Can’t do Superman

yvonnesh336078 started this discussion · 5/18/2024

Superman is a move I can’t seem to get even though technically it’s not ‘scary’. I’ve read tips about practicing in a plank position on the ground but even then the pain is quite unbearable and I can’t hold it for long. I’m trying to get it from a Gemini position but I keep getting stuck during the flip over and I can’t get my butt down. Any advice on pain management and how to do it from Gemini (note that I’m pretty inflexible so bring knee to nose is often challenging with the other leg straight!)

10 replies

Veena · 5/19/2024
Hi there!
Do you have video of your attempts? That would be most helpful for troubleshooting.
Have you been using my tutorial for Superman?
yvonnesh336078 · 5/19/2024
Yes I have been using your tutorials- my biggest issue is that I can’t get my top leg to flip over as it rubs very hard against the pole and I can’t keep my bottom leg up. So I don’t have any thing holding me up during the transition. Here’s a video of me doing it from the floor and the only way I can flip the top leg is if I put my bottom leg on the floor.
https://youtube.com/shorts/WZVB1UJlAnY?si=QDN9VHiIVV53D3o5
Veena · 5/19/2024
I can see right away why you don't feel like the bottom leg is helping. You'll need to start with the hooked leg up much higher when trying Superman from Gemini on the floor. Right now the top leg isn't high enough to allow the bottom leg to support you, your toros is too high up.
If you want to keep doing a Gemini from the floor, instead of going right into Superman try getting into Gemini, lower the whole torso down to the floor, then move into your set up for Superman. This will help get everything in a better place for the flip.
Everything else looks really good actually! I wouldn't call it a fail at all, just a bit of a challenging getting there.
Good luck, feel free to send any more videos if you need help or have success!
yvonnesh336078 · 5/22/2024
Progress!!! Your tip to lower the torso really helps and I studied your videos many times as well and made a conscious effort to try to cross my top leg over the bottom leg which really helps with the flip over! I had 2 semi successful attempts like that amidst the dozen or so I attempted. I figured my bottom hand shouldn’t be too low otherwise I can’t lift myself up? Should I lower my hips more or lift my body up more? How do I do that? https://youtube.com/shorts/MRSaQnjmOyQ?si=m_SmTXr9CiK7Ae_9
Veena · 5/22/2024
Looking good! I would actually lower to bottom hand a tinny bit more, AND you need to bring the upper body and lower body closer together into a tuck, this will allow the bottom leg to take on more weight making the flip easier.
Look at minute 2:30 https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/superman-1075/ Pause it an you'll the slight difference between our entries. Look at how close I bring my legs to my torso.
yvonnesh336078 · 5/23/2024
Thanks, so to keep the bottom leg bent as well until both legs are together? Will try that - might have to rest today as my shoulder and wrist is feeling achy!
Veena · 5/23/2024
Great! Remember I tell you never do more than 10 attempt per trick! This helps prevent injury and bruising, also you shouldn't train the same trick day after day, rest days are just as important as training. In fact taking a day or ever a week off of training a trick can allow your brain time to process and when you come back things will click!
yvonnesh336078 · 5/25/2024
Thank you! You do have the best tips :D
yvonnesh336078 · 5/28/2024
I’m still having problems - I find I often face 2 main issues:
1. I feel like I can’t release my bottom hand as I know my top hand can’t hold me up.
2. I can’t drop my hips low enough after the flip over as I feel stuck to the pole and if I try to ‘slide’ down there is too much friction.
https://youtube.com/shorts/4q82sCdI8YA?si=j49lV9b1JRRIwDwv
Veena · 5/28/2024
I can see the top hand is too low which is why you feel you can't hold yourself. Gripping too close the the body make it feel like you're gonna nose dive!! Not fun! I know a lot of places teach this as a beginner or intermediate trick but I have it listed as advanced because it requires a lot of hand strength (which is why it's listed after spins) and you also need to develop grip control in your hands and thighs to allow your body to slide into place like dropping the hips in Superman. Does that make sense?
You're not doing anything wrong, it's looking very good, you just need more time and practice.
You could do my VIP plan for Superman if you like! It's a week long plan just for Superman https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/week-10-superman-1155/
Let me know if you have more questions, you're doing great.