If you're learning the handstand for calisthenics, you may have seen a lot of people doing the handstand with an arched back. I used to arch all the time, too. If the arching is not intentional, it ...

A healthy spine has a gentle arch or curve. Arching your back excessively can tighten the muscles and lead to discomfort. However, arching the spine for brief periods should not cause health problems.

Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. It’s easy to almost ...