Caterpillar climb tips

IrishOrla started this discussion · 2/6/2014

Hey girls :) I haven't really attempted the caterpillar climb yet but I have a solid caterpillar and can do my Ayesha now with no problems so I feel like I am ready for it. The only thing is,when I watch tutorials I see girls grip with their elbow and others using forearm grip, I don't know which way is better/ safer? I also don't get whether the pole is supposed to be touching my chest when my legs are moving upon should their be a gap between like the Ayesha? Any tips or advice on this one? It looks amazing!

5 replies

Sassafrassle · 2/6/2014
Different pple have different preferences on the grip-there's no one right way. Personally I prefer forearm because I get better leverage and I think it looks a bit nicer (it's too easy to have flaccid hand with elbow). I also think forearm's a bit easier but I know there are people who find elbow easier. I would recommend playing round with both to see which works better for you but also make sure you have a spotter because arsing off the pole is a possibility when you first try this climb and aren't used to the feeling of loosening your legs ( although that may be less of an issue for you if you already Ayesha)
Veena · 2/6/2014
Have you taken a look at the lessons here? In general I suggest using the forearm grip for the climb, but if someone feel more secure with elbow it's fine. One of the key things people forget is to use the legs! Here is the lesson for it https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d0a2105-7468-4079-96ee-6aba0ac37250
IrishOrla · 2/8/2014
Thank you very much guys I think the forearm grip now looks a bit safer. It's so scary letting go with the legs to move them up but practice makes perfect I guess!! Thanks for the responses :)
RobynPoleDancer · 2/8/2014
Don't think about letting GO with the legs! Just loosen enough to slide them up. Personally I prefer elbow grip, used to hate it, but now feel much safer with it, I think because my contact point is higher. I find that students trying forearm grip often end up forgetting to wrap enough, and try to just use their hand. Also be aware if you are ending up hugging too much and using "bicep grip". It's not bad really, but it's just good to know if you are using it, cos it's NOT stable enough to take your legs off completely in that grip.
Veena · 2/8/2014
Oh my, yes. Robyn is right, don't think about letting go with the legs!! You want to maintain contact while sliding them up. I strongly suggest taking a look at the lesson for it here.