Forearm and elbow grip

Later started this discussion · 5/18/2012

I DONT GET IT!??? I can't work on straight edge, or jack knife, or aisha because I can't wrap my brain around how to get the courage to try these grips. I have no problem being confident with the regular moves (although not strong enough for them) but i get all nervous and sweaty and can't even get a grip to try releasing the pole from my legs. I feel like im definitely strong enough but I just cant get them. HELP I want them so badly and everyone else can do them. Wish there were pole classes here

15 replies

polergirl · 5/19/2012
How's your caterpillar? I wouldn't do any of these until you can nail a solid caterpillar 10 times out of ten and feel you could do them practically in your sleep. :) The reason is that when you're 100% pulled up into caterpillar position you're in the position you need for EG or forearm grip aysha.
ORGANIC ANGEL · 5/19/2012
I wouldm't say that you need to b able to do caterpillar 10x out of 10, but atleast comfy in 1-2. Than have someone spot you so you can start to release your knees from the pole. Work on just that and get comfy before releaseing anymore. You can extend your leg and hold on w/ your ankle(extended butterfly) before releasing to a "v". Work on building up your elbow grip by trying some elbow grip spins or dance turns using your elbow grip. Don't worry....you'll build it up in no time. If you ever want to pole jam, we can use Veena's chat. I have been poling for 7 yrs and am PoleMoves certified:)I'll guide you through it:) Just message me to set up a time.
Krista Bocko · 5/19/2012
First, I wouldn't say 'everyone else' can do them. :D I can only do EG Aysha on one side for some reason, the other side's elbow hurts like a mofo when I put weight into it. Forearm grip feels completely unstable to me at the moment, though I want to nail that too. Go slowly is my best advice. Your body needs time to figure out and adjust to what you're asking it to do. It will come!!
polergirl · 5/20/2012
I should clarify, I wasnt saying you need to be able to do 10 caterpillars in a row--rather, that you need to be 100% confident in ability to get the caterpillar. That if you go for it you're going to get it. It's the same body positioning for the beginning of aysha, and since you can do caterpillar in EG or forearm grip, it's good conditioning for those grips.
pegasusaerialfitness · 5/21/2012
A good way to start feeling comfortable with forearm grip is with the basic butterfly. When placing the forearm grap it first as if you were going to do elbow grip then grap with the hand ( turn your lower arm down towards the floor. You can also build up strength by only taking your legs off the pole slightly, so that you get the feel of how much weight you will have in your arms. Also, you have to make sure your catipillar is very high one. It wont feel right until you are able to get it really high. I have to grap the pole with my bottom hand at chin level for me to get it high enough. Veena's lessons are very good for this one...listen to every word. When I am trying a new trick I put a little dry hands on so that it slows down the sweat factor.
Later · 5/22/2012
Hey guys thanks for all the advice. I am able to do a caterpillar but I will work my ass off on it. I can do an alright climb but it's hard since my pole is so short! Organic angel I would LOVE to Skype with you! That would be amazing. Thanks again guys il post back when I've done some work on it!
amy · 5/23/2012
Hope this helps.... I would defffffo recommend you ave a super strong caterpillar before you go taking those legs off the pole! :) http://aerialamy.com/blog/2011/07/12/tuesday-tips-elbow-grip-ayesha/
cupcake11 · 5/24/2012
I wasn't "fearless" eneough until I qas at Alethea's workshop, and had Cleo spotting me. The only thing AA really added was that when u get into ur high caterpillar she had us do hip rolls before trying to take legs off - to help find our balance. I got my first Ayesha there!
Black Orchid · 5/24/2012
I was at that same workshop and all I can say is that my ayesha is still a hot-mess work in progress! Ha. I was encouraged to experiment with different grips. FOr people who like to get into Ayesha from a split or fore-arm grip...do you feel your body positioning is different ( closer to the pole)?
amy · 5/24/2012
closer than what, black orchid?
Black Orchid · 5/24/2012
closer than when you are trying to find that "tripod" position in elbow grip...I got a little freaked out trying the "pistol" or fore-earm grip because I was suddenly so close to the pole. A little frustrating because even though I feel more stable in my elbow-grip, I can't tell in my body if I'm stable enough to let my legs go!
polergirl · 5/24/2012
IME with forearm grip, your hips still drop back from the pole and the lower back is still rounded. I have yet to find my balance point in SG (WTF is going on there, I do not know) so I can't speak to that one. If you go up into a forearm grip caterpillar, stop at the highest point, then release your legs into a V, you're in the position I prefer and believe to be the most stable. That stability/balance may also depend on the quality of the straddle split, I don't know because mine sucks lol.
amy · 5/24/2012
so the "traditional" forearm grip, your armpit is pretty much on the pole and the pole is snugged in right next to your chest... so to get your hips away, you need to release your core, and put a bend in your low back so that your hips can drop. your core also is very nearly not engaged so it can feel very awkward for someone coming from elbow grip-- it's more of a balance/hold trick and not as much strength. in split grip, it depends for me on how i go into it. from a cartwheel, i'm holding my top arm relatively low, super bent elbow, and very much away from the pole like an EG ayehsa. for transitions where I'm coming from an invert, caterpillar, or already inverted generally i'm much closer ot hte pole with the top arm straight. incidentally, there's a "forearm elbow" version which is used in some transitions, where you are in elbow grip body engagement but have your forearm along the pole... but i have a feeling that's not the grip your'e talking about ;)
Black Orchid · 5/24/2012
aaah!!! so many thoughts! Amy you will just have to try to fix me when you come to town in July :P
Veena · 5/24/2012
You all have some grip tips! I think one of the problems polers have with the Forearm grip is holding the pole near the center of the chest, instead of over by the shoulder. Holding in the center of the chest will make you feel like you're going to fall straight down, there's no leverage. This is a common problem with the Caterpillar as well. Also don't rush to open the legs into V or extend them into a straight edge, work on holding the Tucked Caterpillar position until you can hold it in tuck without the legs touching the pole. Then move on to your V or straight edge. 🌸 Here are lessons for the Forearm and Elbow grip. Forearm grip https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d10f457-834c-45b0-8448-3b550ac37250 Elbow grip https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d136614-c770-45fc-aa64-24320ac37250