Why I Love a Cup Grip
Okay, so I’m sure that I just sent shudders down some of your spines with that title – including a lot of my students 😉
How can anyone “love” a Cup Grip?!
Well believe me, not so long ago I didn’t either. But for some reason I managed to get over my fear of shoulder mounts (where I first learned a Cup Grip) and it is now my go-to grip for as many holds as I can use it for.
The Fear Of The Cup Grip
I remember standing at the base of the pole looking up at the ceiling feeling my hands getting clammy just thinking about a Shoulder Mount. You might think that this was the first time I tried it, but in reality I had been doing successful Shoulder Mounts for months.
I must have thought that every time I survived a Shoulder Mount, it was a miracle.
I had put them on my list and made myself practice over-and-over, but still I stood at the base of the pole with nothing much happening.
You know that feeling where you hold on for too long before doing a move, and you get super clammy? You wipe your hands on your shorts but that still doesn’t help! Then you have to go and wash your hands and start the whole process all over again.
Yep. That was me.
I hated Shoulder Mounts, and I hated a Cup Grip even more.
I felt that the Cup Grip just wasn’t a secure grip. I tried other grips like a Princess Grip but found that to be even worse – I felt like I was hanging off my shoulder, rather than engaging the proper muscles, and when I eventually got upside down, my hands were in the way when I was trying to find the grip with my legs.
Get Over It
I had a little talk with myself (as you do) and realised that I desperately wanted a strong Shoulder Mount, and if I wanted it then I would need to get over my fear of the Cup Grip.
So I set myself a challenge of five Shoulder Mounts with a Cup Grip – I wasn’t ready for anything more advanced at that time.
On my favourite side, five seemed okay – the good but not favoured side was a lot harder. Perhaps one of the five would be successful. Nevertheless I persevered.
The more you do it, the stronger you get, and the fear begins to disappear.
If you really want to get used to the Cup Grip, start with a very lower Shoulder Dismount first – it’ll keep you safe and get you stronger for when you are ready for Shoulder Mounts.
Why The Cup Grip Is Awesome
You really are using your strength – it’s hard to ‘hang’ in the shoulder with a Cup Grip
You will feel much stronger – as long as your body is away from the pole, you will feel that you have a grip pull on the pole, feeling instantly stronger.
How do you get on with a Cup Grip?
