Superman GRRRRRR!

violet started this discussion · 8/5/2009

Okay so here is my problem with the awful Superman 😠 Okay, its not awful but Im having issues.... err one issue. I FINALLY got over the flipping of the leg and have grown used to what was once terrible pole burn BUT now that I can semi hold the position I have figured out that my right arm does not want to hold me up for more than a second, but if I switch to my left arm holding me Im fine. GRRRRR. And I have tried a TON of times to get into the Superman starting on my left side (so my left arm is on top) but my body wont work with me 😠 😠 😠 😠 👎 👎 So I need advice! Should I keep trying on my left even though it is extremely frustrating and my body seems to not want to do it, or hold off on the move until I build up strength in my right arm in the correct place? The only problem with the last option is I am unsure exactly what muscle the arm is using when Im holding the position, so I dont know if push ups or basic bicep curls will help? Bah! Im mad cause this is the move I goaled myself to learn this week and its just not working.... Thanks in advance for any advice!

8 replies

miss fern · 8/5/2009
You could try an alternate 'entry' into the superman that might let you get your hand position correct. Say for example, from the tammy/dragonfly (pic: http://www.triagedesign.co.uk/wikipole/images/6/66/Tammy.jpg). That's the way I do it (SOOOOO much less pole burn!) Here's a vid with different ways to get into superman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltLB7cqTbmE - she (kinda) does the tammy into superman at 2.50
violet · 8/5/2009
Thanks! That vid was very helpful, Im gonna try some of the different ways she gave. I usually get into it the 2nd one she did (minus the butterfly)... I've tried getting into it from a sort of Tammy but my abs arent really strong enough, since its kinda like a death lay or a reverse plank going up into it but grabbing with the hand once up far enough to reach it. But maybe if I curve my body a bit to the side like she did it would work 🤔 Im so gonna get this move by the end of the week. I WILL IF ITS THE LAST THING I DO!!! 😛 😂 Thanks again, much appreciated 😁
Veena · 8/5/2009
You might have a hard time with your grip if your shoulders are not real flexible and if your hands aren't strong enough yet. Weak biceps wouldn't' be the main issue, because the arm is outstretched and it should be straight (not locked though) you really need a strong grip. Don't forget to cross your ankles (doing that can do wonders until you are stronger) and squeeze your thighs to help you stay up. Keep working on both sides, always try to learn the moves on both sides. IF your afraid of falling you could try it from the ground to work on the position. 🌸
violet · 8/5/2009
Thanks Veena! I dont think its a flexibility issue, as Ive always been really flexibile pretty much everywhere but it definitely could be hand strength. Im gonna continue trying to get into position on my left and working on my hand strength on the right.... so eventually I will be able to do it on both sides. Its probably gonna take me longer than hoped but thats alright. Patience and practice, patience and practice! 👍
miss fern · 8/5/2009
I've tried getting into it from a sort of Tammy but my abs arent really strong enough, since its kinda like a death lay or a reverse plank going up into it but grabbing with the hand once up far enough to reach it. But maybe if I curve my body a bit to the side like she did it would work 🤔 If you place one hand below your body first, and then push up with it, then bend your body sideways to grab the pole behind you with your other hands - you shouldn't actually need much ab strength. Like say, going from an outside leg hang into a side split V (http://www.triagedesign.co.uk/wikipole/images/8/8d/Sidev.jpg), where you place the bottom hand first, then grab above your hooked knee with the top hand, and then open your legs out.
violet · 8/14/2009
I finally got it!!!!!!!!! 🥂 🥂 🤸 🤸 🤸 🤸 Holy cow ive been trying this forever it seemed! Sorry, i just got so excited I HAD to post about it here! (none of my other friends understand my excitement) 😁 😁 I will include it in my next video (coming soon), along with the Butterfly which I just got down a week ago. 👍
yogabeachbabe · 8/14/2009
Yay! Congratulations Violet! In my opinion, getting the Superman is definitely a milestone! Hooray!!!!
Trena · 8/15/2009
Well done Violet! Superman is a great accomplishment cause its darned hard! It was my nemesis for a long long time!! 😉