Gemini, caterpillar......??

monkeystar started this discussion · 10/4/2009

Hello everyone, So now I have the basic invert and inverted crucifix. I am learning the gemini, but I don't know why I don't manage to stick to the pole with my underarm... I have no idea of what I am doing wrong... I just don't manage to get my arm on the pole to hold the position also like that... I have been looking at Veena's lesson and I have the Art of Pole dvd... Another question: do I need to be able to do the caterpillar before moving on to some other moves? I must admit, as I have no strength, that I totally get stuck, head down, because my arms just won't push me up lol!!! So I guess that if I do this move then I'll be able to do loads of things, right? I did a vid of the gemini attempt, looks awful lol Thanks for the advices!!!

8 replies

LittleC · 10/4/2009
Gemini was tough for me too - I had to really play around with my body positioning to find what worked. Try placing the pole so it runs between your waist and lowest rib, and arch your back as much as you can. I still have days where I can't take both hands off - it's definitely a process! I hope that helps. I struggle with the caterpillar as well, but I know that working on that will give me the strength I need to solidify other inverts. For example, I can do the butterfly, but my lower arm doesn't make me feel very stable. I know that if I strengthen my shoulders through practicing the caterpillar, that will help. Also, doing a strong caterpillar will get you into the position that you want to be in to go into an aysha - which is what I am trying to work on now. Good luck - that one kicks my butt, too! 🤮
yogabeachbabe · 10/4/2009
Another question: do I need to be able to do the caterpillar before moving on to some other moves? I must admit, as I have no strength, that I totally get stuck, head down, because my arms just won't push me up lol!!! Monkeystar, if you feel like your arms are not as strong as you would like them to be, try activating your hamstrings as well. I, too, was/am struggling with the caterpillar and was working with Fawnia one day and she said that because her hamstrings are strong, that's what she uses mostly in the move. So instead of pushing up with your arms, think about engaging your legs to bring your bum to your heels. It really made a difference to me!
ottersocks · 10/4/2009
Awesome advice yoga, as ever. 😀 Michula (Mikey) from Antix helped me a lot with caterpillar a while back by telling me that it's not arms, it comes from your lower back. By placing your lower hand not too low (in front of your face is about right), you can push away and at the same time use your lower back muscles to lift your torso away from the pole. Then you can engage those hammies and pull your tushie up. Good luck!
LittleC · 10/4/2009
Aha! I'm going to try this differently and try using more legs in my caterpillar. 🌸
monkeystar · 10/4/2009
Alright girls, thanks a lot for these comments and advices!!! I will try all that you said tomorrow (tonight I already feel my shoulder muscles...) I just love this website, i.e. all of you 🙂 Happy poling
sunnyinphoenix · 10/5/2009
One thing that helped me with the caterpillar was the sequence of the moves. Push out with your arms first like you are doing a push up, then push your hips to the ceiling. I was skipping that first step. Maybe just try that for a while push away from the pole with your hands, then start working on the hip part. maybe that will help. 🙂
bebeduckie · 10/5/2009
you may want to try caterpillar from the floor first to strengthen your back and triceps. 1.get into an inverted crucifix and have your hands on the floor like a handstand. 2.you're going to do a mini push up. bend your elbows, stick your chest out away from the pole and push your butt up into that catepillar position like you're sitting in a chair while you're still gripping with your legs. 3. straighten your arms and move your legs up on the pole so that you're back in straight handstand position. 4. do this a couple times until you're tired. i was able to do it on the pole after about 2-3 days of doing it this way first. you'll get the feel for it so your body will know how to move!
hipshaker · 10/6/2009
I struggled a fair bit with the caterpillar - but one day swapped arm / hand position. Instead of moving up my right hand, I used my left - and it instantly worked!