Do you know how many different ways there are to climb the silk? Hmmm ...
I can think of at least fifty but that was sort of a trick question because the possibilities are endless! Today I'm sharing with you a fun yet slightly intricate climb that I call the Cross Loop Climb.
It makes some pretty shapes and has a lot of opportunities for exploration within!
See below for a video breakdown and tips!
1) First, prepare! This skill requires inner thigh flexibility and hip mobility. I'd suggest doing the side leg kicks & legs circles as shown in the video prior to giving it a go!
2) Invert through the center into a split (or tuck, pike, or stag!). If the right leg is forward in your split, for example, hook your knee on the left silk above your hands. If you chose a different starting shape hook one knee to the opposite side.
3) Whichever knee you hooked reach that hand high on the free silk to lift your chest up.
4) Circle your bottom leg around the tail from back to front as you pull slack to create a loop using the hand that's under your knee (pull until your hand meets your belly button or so).
5) Cross your leg that you just circled on top of your hooked knee. Squeeze your inner thighs together. The loop of slack will give you support.
6) Grab the pole of the silk above your knees (make sure hands are equal). Pull up as you lengthen your legs underneath you to release the loop. Invert again and try your other side!
Mistake #1 - Forgetting to pass your leg around the tail. Your legs will be trapped when you reach up!
Mistake #2 - Not reaching your arm up (step 3). This results in your chest being low which makes it nearly impossible to continue with the rest!
Mistake #3 - Not pulling slack. The loop of slack gives you support. Without it, you'll likely slip right down when you reach up.
I'd love to see you incorporate Cross Loop Climb into a sequence. Give it a go and tag me on IG @aerialphysique & #iloveap!
With encouragement,
Jill