Do you typically resort to Russian Climb because you don't feel you gain much height with Classic Climb? Or possibly you find it tricky to navigate smoothly?
If so, this tip is for you!
I've found there to be 3 common inefficient Classic Climb types...
The Jumper - You press off from your feet and give yourself a little jump instead of gradually transferring your weight into your upper body. While this can feel like it's helping you're only cheating yourself out of building the proper strength and technique.
The Revolver - No matter what you do, you barely gain any height. This typically stems from not lifting your legs up high enough in your climb or being unsure of the pathway.
The Carrier -You tend to carry the silk with you on your bottom foot instead of re-wrapping on each climb. Gotta release and re-wrap on each climb!
Do any of the above resonate with you?
If so, let's clean it up!
Step 1: Decide if you'll climb with bent or straight arms. When learning this climb many find it more accessible from straight arms (it takes the pull-up factor out of it and you gain height from lifting your knees up). As you gain more strength then you can pull your way up in between and gain height from both your legs and upper body.
Step 2: Decide on your leg pathway. You can either lift your knees toward your chest as you re-wrap your bottom foot and step OR lift your heels toward your bum and re-wrap your foot. Either option works, it mainly comes down to preference. When lifting knees to the front focus on tucking hips under to initiate the lift from your core.
Step 3: Make sure your climb is a transfer of weight between your upper and lower body. Firmly press your feet together and allow them to help you. Keep your bottom foot flexed (pointed foot is possible but more difficult) and use the ball of your top foot with your foot slightly turned in to press down into the silk. Oftentimes we power through with only our upper body which equals tiring out quickly!
Step 4: When you're ready to come down lighten the tension between your feet and walk your hands down with control. Make sure not to slide your hands down as it can cause burns and please avoid jumping down. Injuries can easily happen from haphazardly coming out of skills.
If you opt to do the straight arm version focus on pressing your feet forward into an L-position. From there articulate through your spine for an artistic flair.
Sometimes realizing your mistakes is half the battle. Once you know what you're doing incorrectly then you can make the necessary adjustments to improve!
Interested in learning more climbing techniques? Join our aerial app, APTV.
Included are over 400 tutorials on silks, rope and hammock. Tutorials are searchable by skill name, level and type. The best part, enjoy 7 days free. Cancel anytime!