Standing spin, and one other...

Runemist34 started this discussion · 2/24/2010

Hey there ladies, So, I wanted to ask if anyone had any pointers on the standing spin. It's like the fireman, I know, but you stand up! Whenever I stand up, however, I stop spinning. It just doesn't seem to want to work for me. 🤔 I can step up on the pole, and swing my leg around, that's fine...but any actual movement doesn't happen the same way. I can barely turn when "standing" up on the pole. Have I got this totally wrong? The other one, called the "Dizzy Lizzy" from Sapphirecatzeye's last video (where she came up with an awesome new spin!) is another one that has me really stumped. I feel like I kinda get it, with the one leg in front and one behind, tilting the body so your arm is straight...but I never seem to be able to stay in that position. My legs just slide on down, and there's no spinning action! Also, my knees seem to pinch real bad when I grab on, particularly with the straight leg, 'cause it's against the pole in a certain way and...yeah. So, just wondering if I could gain some pointers on these! 🥂 Oh, and for those curious...unfortunately I haven't had proper time to work on my CKR/CAR, but I shall be doing so today, later, when my stomach settles! 🫡

14 replies

chemgoddess1 · 2/24/2010
I think it has to do with how much pressure you are putting on the pole with your feet. For this you really need to pull yourself up with your arms more than you push yourself up with your feet. Are you able to do an attitude spin/sunwheel (basically front spin with no feet on the pole)? Can't help with the second one since I cannot view the video right now.
Runemist34 · 2/24/2010
Yes, I can do the sunwheel! 🥂 I had a lot of fun learning that move, as I really enjoy the fact that it's one spin I can do, no legs on the pole, and actually get momentum! ☀️
Sapphirecatzeye · 2/24/2010
Focusing on only the first part of that spin I posted (not the figurehead part) Here is what I've told others; (which i've been told is a side spin, side hook spin, or dizzy lizzy spin- names to look for on youtube) You 1. need to have the right leg higher up and hooked on. 2. back leg (left leg) straight and behind the pole.(after push off) 3. right hand above right leg, and left hand under right leg- after you push off the ground. (i use alot of momentum. ) I hope that helps some... 🤔 i bet veena has a video of how to do this spin. and can explain wayyyyyy better. 😀
polergirl · 2/25/2010
For the standing fireman, I think it helps to get those legs up as far as possible so when you pull up with your arms and slide your legs down, you've got further to go. Maybe try it in pants or legwarmers because then your legs won't be able to grip and slow you down. 🙂 The dizzy lizzy/side spin is a FAB spin, IMO. I normally do mine tucked because I like the extra rotations I get but even with one leg extended I still spin a fair bit. As you wrap that inside leg up to the front of the pole, make sure it's high, and your hand should be low. In order to get good spin you need to be as perpendicular as possible to the pole--this will also help you keep your position because you'll be using the leverage between your arm, the pole, and your body to push against each other. Thrust your hips forward as you push off because this will give you better momentum. SPINNNNNNNNNING is fun 🥂
Runemist34 · 2/25/2010
Hey ladies...I just had to let you know, your instructions totally did help! It'll take some time and practice, but I seem to have the basics down for the Dizzy lizzy! 🥂 'Course now I still gotta figure out the standing spin...it looks so pretty, I want it! It seems that when I pull myself up with my hands, I just bang into the pole, and that's not very graceful at all! 🙄 Any other tips are welcome! I've seen the video Veena has up, but I still can't seem to figure it out. Looks so simple! Just have to keep trying!
polergirl · 2/25/2010
When you go into the standing spin, what do you do with your legs? There are two ways I've seen people go into it, and I think it's worth trying both. You might find that one is better for you personally. The first is to do like a regular fireman: swing outside leg around and up, tuck inside leg behind pole, pull up with arms, push down (basically you're more just extending them than really pushing most of the time) with legs, and "stand." The second is to go into it like you might a spinning climb. Swing outside leg around and up, and WHILE you're doing that, pull up with your arms and plant that inside leg, hooking your foot on the pole like you're going to climb. If you have enough momentum, this won't stop your spin, and you can use the swing/outside leg to keep you rotating by whipping it around nice and wide. Hopefully that makes sense.
Runemist34 · 2/25/2010
Thanks Polergirl! I had seen and tried both, but I think with a little more momentum, I could do it...Perhaps I'm gripping too hard with my hands, and thus I'm killing any momentum I gain? It's probably all about timing! 🙄 I'll keep trying, though... In other news...I DID THE CKR! 🥂 🥂 ☀️ ☀️ I know that's not totally on topic with the questions about the spins, but I'm so excited! I found the CAR kinda hard (me flipping back seems to make my thighs let go...I'll be working on that one, however) but the CKR, once in the right position, I can do! Yaaay! 👸 I'm so happy! Finally a breakthrough, and I feel so good! 🐱
polergirl · 2/25/2010
Hooray!!! Breakthroughs are so awesome, aren't they? And sometimes if I'm having trouble with something (like your frustration with the standing spin) I'll just leave it for a while and come back to it. I honestly think my brain and body continue to process it, and a lot of the time when I come back it's there. You can do it!! And in the meantime, just CKR and hang upside down to your heart's content. 🙂
Runemist34 · 2/25/2010
I agree, I find also that my brain and body continue to process things, even if I leave them. Happens a lot with my writing! 😁 And you know...I might have to see how long I can hang for, next time I do it! I'm tired now, though. 🙄
Mary Ellyn · 2/25/2010
Runemist...when I have students who have difficulty understanding how to make this one spin, I have them try it SLOWLY on spin mode. Step into it just the way Polergirl describes...emphasis on swinging that outside leg in a perfect circle/sweep but since you're on spin, do it gently. Keep in mind you need to stand up to the pole quickly and close...if you let your butt hang back at all it's not only harder to rise up but harder to gain momentum. Most of my students get the feel for how to create the momentum when they try it a few times on Spin.
SissyBuns · 2/25/2010
Thanks Polergirl! I had seen and tried both, but I think with a little more momentum, I could do it...Perhaps I'm gripping too hard with my hands, and thus I'm killing any momentum I gain? It's probably all about timing! 🙄 I'll keep trying, though... In other news...I DID THE CKR! 🥂 🥂 ☀️ ☀️ I know that's not totally on topic with the questions about the spins, but I'm so excited! I found the CAR kinda hard (me flipping back seems to make my thighs let go...I'll be working on that one, however) but the CKR, once in the right position, I can do! Yaaay! 👸 I'm so happy! Finally a breakthrough, and I feel so good! 🐱 From what I've read I think you're gripping the pole too tight with your hands. That's what's stopping your momentum. Try loosening your grip a bit as you stand.
Sassafrassle · 2/25/2010
I found with the standing fireman that if I try and do it my normal dominant fireman directions (leading with the left leg), then it turns into a giant fail, but when I do it the other way, it works beautifully! Someone had pointed out to me that the best way to do it is to end up so whichever leg is behind in the fireman spin should be your better climbing leg (I know we should be practising both directions blah blah blah but I still have a better side!!) because you're more used to the climbing action on this side. So, as I climb better with my left leg bracing against the pole, leading with the right leg on the standing fireman works better because then my better climbing leg is in a position to do what it does best! 🥂 It works for me anyway!
Runemist34 · 2/25/2010
Empyrean: Unfortunately, no spin mode on my pole, and as far as I know, no spinning poles at the local pole studio, either! So, no spin for me. 🙄 This also means I've never touched or encountered a spinning pole, I've only seen the uses of them on here and youtube. Sissy: That's totally a possibility, so I can try to loosen my grip! Sassafrassle: I never thought of that! I actually tend to do everything on the right side (yes, yes, balance and whatnot...I'm working on it! 😂 ) so my climbing leg is the right side one, as well. However, I can give it a go on the left, because it's possible that it might work better! 🥂
SissyBuns · 2/25/2010
Let us know how it goes. Now I'm going to work on it when I get home to try and give you some ideas, because I'm trying to do it at work on an imaginary pole and I'm comin up empty handed. LOL