Need Pointers on Pikes

[BodyKat]

I'm having the WORST time trying to do pikes. I'm in plank position on the stability ball, but my body just will not cooperate. I have no problem bringing my knees in, but getting that rear end up in the air just isn't happening.

How did you get pikes under control?

 

[kathryn]

I think you can do an effective pike without the butt lift. It's the bringing in the knees part that works the abs anyway, especially if you work on squeezing the abs into a "c" shape when you roll the ball forward.

 

[DebbieH]

I used to have trouble doing pikes when Cathe first introduced them. I finally noticed that I was trying to ROLL the ball in to get my rear up. If you notice Cathe, she barely moves the ball, just her rear. After realizing it, I was able to do them much easier. (Not easy though!) Keep at it. You will get better. You really have to have strong ABS and a strong back to accomplish them with good form. Practice makes perfect. (Mine are not perfect YET! ;-))
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[BodyKat]

Thanks ladies, that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm rolling the ball in and I end up bending my knees. This is definitely going to take some practice. I will conquer the inverted shoulder press on the stability ball yet!!!

 

[Roses]

Hi BodyKat!

I had trouble with these in the IS series until someone mentioned concentrate on just pulling your butt in the air and not concentrate on the legs....that did it for me. Well I shouldn't say did it but it REALLY helped. They are much more doable for me now.

Sami

 

[DebbieH]

Exactly Sami! I think that is the secret!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[Seabush]

Awesome Abs on the Ball video has a good tip for pikes. Start out with shallow pikes. I was able to gradually build up to doing full pikes this way.

Crystal

 

[AllisonT]

Hey, it works!!!!!

Pikes are my nemesis. I just tried to do them as suggested - butt lift instead of rolling in with my legs - and I got up there! WOO HOO!!!

Now the challenge will be doing them AFTER I've fried my arms with first forty minutes of PUB. Can't wait until I get this one on DVD, so I can tackle the ab work first.

Allison:

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi BodyKat! Sounds like you figured it out with all of the wonderful suggestions. I also wanted to add that just before you attempt the pike, before you even do any movement at all, tighten your core and keep your navel firmly drawn toward your spine the entire time you draw your buttocks up to the sky. Keeping your center core strong and tight will give you better balance as you pull up. The less you wobble, the easier it is to draw up, and therefore the "prouder" your pike will stand. And boy do we know what a great feeling of accomplishment it is once you're up there strong and balanced. Good Luck

 

[kelley111]

I used the suggestions from this thread and I actually was getting my butt up there. I ignored the ball as much as possible and just concentrated on getting my big butt in the air. It was so much better.

 

[lisaLD]

I don't claim to do a perfect pike, but one of my biggest problems was not having my ball fully inflated. The pump that came with it just wouldn't cut it. I got a new "Deluxe Ball Pump" from fitness1st.com when I got my Troy Lite. It pumped that baby right up, and suddenly, I was doing better on the pikes. I didn't add a LOT of air, just enough to make it firm, but it made a big difference.