How long does it take to master pikes (stability ball)?

[luv2globetrot]

So, I finally purchased a stability ball and did a section of Core Max using it. I felt like such a spaz trying to do those pikes!!! So, how long does it take before I'm not falling on the floor??
Lisa

 

[dmstefanos]

I know some days I look and feel so ridiculous on that stability ball. x( Just last week I did Core Max w/ the stability ball and I did all all of the pikes, but my knees were slightly bent. Over the weekend I tried again and really concentrated on keeping my legs straight for those pikes.....I did it! i started doing Cathe's workouts in Jan. So, for me it took 3 months. Someone else had started a thread about this very subject not long ago. It motivated me to try harder. These little personal milestones are so exciting. You can do it too! Hang in there!

Dallas

 

[lesliew]

It wasn't until I read somewhere on this board that the key to pikes is to focus on lifting your butt up. Before than I was putting the emphasis on my already tired arms. Incidentally, Pikes were initally introduced at the end of Pyramid Upper Body and my arms were fried from all the weight training. Because of that, I started doing them at the beginning of the workout when I was less tired. I'm still not great at them, but with lots of practice I'm getting there.

 

[fit_fairy]

lesliew got it right concentrate on lifting your butt up. It is hard and takes practice and a solid core. I am out of practice- have been neglecting my abs lately- and am having to work on my pike form again.
Just keep on they are an excellent exercise and you will feel sooooo accomplished when you do one with good form.

catherine

 

[luv2globetrot]

Thanks girls! I'll definitely keep at it!! It's just that the ball keeps slipping out from under my feet...I tried them again a little while ago and I think it also just takes alot of concentration...I'll do that thing about concentrating on the butt, too.
Thanks for the tips
Lisa

 

[dpiglet]

I don't remember how long it took me to get them....I still can never do them all, but I have found that when I put my ball on my yoga mat instead of the carpet it seems to be a little easier. I tried them the other day on just the carpet(the dog was laying on the mat and no I couldn't just push him off....he looked far to cute...but that is another whole story..)the ball seemed to be slipping away from my feet.
Donna

 

[kathryn]

YMMV ("your mileage may vary"). I think there are several "keys" to a good pike, including shoulder girdle strength and stability (which you can develop from doing planks), and core strength. Just keep on trying! I couldn't do a good one until after I did P90X, then the first one I tried, I could do! I think it's because of the core work in P90X.

 

[hippahips]

It took me about 2 months, doing PUB once a week. So if my memory serves me right, about 8 sessions for me. The effort has to come mostly from your core, even while you try to get your butt up, but you need a good amount of shoulder strength to get all the reps in. My problem was my wrists -- they always quit on me before my core and shoulders did.

Pinky