Shoulder Mount question

Dayanara started this discussion · 6/11/2009

so, I watched Veena's lesson, she says my dominant hand should the the higher one, my right, so I should lean on my LEFT shoulder. Last night in class, my instructor said I should be leaning on my RIGHT shoulder, so my right hand is higher and I'm leaning on my right shoulder. Is there a right or wrong for the SM? I can bring my legs way higher if I lean on my RIGHT shoulder, but I don't wanna hurt myself either, so what do I do???

4 replies

RoxyPink · 6/11/2009
The only right or wrong thing with a sm is whether or not you are engaging the muscles. Everyone is different as to which shoulder and which hand is on top/bottom. My right hand is dom and I put the pole on my right shoulder with my left hand on top and right on bottom...honestly it is best to practice both sides...the more variations you can do, the stronger the move will be! I would place the pole and your hands in the most "secure" feeling position. This is not an easy move and take is nice an slow. Have you been doing shoulder mt prances to help yourself get accustomed to where your body is? I hate when instructors tell students that the pole HAS to be on this side or that side. We don't all write with the same hand so why would we all pole on the same side????? AHHHH....I for one encourage my students to try both sides with everything! Good luck!
Dayanara · 6/11/2009
Thanks Roxy, I'm not actually doing the SM yet, just doing the preps and focusing on lifting my legs with my core isnstead of kicking or jumping, I noticed I can bring my legs all the way up and actually see my toes in front of my face when I'm leaning on the right shoulder, on the left, I can barely lift them to my chest. I was a little confused about the shoulder positioning.
Veena · 6/11/2009
Yes roxy is right, you never HAVE to use only one side...its best to work on both! Start with the side that is most comfortable for you, then work on the opposite side. The grip I show in the lessons is a pretty standard grip...BUT there are a few other grips you can use the new lessons with show those. Placement of the pole should be close in towards the neck, not way off on the shoulder. You might want to try a new grip I have started to use something I call the "Veena grip". I do the Veena grip along with a few others in this vid of Fleur and I. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hV3S2q1kdo&feature=channel_page
Dayanara · 6/11/2009
Ohh, Thank you Veena, that helps a lot!! I'll keep working on it.