elbow stand trouble

HollySatine started this discussion · 1/13/2011

So I've been having trouble learning the elbow stand and I did a search for threads about them on here and none of them seemed to help. I have tried practicing against a wall but it doesn't help - my problem is that I can't seem to get my hips over my head in the first place, so my back is arching trying to get my legs over my head to compensate (very uncomfortable!). I don't have Veena's lessons yet because I don't even have access to my pole until next week, so I've been trying to learn some things without her videos that don't involve the pole. I also don't have anyone to spot me at the moment. Any suggestions?

6 replies

HollySatine · 1/13/2011
For reference, here's what I'm doing wrong (hips are not in line): http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aKXWfBJ_Q4k/TS90KhFyOgI/AAAAAAAAABw/0bFXBlWbjfo/elbowstandattempt.png ...How do I fix this?
reenie aka Mysfit · 1/14/2011
Hey darlin.... Ok....The main thing to remember with handstands, handstands and elbow stands.....is that the spine must be stacked. So, in short....you need to pull your head in to a nuetral position between your arms. If, this was a headstand, your tripod balance would be the base and everything would stack above it from there...The only difference with an elbow stand is that the head isn't on the floor. Another simple thing I teach my students....is to push your elbows into the floor. This ensures that you will be more stable, the proper muscles will be engaged for the initial start position and it ensures that your head isn't on the floor. I would try doing the elbow stand against a wall. Get into position, keep that head in neutral between your arms and then slowly rise into position from there. As you lift into it, you will need to engage the muscle groups as you go... So, lifting the hips over the head---core/back Getting the knees over the hips---leg muscles Getting toes over the knees---calves etc.. Once you get a good strong base and a center of balance, you can play around with leg positions and leg waves. Hope that helps....
HollySatine · 1/14/2011
Thanks I'll try that!
HollySatine · 1/26/2011
I finally got it! YESSSS.... :) I still have to work on balance but i can at least do it now! woohoo!! Thanks for the help! http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aKXWfBJ_Q4k/TUBW2MqnjbI/AAAAAAAAACE/5dp1yYCp86Q/elbow
HollySatine · 1/26/2011
hmmm...maybe this link will work? http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aKXWfBJ_Q4k/TUBW2MqnjbI/AAAAAAAAACE/5dp1yYCp86Q/elbow
HollySatine · 1/26/2011
(guess not...anyway the pic's also on my profile)