Elbow vs Forearm grip

Mrs C started this discussion · 8/13/2012

HELP HELP HELP! I am really struggling with these grips. I am trying to work on the caterpillar - just the position to move into my butterflys etc. I can do a very basic butterfly from a split grip, but no matter how hard I try I cannot figure out the elbow or forearm grip. The elbow grip in my head should be more secure - but no matter how hard I grip (have been doing loads of bicep curls to help strengthen the guns up) I just keep slipping. The forearm grip just feels very weird and awkward, I seem to have a weird twist on my wrist and cannot get the forwarm/wrist to rest on the pole. This causes my upperbody to rest against the pole. I am thinking of cutting my arm off and replacing with a robot arm. This has been 4 months of pure frustration, and I know these grips are crucial for more difficult moves later on and want to master them. Any help, tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!! Much love and happy poling!!

3 replies

Krista Bocko · 8/13/2012
For the elbow grip--you really need to bring your elbow up near your knees when you're in the top of your caterpillar. This also means REALLY pulling your butt up toward your heels. Your aim is to get your thighs paralell to the floor, so it's more about the legs to set it up then it is the arms. Same thing with your forearm. You'll need to really pull up with your legs in order to get them arm in the right position. I know it's frustrating! Do you have a video you can either post or watch yourself? You'll be able to spot whether or not you're actually pulling your butt up enough, etc... ps--I don't know if I've ever done an EG butterfly! I need to try it.
polergirl · 8/13/2012
EG is about balance/counterbalance--you need to have your hips dropped away from the pole, pelvis tilted under so your lower back is slightly rounded (not a roached back though!). Legs come forward and into a straddle so they counterbalance your hips. You'll have a nice stable triangle formed between low hand and hip and elbow.
Hazelnut · 8/13/2012
i think one of the other girls said something about this the other day but i can't remember who... but when you're putting your arm into the elbow grip try turning your wrist so you're "looking at your watch" and making the fist! ok the fist doesn't look pretty but it helps when you're learning and apparently your muscles are automatically tighter if your arm is rotated so your palm is away from you (and you could see your hypothetical watch face). it worked for me!