LopsiJulie started this discussion ·
Hiya girls, I really want to try this move. I have never done any forarm grip, so should I work on forearm right side up first? When is it safe to give it a go? (I can caterpillar down.) xxx
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Pavi ·
I'm wondering about this one too. I can do the Caterpillar but I can't for the life of me do the Caterpillar climb/move my legs up the pole. Maybe I'm too scared to let go of the pole with my legs even though I know it's nowhere near Aysha or Straight Edge. I don't know. It feels weird. Are there any prep moves I can do to get the mechanics right?
I'm sure more experienced people will have more valuable advice than me. This is definitely a move to be careful with though! I found that a good progression was key to this. We have a move which is a bit easier than aysha, called invert barbie. Invert, put your strong hand onto the pole overhead and wrap your other arm around your chest so the pole is in your elbow grip but you are gripping your ribs with your fingers. Then you lower your legs down into a V that is parallel with the ground. This gets you used to gripping with your arms only whilst taking your legs off the pole. Once this is comfortable, you can progress up to caterpillar climb. From what I've seen of Veena's pole strength exercises, her shoulder press should also help with getting strong for this
Kira ·
Hey, the way I learnt the caterpillar up the pole was probably a little different from others. When I first tried to learn it I didn't understand how I could hold my body still whilst I slid up the pole, so I threw the towel in on that move for a good few months. In that time I learnt the brass monkey (from the CAR) which uses the forearm grip, developed my elbow grip and also learnt straight edge so I was comfortable doing the forearm and elbow grip. Then I tackled the caterpillar again and found it much easier. You do have to hold a lot of your weight as you move your legs up so it would help to be strong in your grip!! It's also easier to climb by sliding your arms and head right upto your knees before sliding your legs up - keep the ankle firmly gripped on and push your bum away. Hope that helps a little :)
I worked on handstands while preparing for this to get my shoulders strong to hold myself. Also, this move is predominately hamstrings to lift you, not arms. The way that was taught during a workshop was to get yourself into inverted crucifix, place your hands on the pole between your chest and push out into plank. Once you are in plank, use nothing but your hamstrings to pull your butt up into the air. Even just doing this move will prepare you.
chem--does plank mean that you are pushing your upper body out away from the pole? trying to get a visual--i really want to get this move!
Pavi ·
Wow, thank you everyone for your input.🥂 I can pull up with my hamstrings, I literally crouch upside down on the pole, my shoulders are strong too.... It's just that I can't move my legs up. I'm using the forearm grip, are the hips supposed to go away from the pole as much as possible when moving the legs up?
amy ·
pavi- YES! once you get forearm around pole, and are secure, there's a transfer where all the weight leaves your elgs and goes into your arms so that you can move your legs.
Veena ·
Pavi...just be sure you don't take the legs all the way off the pole!!!! Keep them wrapped lightly and slide them up. Here is a lesson with a better break down of this move. I'll also show you how to work on multiple climbs on a short pole. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d0a2105-7468-4079-96ee-6aba0ac37250
Sparrow, yes. Just like a plank on the ground, or think the position you are in when you are at the top of a push up. Hands are between your boobies and push them to straight. when you are out there pull up with your hams.
Thanks so much girls. My inverted crucifix is really good so I think I might give this a quick go :) I will work on handstands as well. Glad others are finding this topic useful! :D Veena, I'm going to pay for some lessons soon. I think I want to progress faster than my teacher is teaching (because in a class you learn slower cause there are loads of yous...). xxxxxx
GIRLS!!! I DID IT!!!!!! I went to my class tonight and told the instructor that I really wanted to try it and she said "well go on have a go!" And I did... and I went UP the pole... I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!! Can't wait to make a little video for you all. I also got my floor butterfly today (after trying for months!) Today is a good pole day for me!
Pavi ·
Congratulations LopsiJulie!!! I actually did it too!!! I'm absolutely thrilled. I was playing around with regular Caterpillar (forearm grip), then I just tried the elbow grip and it felt so much safer to slide my legs up the pole!!! Yay!! Righty looks good from the beginning, need to work more on lefty, as it's still a little unstable. Yipeee, I gave myself a cool birthday present! 🥂
Happy birthday Pavi! I think I did it in fore arm grip... not too sure. I just did something that felt like it was sticking somewhat :) Let's dance around in victory!
