Technique Tip: Sous-Sus Climb

The Sous-Sus Climb is a variation of the Russian Climb that borrows its name from ballet and the French language meaning over, under and that’s precisely what your feet will do. This beg/int climb is both beautiful and functional, giving you a secure way to travel upward.

✨See below for a video breakdown and tips!

Getting Started

• Begin from the mat. Do a regular Russian Climb to get yourself off the floor.

• Arms reach high

• Right leg lifts up (just like in a Russian Climb)

• Left leg extends forward and scoops up the tail

• Cross left leg on top of right at the ankles

• Pull your chest toward the silk as you roll up through your spine

• Reach hands high

• Bend your top leg (left in this case) to remove the wrap and meet legs together

• Repeat!

Common Mistakes & Fixes

• Not enough slack → causes sickled feet, awkward positioning and less security.

• Too much slack → creates a “treadmill effect,” where you’re working hard but not gaining height. Aim for about a foot of slack (roughly 30 cm). Experiment to find your ideal.

• Removing the wrong leg first → always bring your top leg out first, then the bottom leg to avoid a loop around your ankle.

• Starting from bent arms → makes the proportions awkward and limits your ability to roll through the spine. Start from long arms for better alignment and ease.

Optional Add-On If comfortable, roll up through your spine as you climb for an extra flourish. If not, keep it simple ... lift, scoop, cross, and continue climbing.

Pro Tip

• Practice on your non-dominant side too.

• Works from split silks if your sequence requires the fabric to be separated.
  

✨Save this for your next training session and give it a try! Tag @aerialphysique - we love seeing you in action!

Want to explore even more climbs, combos, and variations? 🎯 Inside APTV, you’ll find hundreds of tutorials to inspire your training. Unlock it all with an APTV membership - start today with your free 3-day pass!