Something is very wrong

debbiepolenut started this discussion · 8/3/2011

I am intermediate level and I am trying to get my spilt drip most of the butterly and other moves have been done via elbow or forearm grip until now. I can get into the crucifix just fine. My instructor told me to move as if I was going to get into the crucifix from a basic invert, but leave my top hand there but for some reason my body will not move round the pole if I keep that top hand there? Am I some kind of mutant with short arms? lol

8 replies

chemgoddess1 · 8/3/2011
I am having a hard time understanding what you mean by "leave my top hand there but for some reason my body will not move round the pole if I keep that top hand there?"
polergirl · 8/3/2011
I think I understand--you're supposed go into crucifix, leave your top hand in place, drop your bottom hand into the split grip, then release the back let into butterfly (or whatever other move), right? Can you get a video of what's happening? To me, it sounds like you're not pushing away from the pole at all. When you do a crucifix your body naturally swings away a bit, but if you really think about it, you probably do tuck that inside shoulder as it swings, to give you better clearance. If you leave your top hand in place, you need to push back a hair so your inside shoulder and arm can come around and regrip. Just a theory. :)
debbiepolenut · 8/4/2011
Thanks to both! Chemgoddess 1 - What I mean is getting from normal invert moving your shoulders round (whilst leaving the top hand there) so you can line up with the pole whilst positioning the bottom hand (see extended butterfly video) on lessons. (Sorry I am not great at explaining things)!!! Polergirl will attempt to upload video of me trying it out (it will be done on my normal camera) not a camcorder so will not be of the highest quality. But your suggestion is very good about pushing away, how would I do this from a normal invert ? Push away with the stationary top hand? Thanks for the advice and patience guys!
polergirl · 8/4/2011
Actually, as I think about it, it's more of a pull than a push. Invert, leave top hand in place, use your back/core muscles to arch your back enough to get that inside shoulder in front of the pole, place bottom hand, and you're pretty much there. You can also go into an invert, leave top hand, go ahead and place bottom hand into position, then push out into butterfly--but I think that requires a little knowledge of where you're going and what your body needs to do, so maybe it's Phase II, lol.
amy · 8/4/2011
loosen your grip with the top hand! yo'ure just keeping it in place so you don't have to readjust, but you should be holding on completely with legs after your invert is done. if you aren't holding weight with that hand, there won't be tension in the arm and you can slide the hand down slightly as you turn your shoulders.
Veena · 8/4/2011
Debbiepolenut....have you mastered a caterpillar and the basic butterfly and butterfly yet, before trying the extended? You have to use the legs too.... 😉
debbiepolenut · 8/5/2011
Yep can do butterfly with forearm grip and my 'build up to aysha pole moves' all with forearm. Many thanks for the tip amy I think I am holding on too tight with the top hand which means I have no room to manouvere! (what a dunce, sometimes something so obvious and you cannot see it). During practice at home last night did manage to get round the pole into more of the correct position, but totally lost grip of hand, I practiced for an hour. Giving it a rest tonight otherwise my kuckles will be dragging on the floor !!!! Many thanks Pole chicas and will try and upload video Sunday/Monday London/UK time xxxxxx
debbiepolenut · 8/10/2011
Have managed to move body round the pole now and leave my hand in place grip lossens a bit so still work in progress. Will try and take video tonight with pole buddy!