meaganoff started this discussion ·
Anyone have special tips for reverse arm pit grip moves - chopsticks, yogini, rocketwoman? (OK, technically you're gripping more with your leg on chopsticks, but the arm pit is still kinda anchoring you, right?) Anything you do to build up for these moves or get into them easily? Or is it just a matter of doing it until it clicks? Thanks!! :D
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I practiced the one-handed Rocketman from the floor until my arm got a little more used to it, and then I did it without hands. Once I could hold it for a second from the floor, I started it from up the pole in a crucifix, and Rocketman led more easily into Yogini. Rocketwoman actually didn't take so much maneuvering, I just had to do it and deal with the pain--that's because clasping your arms together locks in the position for you, whereas with the others you have to hold it there. Can't do the Chopstix yet, so I can't help you there, I'm afraid!
Thank you chumpchkin - Good tips! I favorited your Rocketwoman video when you posted it, so I can use that as a reference, too. :)
For some reason I find the yogini pretty easy but am too chicken to try the rocketwo/man 'cos I have a lot of moveable flesh on my upper arms (I keep telling myself it's muscles;p) so I worry about the grip when I'm not bracing like in the yogini! For the yogini though, I think I found it easier because I have done a lot of the yoga Bow Pose (here is one I prepared earlier;p http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/875) so part of the grip actually comes from the bracing of the ankles against your hands and tautening your body rather than just hoping the old arm skin will hold you up.
Sassafrassle, I definitely have disproportionately big arms! They're just like that, when I have a lot of muscle there and when I don't. It doesn't stop me from doing either the Rocketman or Rocketwoman--maybe at the most I might slip a little more in the process than someone with smaller arms. But I find the Rocketwoman very secure since your arms keep you locked in.
chumpchkin, I just watched your vid of the rocketman - you make it look so easy!! How exactly do you brace the arm - is it pulling backwards and in or just one or the other??
It's really just pressing in towards your body. You also get a little bit of support from your torso--you can probably see from the video that there's a point of contact on your side. Also, thank you so much! I feel like I have a long way to go on making it look pretty and smooth, but it means a lot to me that you think it looks easy!
OK - I hope this isn't silly - but how do you deal with deodorant residue? I am practicing right now and find I am constantly cleaning off the pole - I admittedly did just put some on right before this practice, so i am hoping it won't continue to be an issue if I apply well in advance. I just don't want to make the pole slick in the middle of a routine!
Oh, and also, thank you everyone for the tips and vids... Got Rocketwoman and yogini. I think Rocketman is going to take some time... But good start!
I use the armpit a lot for the chopstix as well. But some people can do it armfree.
Veena ·
Try placing the arm pit up just a bit higher than you think you might need, (slightly above shoulder level) then engage the scapula and push the arm pit down AND back against the pole. This can lessen some of the pain of this grip. Just pressing straight back hurts a bit more I feel... ❤️
