Straddle Press and similar exercised

[SpunkyGlory]

What exactly is the best way to learn things like straddle press? I appreciate strength to weight ratio is a big part of it, and whilst I am strong for my weight there is some way to go before I can do things like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLZH0qcla_0

Admittedly this might have been inspired when watching Faster last night - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DA09R5N_Ik

I figure I need lots of practice, incredible core strength, some more practice, good upper body strength and probably a st load more practice. Any other advice?

ETA: Managed to mess the title up but I'm playing that on man flu and the fact I have snot coming out my eyes!

[SpunkyGlory]

Since I changed my username no one will talk to me

[Hoofy]

Stupid question but... can you do a handstand without kickup first?

I suspect it's a hell of a lot of shoulder work. Core strength - well, you're only lifting your legs up so that's the easy bit, I'd imagine.

Edit: let's break it down.

With legs closed in a kneeling position, supported by just your hands. The bit to get your body from upright to horizontal is the hardest bit due to levers. Your CofG is at its furthest point from your shoulders. It's like lifting your bodyweight doing front raises. I find this bit really bastid difficult.

The bit to bring your legs up to horizontal is also toughest due to levers and the same reason. So let's take this aspect. Lay on a bench face down, legs hanging over the edge, upper body on the bench. Hold on to the bench and straighten your body. Fairly easy.

Edited by Hoofy on Thursday 21st November 20:21

[SpunkyGlory]

Hoofy said:

Stupid question but... can you do a handstand without kickup first?

I suspect it's a hell of a lot of shoulder work. Core strength - well, you're only lifting your legs up so that's the easy bit, I'd imagine.

Edit: let's break it down.

With legs closed in a kneeling position, supported by just your hands. The bit to get your body from upright to horizontal is the hardest bit due to levers. Your CofG is at its furthest point from your shoulders. It's like lifting your bodyweight doing front raises. I find this bit really bastid difficult.

The bit to bring your legs up to horizontal is also toughest due to levers and the same reason. So let's take this aspect. Lay on a bench face down, legs hanging over the edge, upper body on the bench. Hold on to the bench and straighten your body. Fairly easy.

Edited by Hoofy on Thursday 21st November 20:21

I can only do a handstand for about 4 seconds now.

So the above seems a piece of cake...

[Hoofy]

Ok, then just work on your balance. I think you'll nail it easily.

[Vladimir]

Another one to try.
That's how I get into a handstand position but not tried reps like that before.

[Hoofy]

Vladimir said:

Another one to try.
That's how I get into a handstand position but not tried reps like that before.

Try from L-sit to handstand or planche. http://youtu.be/Vn3rgdmsV4U

[SpunkyGlory]

I think the most impressive thing about those videos is how still their arms are. I'd be shaking all over the place.

Think that's my 2014 plan sorted - master exercises like this including human flag!

[Vladimir]

Hoofy said:

Try from L-sit to handstand or planche. http://youtu.be/Vn3rgdmsV4U

I regularly do that but generally with bars otherwise my feet hit the floor. Or dig a hole in the sand and do one over that.
I once did it (drunk) off two bars stools. Held it well, round of applause. Two mates missed it and I had to do it again; pushed up, held it but tipped too far, slipped head first onto the floor, catching my ear on the metal stool on the way down; I now have a mildly cabbaged left ear! A bit more cautious now.

[Hoofy]

Vladimir said:

Hoofy said:

Try from L-sit to handstand or planche. http://youtu.be/Vn3rgdmsV4U

I regularly do that but generally with bars otherwise my feet hit the floor. Or dig a hole in the sand and do one over that.
I once did it (drunk) off two bars stools. Held it well, round of applause. Two mates missed it and I had to do it again; pushed up, held it but tipped too far, slipped head first onto the floor, catching my ear on the metal stool on the way down; I now have a mildly cabbaged left ear! A bit more cautious now.

Ouch. That's why I can't do it - I'm very aware of "H&S" so won't even practice unless I have the space to fall in any direction. Sadly, for most of the time, that's a no.

[SpunkyGlory]

So I tried one of the tutorials at the weekend for the first time. Unfortunately I had an awful hangover and just ended up feeling sick so will try it again one evening this week. I've also been watching lots of planche videos so plenty of inspiration and something to work towards.

Unfortunately I'm not sure how much I'll be able to progress as I have a shoulder injury (old rugby injury) that still occasionally plagues me so I think a trip to the physio is worth it as I've never actually had it looked at.

[Hoofy]

Am in a similar situation. fked shoulders from rock climbing. Kinda playing catch-up all the time.