FSSSE18-19 Standing Single Pike

It took about 30 weeks from not being able to even stand on my own without falling to folding down quite comfortably. At this stage, is my goal to touch the glutes AND the heel to the wall/stall bars (because then I will probably fall forward and I will have to support myself with my hands) or to be able to hang free like this and try to compress as much as possible without using the ground? 

(my internal rotation is still very poor, even though it's better, so if I get closer to the wall, my other/bent leg is going to be awkwardly twisted to the side, sort of like in the narrow hurdler…)

Hi Suzanna,

Your pike is getting to be really good!

For this stretch, you do want to support yourself with your hands either on blocks or simply with your hands flat on the floor. Don't focus on trying to hang free. By the looks of your pike, you should be able to place your hands flat a few inches in front of you as shown in the technique tip video. You don't want them to be too close to your body or that can throw you off balance. 

With that adjustment, you should be able to get your heel closer to the stall bars. 

Give those adjustments a try and let us know how it feels!

5 hours ago, Everett Carroll said:

you should be able to place your hands flat a few inches in front of you as shown in the technique tip video. You don't want them to be too close to your body or that can throw you off balance. 

With that adjustment, you should be able to get your heel closer to the stall bars. 

Thanks, Everett, I will do the way you describe and keep working on it. Thanks for directing me the right way!!!