Fundamental Tricks and Common Mistakes
Please take some time to look at the links for my tutorials that provide ideas for how to safely teach Cross ankle release and Marley without pulling on the foot.
Below is a recent Reddit comment that was added to my reply expressing concern about pulling on the foot instead of taking time to strengthen the legs for a move called the suicide spin. I feel so bad for this person and I hope she’s fully recovered now.
Feel free to review the grips mentioned here again.
If you’d like a simplified list of fundamental tricks for only beginner level, here’s what would be included:
- Pole walk
- Shoulder slides
- Pole sit
- Pole climb
- Thigh rest
- Side sit
Omg I wish I could shout the tip about not pulling on the leg from the rooftops for all polers to hear. I’ve been training XKR on my own and I realized fairly early that pulling on that leg was gonna be a huge no-no…I did it once and my knee felt so wonky all week. In my studio (and prob many others), they teach it this way and I cringe >_< Maybe some other people have super hardcore knees but it's so much safer to strengthen your hammies/legs first…Ty for this list!
I do get a lot of pushback when I say not to pull on the leg. It’s frustrating to have people come at you for trying to protect them! The knee can be such a fussy joint especially for women around the time of menstruation. I’m glad you can see the benefits of teaching it without pulling 💜