handstand, cartwheel, handspring HELP

carriej started this discussion · 2/6/2010

Ok, I know there have been some posts before on these! I read them, but I need more assurance. Handstand- I do them against my door all the time and can hold it forever. I try to get a spot from people to do it at the pole. I'm scared my legs are going to fly past to one side. I know about pushing with one foot and catching with the other foot (or butt) first instead of kicking up. Handspring- I can do a half handspring into butterfly. I'm afraid to really commit to the whole handspring because I'm afriad I'll fly past my balance point and flip all the way over and get hurt. Cartwheel - Same concern. (This one I haven't tried as much though.) I'm afraid I'll go too far over. The only one that anybody even tries at the pole studio is the handstand. Nobody even wants to attempt the other two - even the instructors! So, I'm on my own. Overall, I'm afraid to give it enough umph to get fully up there b/c I think I'll just go too far and get hurt. What is the probability of going too far? My mind is holding me back.

4 replies

jleigh · 2/6/2010
If you can do a butterfly are you able to do a split grip aysha? I found practicing that before attempting the cartwheel was helpful because it helps you to understand what your end result will be if you are attempting either a cartwheel or handspring mount. Also trying to do a cartwheel mount into an extended butterfly can also help. What I found helped as well is when doing the cartwheel mount is to make sure you look up at your feet when they come off the ground and make sure you lock that bottom arm in.
PoleGrrrrl · 2/6/2010
I've found actually learning the moves in reverse (or as a dismount) really helps understanding your body position and the confidence to know what way to move your arms/hips/legs when you are practicing it as a mount. I think its also a lot safer this way 😛 So, for example, if you want to do a cartwheel into a split grip ayesha, just do a normal invert into the hold first, and then practice dismounting via the cartwheel. If you can't do the split grip, well, tbh, you probably shouldn't be attempting the mounts into them in the first place. Also try slowing the dismounts as much as possible, this will help improve your strength in anticipation. As to the handstands, as I've mentioned before, sticking the butt out first really helps, but tbh if its a fear thing you just need to practice it loads to get over that (bit of a catch 22 eh?)
carriej · 2/6/2010
Yeah, I'm doing the split grip aysha all the time. It's my favorite move since I got it like a month ago and I do it like 10 times on each side every time I touch the pole. To be honest, I'm still having a little trouble with the straight edge (I think b/c I never learned it with elbow or forearm). I'm to the point now where I'm getting the first leg up to the top of the pole on every cartwheel and handspring move but I'm mentally scared that I'm going to flip over so I don't push all the way and then try to balance. Is it likely that I'll go over too far or is that just in my head?
Veena · 2/6/2010
Yes you could go all the way over 😲 not likely because the fear is usually what keeps us from even getting all the way up!! But it could happen. I would suggest finding someone you trust to spot you...then you'll have a better feel for where you should end up. If you don't have an instructor to help, show the spotter the move then have them hold you at the hip/waist level, make sure their not to the side of you...or you'll kick them!!! For a lot of dancers the move kinda clicks once you have that feel for where you should end up. ☀️ Oh and for Handstands.....be sure you tuck your head under, chin to chest, so if you do go all the way over you wont injure yourself. USE A MAT.