Gemini (Outside Leg Hang)
This is an Outside leg hang (OLH). If you want to work on this trick but you don’t yet have your Invert, you can still give this a try. I have a no Invert option available, just be aware that it’s a bit more challenging to find proper body placement without an Invert. Remember, there’s no rush to remove the hands!
Note: Depending on your pole diameter, leg size, and amount of hip rotation you may need to drive the heel more towards the hip as shown from the floor or slightly internally rotate pushing away in the opposite direction. The more external rotation you have from both hips, the more secure you’ll usually feel. Remember though everyone’s body is different so it’s important to play around with what hip rotation works best for you. Here’s a video that demonstrates open and closed hips in OSLH.
If you’re looking to make the Invert to Gemini transition flow, check out my Veena’s tips video!
Also known as: OUTSIDE LEG HANG
Strengthens: HAMSTRINGS / ADDUCTORS / CALF
I learned Gemini and the Gemini-to-Scorpio switch from Veena’s lessons about twelve years ago. All in all, it took me about six months from when I first started poling in Sept of ’09. Was my crowd pleasing move in the showcases I performed in and, yet, it became my comfort move. As I am a Gemini, the name of the move was what first caught my interest and made me determined to work on it.
I encourage and challenge any novice poler to learn this. It will build your leg and core strength fairly rapidly, even if you’re not exactly a fitness guru. The stretch and alignment feels as good as it looks. Also a great maneuver for “in’s and out’s” on spin-mode. Def must-have move and I highly recommend. ðŸ‘ðŸ»ðŸ’œ
Hi Veena, do you have any tips for someone struggling to keep the pole off their hip bones / ribs in this move? I believe I start my invert lift on the correct spot, but rely on “monkeying” my calf up the pole to gain height before hooking the outside leg, which brings it out of the waist pocket.
Many instructors give the cue to “curl up and sniff your knee” after the outside leg is hooked but I find I don’t yet have the strength to curl up high enough.
If you’re able to share a video with me, I can provide more specific help, this can be sent privately to my account https://www.studioveena.com/members/ here or shared in our conversation thread here.
Otherwise, this video may be helpful https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/veenas-tips-for-invert-to-gemini-free-1707/
Usually when someone is struggling to find the correct placement to avoid hip bones and ribs, it means their invert isn’t quite strong enough. A video would be helpful though, so I could tell you exactly what is going on.