Ayesha pole move... which grip to start with?

Meg Smith started this discussion · 10/22/2013

Hello all :-) need some advice. Which grip should I learn first for the ayesha? I'm.5ft 7 and find elbow grip is making me lean back far to much if that makes sense?? The forearm grip . I just can't do at all. And the split grip I can do but when it comes to taken legs off pole I have 0 balance..... Is that because I am trying the wrong grip type or not got the strength or is it just balance? Any help would be great :-)

12 replies

Paunobs · 10/22/2013
I started with split grip, not sure how long you have been poling but it took me about 18months before I started getting the core strength and balance to get it! Work with a mat , keep your knees on the pole in the beginning work on your balance try letting go of the pole with your knees go slow then slowly try opening your legs! It will come don't give up. :-)
Paunobs · 10/22/2013
I'm 5ft 11 and I need to lean way out in elbow grip I still find it scary!
Meg Smith · 10/22/2013
Only been doing it 10ish weeks. Managed to learn alot in a short space of time. YouTube channel is megansmith29 if you wanna peak. So it's a case of being far to eager you think? Will keep trying split grip as thats very strong when in extended butterfly so I think that should help!! Yes need to remember mats!!!! Yep elbow grip is scary!! Xx
Meg Smith · 10/22/2013
Only been doing it 10ish weeks. Managed to learn alot in a short space of time. YouTube channel is megansmith29 if you wanna peak. So it's a case of being far to eager you think? Will keep trying split grip as thats very strong when in extended butterfly so I think that should help!! Yes need to remember mats!!!! Yep elbow grip is scary!! Xx
Mary Nightingale · 10/22/2013
Ayesha is a seriously advanced move. I'd recommend to get a solid butterfly (like really, far away from the pole butterfly) and extended butterfly before trying this one. Having a caterpillar climb is also great since it the best way to get into elbow grip Ayesha. Another similar move that can help is the inverted D, but it's not a real prerequisite. If you do have all of the above, then grip choice is more of an individual thing. Elbow grip was the first I mastered, it's much more solid than split/twisted for me. If you lean to far from the pole it could be that you don't place your elbow high enough - it should be near your knees after a caterpillar. Also, you need to keep your pelvis tucked in, rather than arching your lower back which can aid the feeling that you are too far out to hold it. Forearm grip is harder for most people actually because is doesn't allow you to lean far enough from the pole.
Meg Smith · 10/22/2013
Thanks so much for tips. I have done inverted D a couple of times through fluke so will get a solid one of them and go from their. Tthanks again
Koidragon · 10/22/2013
I agree, Aysha is an advanced move, I know you have come far, but this one may take some time. I would recommend having a solid caterpillar climb, and of course butterfly/extended butterfly. Even a strong handspring (called something different here... eek) to pencil is very handy. Being away from the pole (ie, as you said with your elbow grip) is actually kind of the goal - once you have the balance and everything is engaged properly - your body being away from the pole will mean you can use any grip you like, as it gives you space, and also gives that 'weightless' feeling you might have heard about. I prefer elbow and chinese/cup grip personally.
yogabeachbabe · 10/22/2013
Yes, not only is it super important to have a strong scrunch up in caterpillar and the caterpillar climb itself, it's imperative to sharpen your pole reflexes, which does take time to develop (sorry to be a buzzkill!) in case things so south and you need to exit. As for distance, yes, the whole point to be far away from the pole as tension permits! I would suggest starting with elbow grip, then split grip, then cup grip when you are solid beyond belief. I teach forearm grip just briefly because I don't think it furthers you in your Ayesha technique. Good luck! Ayesha is one of my most favorite moves and I hope you love it as much as I do!
Veena · 10/22/2013
Hi :) have you checked out the lessons here yet? I should you both elbow and forearm grip. Even if you don't have them taking a look can help you understand what you need to work before moving to the Ayesha. :) everyone is giving you great advice!
Meg Smith · 10/23/2013
Thanks so much for all you help and tips. I think im gong to streghten up other moves and hold off this one till alot more ready. People make it look to easy thast the probelm hehe :-) no where near a good handsping yet so will work on that too. And you very right pole reflxeles need alot of work too my are not to good at the mo - Guess that comes with time and practice? Such a friendly and helpfull place :-) I will be buying a mebership in the next couple of weeks when i have some money xx
Kyrsten · 10/23/2013
I personally teach the forearm grip first because it allows you to keep your torso close to the pole and you have some extra skin contact. To get a secure forearm grip, try getting into elbow grip then simply bringing the elbow gripped hand down and pressing your chest into the pole. You should still be using the elbow to hold a lot in forearm grip! The hand is just extra security.
portableninja · 10/23/2013
Definitely try all the grips - I can't do ayesha with a forearm grip or a split grip, but I can do it with elbow grip. Everyone's body is different - while forearm is a good place to start, I really struggle with it and was not getting anywhere. I took one private lesson where elbow grip was suggested for me, and I made much faster progress. Other people take really naturally to split grip. There is no one right answer for all!