MY LEG WON'T STICK :(

polediva55 started this discussion · 8/28/2011

First of all i'm not sure if it's the Gemini or the Scorpio that i'm trying to do because I just found out that DVD i've been learning with apparently called it the wrong move haha See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P__ON2_LP4U Basically I can hold this move with my right leg, though I can't bend my leg as much as she does and really my whole leg kinda just sticks the pole (see my pictures :D). However when I try and do it with my right leg, it just will not stay :( Does anyone have anytips? - I'm tempted to just smother my leg in liquid chalk hahaha My Goal is to get my gemini/scorpio switch with no hands :)

18 replies

chemgoddess1 · 8/28/2011
First off, that video has to be RAELLY old because no one teaches you to "kick up" into an invert any more. I call these inside leg hang and outside leg hang...which are you having problems with? You say right leg two times in the post below.
polediva55 · 8/28/2011
haha that just shows you how confused I was getting...my right leg will stick but my left one won't :)
tarah · 8/29/2011
it took me forever to get the gemini because of the pain behind my knees! you will get it with practice. now i put a little itac2 behind my knees and that also seems to help (with grip and prevention of pain and bruises). it's more "sticky" than chalk. :)
PaulettePoles · 8/29/2011
My instructor taught me to focus on my "knee pit" and that really helped. I notice in the video too she doesnt have the pole in her knee pit- but on her calf. I dunno, but for me tha helped in sticking, then you can move onto the different leg position variations. She was just real strict about having a knee pit grip firm before letting go w hands. We would invert, position the knee pit then really arch our back to get into a secure position before letting go
chemgoddess1 · 8/29/2011
So if you are inverting with the pole on your right side then you cannot grip with your left leg? For this I was able to get my positioning better if I start with a chopper and then put my left leg in place. It really is a balancing act. Make sure that the left foot and lower leg are pointing toward the ground. The leg positioning is totally difefrent for outside leg hang than it is for inside.
polergirl · 8/29/2011
What ^^ she said! Whichever's your outside leg, make sure that foot is pointing down and get that free leg extended to lock in the grip by pushing your hip against the pole. For me, this grip is about hamstring strength--if you realllllly engage the hamstrings of your hanging leg and point your toes to the floor, you'll have it!
MelanieDA · 8/29/2011
The move in the video I've always called a Scorpio. The thing that helped me learn both the Gemini and Scorpio is to remember that you're also gripping with your side. Basically, from my hip bone down to my armpit is always making contact with the pole, regardless of which leg I'm using. It took me forever to get the Gemini especially - I just couldn't get my leg to stick, no matter how deep I got into the "knee-pit", until I started holding on with my side also. Both the moves, including the Gemini/Scorpio switch, will be easier if you have an understanding of the Hip Hold also. As far as having your leg bent as much as the girl in the video, I think it has to do with how long your legs are and how comfortable you are with the trick. I've noticed that longer-legged people have an easier time bending their leg. I am below five feet myself, and I wasn't able to bend my leg with the Scorpio until I became very comfortable with Gemini/Scorpio switch. Even still, if I try to bend my leg too far, it'll make my foot numb. However with some longer-legged people, bending their leg is the only way they can get into the trick, particularly if the pole itself is very short.
tarah · 8/29/2011
Yes, very important! (I forgot to mention what MelanieDA said about gripping with the side). It's almost like you are wrapping your side around the pole and having it tucked in your armpit. this is particularly important when you are doing the "switch", and for tuck/pike hip holds. 😁
Veena · 8/29/2011
In the lesson I explain how there is more to the Gemini and the Scorpio then just hanging from the skin of the leg. You need to understand the mechanics of the move. As other have said, the sides and back of the arm pit is also and important POC as you become more advanced you will not need the back of the arm pit.
polergirl · 8/29/2011
As Veena mentioned about the armpit. I prefer not to use the armpit or side now that I have the knee pit/hamstring locked grip, because it gives me more mobility to transition in/out. I tend to be very grippy (it's a blessing and a curse, believe me) and there were times I would struggle to get out of the leg hang when I was using my side as a POC.
tarah · 8/29/2011
lol, polergirl 😀 now that's grippy!! i'm going to start trying it not using the armpit :D
polediva55 · 8/31/2011
Thanks everyone for all the advice! i've been off the pole for a few days, but i'm going to get on tonight and try these tips out!!! thanks so much!!! and I think I might treat myself to Veena's lessons considering its payday, seems it will be ALOT more help than my DVD!!!!!! :)
polediva55 · 9/1/2011
I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT!!!!! anddd with no handsss Yayyy!!! still needs work but Thanks everyone for the advice!!!!!!
chemgoddess1 · 9/1/2011
YAY!!!! 🥂
Laura KittyCat · 9/1/2011
Veena's lessons are sooo worth it. She often gives you multiple ways to enter/exit moves, points of contact are very well explained and demonstrated, and the stretching and conditioning/strengthening excercises are also helpful. I would say treat yourself! For 100 bucks you can get a year access- thats what a studio will charge you for four hours of instruction!
polediva55 · 9/2/2011
So true!!!
PaulettePoles · 9/2/2011
I agree about Veena's lesons. They are mor ethan worth it. I pay 90 per mo at my studio- I learn a move but they dont explain it like Veena does- even close. So After they phycsiclaly help me through a new move, i go home and watch her l;essons nd it clicks, then I can really get the move down- and a lot faster than the others in my class. THey come back the next week struggling and Ive got it. It wouldnt happenn without her step by step instruction and my ability to have my teacher at home
polergirl · 9/2/2011
Congratulations! Isn't it fun to figure out a new move? Hooray!!!