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Forearm pain with flagpole
The flagpole! (This is the move I'm referring to, not the full flag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tUcA8taQ3s) I've always avoided doing it because I get such bad shooting pains in my forearm (bottom arm) when I do it. It feels ok while I'm holding the position, but as soon as I get down my forearm is screaming, lol.
No one else in class has ever seeemed to have this problem with it (just complaints about underarm burn) so I'm wondering if it's a technique thing and I'm just doing something wrong? Am I supposed to be gripping with my underarm more, perhaps? Or does my body just not like that one? I just started teaching an intermediate level class where the flagpole is one of the moves taught, so I'd like to fix it now if possible so I don't go passing my bad habits off to other people.
On another note, I can't breathe while I'm doing it, which seems to be another common issue with everyone… basically, I'd like some pointers on proper form and technique for the flagpole hold because it just seems I have it all messed up now, doesn't it? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif
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6 Replies
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Would probably be easier if you posted a video or photo of yourself in the hold? A few tips (without knowing exactly what you are already doing) would be to make sure your bottom wrist isn't twisted in any way, when you are looking down at it, your forearm and hand should be aligned. Another tip is to make sure you don't use momentum to swing your legs up, you should lift so that you slowly put pressure on the arms rather than sudden pressure when you reach the point you want to hold. For me, I don't actually grip with my underarm, the pole is positioned at the base of my bicep and I am using a pulling motion with the top arm, while the bottom arm is doing the pushing motion. And my bottom elbow will be digging into my waist.
In addition to all this technique talk, I'd say you may have a case of tendonitis. The symptoms sound about right – the moment you release the hold (especially if you release it quickly) pain will shoot up your arm. I had this when I was learning how to handspring. I wasn't taking no for an answer and I got tendonitis instead…
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Tendonitis is awful! I have it in my wrist and it keeps flaring up cuz I don't leave it alone. Rixi, if you do have tendonitis, you should get a powerball too. It will strengthen your forearms big time. Mine came yesterday. Talk about burn!
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What's a powerball and where can I get one? I'm experience a moderate amount of discomfort with my Cartwheel mount and I believe that it's tendonitis.
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It's a gyroscope ball they you use to strengthen your arms, wrists, and hand grip. We had a discussion about them recently. They are made by NSD (the one I got) and Dynaflex.
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/which_powerball_20120227093346
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If you do have tendonitis it's important to rest a little first, before starting to strengthen. And stop working on split grips for a while. Once inflammation has gone down then you can start to strengthen. Try some massage as well, using the foam roller can feel great. For those of you taking the lessons there are a several conditioning lessons and stretches that are important for pole dancers to use. All you need is an inexpensive fit band.
Kyrelle, a video would be helpful to see what your technic looks like…. also not every move is suitable for everyone.
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Veena, you are totally right about certain moves not being for everyone. I won't do the wrist seat. I've never been able to do it properly and never felt comfortable doing it, so I don't anymore. There aer so many other moves I CAN do comfortably. 🙂
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