The point of twisted grip?

chumpchkin · 2011-01-25T13:39:21+00:00

I was working on handsprings last night, and I thought I would try the twisted grip, just to see. I have a lot of weird problems with arm and shoulder flexibility, and so I could barely get my hand into the proper position. It hurt so much just starting to get myself airborne that I immediately stopped, and I don't plan on trying it again in the near future. My question is this, though: Will NOT being able to do the twisted grip ever limit my ability to do certain moves? Or is it just a different grip option? If it will enable me to learn new things, I want to keep working towards it (very very carefully, of course, and not soon), but if I can't do more with it than with, say, split grip, it might not be worth the risk. Thoughts?

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Shellectra · 5/12/2011
True, lets not give up!!! I gave up on my cartwheel mount for a month or more cos I was getting nowhere and it felt inpossible and now I get my feet over my head every time (just had to straighten it up properly to call it a success) so not giving up and trying trying must be the key
blueeyes · 5/12/2011
I had trouble balancing my split grips also, its all about keeping your hips in! Record yourself and look at where your body is, and learn what you need to fix. For me, my hips/butt were too far away from the pole - losing balance. ALWAYS practice from on the pole first before kicking up from the ground.... I promise you will learn quicker this way! I also recommend your top arm in Split Grip to be slightly bent. This helps you control your balance better, pulling your hips in with the top arm. SHELLECTRA - I had the same problem with TG. I could do it on the pole for months with great control, but couldnt figure out how to kick up into it. It just hit me one day. Dont put your hands too high! Lower your hands and COMMIT to your kick.
SashaMae · 5/12/2011
I'm having a hard time visualizing the twisted grip from an inverted crucifix...would someone mind posting a vid? Im dying to try in the safest way possible :)
vickiezoo · 5/12/2011
Blue eyes thanks for that tip, I was told to keep butt away from pole 😕 Shellectra I find that sometimes if you are not getting a move it sometimes helps to leave it and come back to it and bingo!! sometimes you can do it then, actually that just worked for me with caterpillar climb woop woop 🥂
Sarahb69 · 5/12/2011
Sasha, you can see me do it in this vid at about 4 minutes in: https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/4daaf462-2348-4f69-8268-49410ac37250 Hope it helps you... Sarah
SashaMae · 5/12/2011
Psh! DUH. I don't know why I couldn't visualize that... Lol Thanks, Sarah!
heathalynne · 5/12/2011
Ironically, I cannot kick up into a TG, but I can do a slow, full controlled TG lift. I really think it has to do with back and arm strength. Spine strengthening series in yoga helped me a lot with back strength. Then arm strength just came from the years of poling and warmups, plus yoga 3-4x per week with all those low planks. LOL! Key tips: Use push-pull. Push with your bottom arm, pull with your top arm. Then do not lock or hyperextend your arms. You'll lose arm strength that way. Use gun grip for stability. And practice a seated stall with TG grip. When you can hold it for at least 5 seconds, you can lift up. I practiced the seated stall for about a month. Whatever top arm you use, that side leg is your lead leg. Imagine your pointed toe lifting up to touch the pole. I learned with Jenyne a couple weeks ago. When she saw the control, she said, "Oh whoa!" LOL! Love her to pieces.
PennyGirl · 5/13/2011
Wow interesting and LONG conversation about the TG. I used to have questions but not anymore. Thanx! :-)
mizvix · 5/13/2011
heathalynne.... what's a seated stall? really want to do a full phoenix but know that my TG isn't strong enough yet!
heathalynne · 5/13/2011
@mizvix - When you're holding your body up with both legs bent, body facing up, and with the TG grip. It's also a good practice for iron x and phoenix. Just holding yourself there.
Shellectra · 5/14/2011
Well I got the TG handspring!!!!!!!! I'm still in a bit of shock, I put a video up if anyone wants to see! I think my hands are higher than they could have been, but that means I'm lifting up into it / using strength right? So happy!!! Now to get the damn split grip balance..
Shellectra · 5/14/2011
ps they are not the most attractive tg handsprings but hey my firsts! :)
mizvix · 5/14/2011
@heathalynne - ahhh..... my pole-buddy has been doing that - really going to have to stop being lazy and follow your examples! Thanks!
vickiezoo · 5/14/2011
Well done Shellectra yay!!
Legend · 5/15/2011
I did it!!! finally!!! 😀 Thank you heathalynne for the push-pull tip, made all the diference! turn out I was just pushing with my botton arm and hyperextendig my top arm... oh there's nothing like the feeling of acomplish a new trick! happy poling :)