Eagle

Phoenix Hunter started this discussion · 5/9/2015

I am working on getting my eagle and was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to prep for this. Right now I can get into the position using a strap and I using that to stretch for this position. I'm also working on standing scorpion and wall splits. Pretty much I stretch everything several times a week. I would appreciate any advice you may have. Also, Eagle is like ballerina with both arms overhead and holding your foot, I know there are probably other names for this trick

9 replies

CapFeb · 5/9/2015
I was able to do the eagle about a year ago. I watched a lot of videos by one of the contortionists here, Lina Spiralyne (I think was her name at the time?) I watched all of her stretching videos and after practicing stretching for about 2 months I could do the Eagle and Music Box. Music box is a lot harder to get into than Eagle for me. I find if you start in a crucifix, lean down, and then grab the foot while you stand up straight it is easier to get the Eagle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moFTRXiwZfw There's one other one that I watched, but I basically just did this and whatever was available for flexibility at my studio. My main issue was shoulder flexibility, but I know everyone is different.
Veena · 5/9/2015
Have you or how long have you, been working on the lesson for advanced ballerina stretch https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/548cc3f2-2494-4bc1-9989-1d680a9aa0eb and the few listed before? The back mobility routine will also help.
Phoenix Hunter · 5/9/2015
Thank you CapFeb , yes I love Lina's videos and watch them a lot. She has been a big influence on my contortion training. Veena, I started training the advanced ballerina stretch a few months ago and I can finally do the intermediate version and with some balance help I can get into the standing version. Your advanced ballerina video has been a game changer for me! Thank you for making that video. When'i first started doing that stretch I had to use a strap and my foot was miles away. Took me about 3 months to finally be able to grab that foot without a strap. I work on this stretch regularly and it's my favorite to do. I'm guessing just getting even more freedom in that stretch would help me in EAgle? I can do the advanced ballerina stretch but it is still very tight if that makes sense.
Veena · 5/9/2015
Yep, the easier it is on the ground the better on the pole, I would suggest doing the adv stretches listed before the adv ballerina stretch too. The stretches in the video shared are great also!
Phoenix Hunter · 5/9/2015
yes, will do! I do the shoulder stretches as well. actually I stretch EVERYTHING before trying poses like this. I feel like it needs everything, shoulders, back, hip flexors, you name it! haha! I will keep working on it. Im excited to see how this progresses. :)
PolarGirl · 5/10/2015
Phoenix Hunter, can't wait to see your eagle when you get it! This is also one of the next poses on my pole "to do" list but I don't have as much time to commit to pole right now so it may have to be tabled for longer than I'd like. It's great motivation though to hear you're working toward it!
Phoenix Hunter · 5/10/2015
Thank you Polar Girl!! yes, I am far from having this but Im starting to take baby steps towards it now. this will definitely take a little while to get. Hope to be able to report progress in the near future. :)
PolarGirl · 5/10/2015
Well, Phoenix Hunter, I am seriously looking forward to seeing it! It really will help motivate me to know someone else is working toward the same goal and having someone to share that progress with. Off to stretch....
Phoenix Hunter · 5/10/2015
I will try to post some pictures of the various stages right now I am doing it one the floor with a strap and sometimes can get into it aerially with a strap.