Technique Tip - Zipper Climb
This climb is a fun one as it has a similar appearance to the zipping of a zipper. It might not be the most 'elegant' of climbs, however, I've known it to be a crowd-pleaser!
The actions are the same as Spider Climb, the difference being the silks are to either side of each hip rather than having both silks to one side.
Zipper Climb is definitely all about the rhythm and moving your same hand as your foot. Doing so can take a bit of practice since we naturally move with our hands and feet in opposition to each other.
See below for a video & step-by-step breakdown.
STEP 1 - To begin stand between the silks and grab the poles together in front of you at about head height.
STEP 2 - Pull the silk down as you invert into a straddle. Bend your knees into a diamond, slightly sickle your feet pressing your arches into the pole. If your right hand is on the top place your right foot above your left - vice versa.
STEP 3 - Press into the silk with your top foot as you move your bottom hand and foot up at the same time. Continue this pattern alternating sides. As you do so keep your bum lifted and hips pressing forward into the silk. In addition, gently draw your shoulder blades together to activate muscles in your upper back to assist you in the climb.
STEP 4 - Once you've reached your desired height or your max, straddle your legs, hook one knee above your hands, climb above your knee, press hip forward, key over to the side and swim the tail that is closest to you behind your back to exit. COMMON MISTAKES
MISTAKE #1 - Moving the wrong hand to foot. It's common to want to move in opposition. Try the drill on the floor that's shown in the video to help with coordination. MISTAKE #2 - Starting from a Droopy Booty inversion. Your bum must stay up throughout. If it drops away from the silk it makes it really challenging to go anywhere. It sounds a bit unrefined, but the best way to think of it is to lift your crotch up toward your hands each time you move your hand/foot up. If you're brand new to this climb you may opt to try it from lying back on the mat and practice the hand/foot placement. Once that feels comfortable then try it from standing. I'd love to see you incorporate this climb into a sequence. Tag @aerialphysique and #iloveap on the 'gram so I can cheer you on!
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