for a cartwheel.
  • Question
    Why does my leg hurt after I do a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    You should stretch beforehand to avoid this.
  • Question
    If I have a thin carpet in the living room, do I still have a chance of getting hurt?
    Community Answer
    There is always a slim chance of getting hurt no matter what because you can fall on your arm or hurt yourself. However, you could also walk out the door and slip over too -- life has its risks. The thin carpet might help, but you could add some pillows, cushions and blankets if you're worried. The main thing is to not have obstructions in the way, such as furniture or objects.
  • Question
    How do I keep my legs straight? I try pointing them but it just doesn't work as well.
    Community Answer
    Try doing a pike stretch first and really squeeze the muscle right above your knees on both legs. Do it often. Then do a cartwheel. Once you touch your hands, really squeeze that same muscle. The cartwheel will get perfected when you do it lots of times. That's called muscle memory.
  • Question
    How can I do a cartwheel if I'm not flexible?
    Community Answer
    Keep practicing and you will eventually manage to do one. You can watch YouTube videos for advice.
  • Question
    Is it possible to do a cartwheel if I'm not flexible?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I am not flexible and I can do a cartwheel. It might take a bit longer to finish off the cartwheel, you normally will do a round off.
  • Question
    Coud I do a cartwheel on a big trampoline?
    Community Answer
    This is going to be a difficult surface because it isn't stable.
  • Question
    Do I need to have strong arms to do a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the stronger your arms are, the better chance of having a stronger form.
  • Question
    How do I not arch my back while doing a cartwheel?
    Community Answer
    Your best bet is to try it with a spotter for a short time until you're no longer arching your back.
  • Question
    How do I do a cartwheel if I end up sitting on the ground?
    Community Answer
    Right when you go to your hands, give a strong push, then keep your legs straight and land on one foot.
  • Question
    Will squeezing your butt help you balance?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this will help with balance and will also help keep your legs straight. Also engage those core muscles!
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article