Moves that require thigh grip?

workingfire started this discussion · 3/31/2010

I've recently discovered that most moves that require thigh grip, I am completely incapable of. The first time I noticed it was when I was trying to get used to the feel of a superman from the floor. Initially I just thought that the pain was what was stopping me from holding onto the pole with my thighs - but then even after the pain lessened, I would still slide right off as soon as I got on! Then, yesterday when I was fooling around trying to figure out the Drama Queen, again I couldn't grip the pole to save my life! I can pole sit just fine, because my legs are crossed, tightening the grip in-between my legs, and also because I'm partially using my foot to grip. But if one or both of those things aren't in the equation I slide right off. It's beginning to be very frustrating to just slide off no matter how hard my poor thighs squeeze. 🙁 Is this something that is happening to me because I have *no* inner-thigh muscle, or is there a trick to getting this down? Any insight or tips would be greatly appreciated!

5 replies

polergirl · 3/31/2010
Sometimes it's a matter of getting enough skin to have a lock so your muscles *can* grip, at least until you get a feel for things. For instance, when I started doing the inverted thigh hold, I would make sure that the free leg would go down and across the pole, giving it a nice firm grip even before my muscles engaged. Then, once I clamped on, I could stay in that position forever. It's the same with the Drama Queen and other thigh holds, for me at least. Move leg down (or up, depending on how your body is positioned) and across the pole as you engage. Hope this helps!
MilienElayne · 3/31/2010
Sometimes the body is just protecting itself and you need to work through the mental block. I had trouble with thigh grip after losing weight and not having any pudgy bits and extra skin to grip with - I had to relearn the grip all over again changing my positioning (as polergirl said) and making sure I had a 'lock' like crossing the ankles and flexing one foot in a CAR (I can finally just about point both feet now again without sliding out...but I'm not there yet!).
Veena · 3/31/2010
The ladies all have great suggestions! 👍 Don't forget sometimes it can be simple things like... Cold body: your body is not warmed up enough, cold dry skin wont grip well. Cold pole: A cold pole will give you problems too when working on leg holds. Finish of the pole: The finish of your pole, Stainless steal can be the most slick out of the finishes when its cold. Only using skin contact: Try to squeeze with the muscles too, crossing at the ankles like others suggest is great. You can do it!!!!!! 🤸 🥂
polergirl · 3/31/2010
Haha, I always forget about the simple stuff! 😂 In my head there is always some BIG reason I'm not getting something....never mind the cold pole or slippery grip or whatnot, lol. Excellent points, Ms. Veena!
pole-twista · 4/9/2010
yes remeber you AND your pole should be warm and dry and remeber to grip in the right area ( the fleshiest part of your upper inner thigh usually not directly on your crotch ouch! and not too far down near knees putting something squeeshy between your thighs ( a ball with some give maybe) and using your thighs to push it in tight between your knees works the same way thigh master used to to stengthen those smaller muscles in the area could help build some grip in that area good luck!