Boomerang Help!

xshellbearx started this discussion · 3/9/2010

Hello! I'm getting really frustrasted with the boomerang move, I've been able to do the Carousel move happily for a while now, but for some reason it hurts like hell trying to get my legs up and in position for the boomerang... Does anybody have any stretching tips, or even move tips so that I can finally get the spin?! (I just find my legs dont seem to be strong enough/ or want to bend out enough to get it properly!!) I also find that I cannot seem to get my legs back for the inverted v, and I think whatever I am doing wrong with the boomerang... I am also doing wrong during the inversion! Much Love Michelle xx

10 replies

RoxyPink · 3/9/2010
It could be that you have overly tight hamstrings...or you are engaging the WRONG muscle groups! When doing the boomerang are you trying to lift your legs with your legs or with your core? You really want to focus lifting your legs with your core...the same goes for inverted v...yes both moves take some hip flexor strength but it's primarily with your core. I recommend that you work on doing your inverted V by slowly lifting into it...NO KICKING!! This causes you to really engage your core...and it never hurts to keep working on hammie flexability!! 😀
amy · 3/9/2010
for the boomerang, if you tilt your hips up, it's easier to hold the position =)
polergirl · 3/9/2010
Here's a great exercise to work the part of your core that helps hold you up once you're in the boomerang or inverted V position: lay on the ground and hold one of those big exercise balls directly overhead. Slowly lift your legs toward you in a tucked position, then spread them to a V, tilt your hips, and continue to lift your hips until your feet are by your shoulders (or ears, if you are a lucky long-legged soul, lol). With your arms up holding the ball, you can't use your body to swing or use momentum so it has to be your abs, and if you roll up at first in a tuck position your lower back will always retain contact with the floor....until you lift it off. So it's also a "soft" and safe move to do for your body. I hope my description makes sense. Can video it if it'd be helpful. 🙂
xshellbearx · 3/9/2010
first of all ladies... THANKS FOR SUCH SPEEDY REPLIES!!! god i LOVE this community!! xx Yeap, as I feared I was doing it wrong, I was trying to left with my legs and not my core, and I dont think I even considered tilting my hips! Polergrl, I'm gonna try your exercise for sure & If I have any problems I'll definately check back in with you! Again... Thanks a million!! xoxo
Runemist34 · 3/9/2010
Hey there...I actually have the exact same issues! Core strength is...well below average, I would say...but after much practice and hardship, it's actually getting better! I wanted to ask, however...tilting your hips which way? As in, forward so your spine becomes straight? I imagine this would be the most logical direction, but I wanted to ask anyways! 🥂 Also, Polergirl, I can actually almost get my knees by my ears, but not if my legs are straight! Straight legs, I can barely make a right angle at the hips. My hamstrings are SUPER tight! Any suggestions on how to make them...er, happier? 🙄
xshellbearx · 3/9/2010
I agree... my hammies dont seem to love me as much as i love them!!! xx
amy · 3/9/2010
tilt your hips so that your spine is curved and your hips are open to the ceiling (like you're rocking back), imagine your belly button getting sucked in towards your spine.
Runemist34 · 3/9/2010
tilt your hips so that your spine is curved and your hips are open to the ceiling (like you're rocking back), imagine your belly button getting sucked in towards your spine. Makes sense, thank you! I agree... my hammies dont seem to love me as much as i love them!!! xx I know what you mean! I keep trying and trying to stretch them, get into the splits...anything! But they don't like me that much. It's probably those hours and hours of sitting we/at least I do every day! 🙄
MochaKat · 3/10/2010
Here's a great exercise to work the part of your core that helps hold you up once you're in the boomerang or inverted V position: lay on the ground and hold one of those big exercise balls directly overhead. Slowly lift your legs toward you in a tucked position, then spread them to a V, tilt your hips, and continue to lift your hips until your feet are by your shoulders (or ears, if you are a lucky long-legged soul, lol). With your arms up holding the ball, you can't use your body to swing or use momentum so it has to be your abs, and if you roll up at first in a tuck position your lower back will always retain contact with the floor....until you lift it off. So it's also a "soft" and safe move to do for your body. I hope my description makes sense. Can video it if it'd be helpful. 🙂 ❓ so when you get your feet up by your shoulders or ears are you grabbing the ball with your feet/leg or continue to hold it up with your hands overhead. I have also been working on this move and I think I'm not engaging my core enough either.
polergirl · 3/10/2010
Continue to hold the ball up with hands, and hold your body in V position by engaging the heck out of your core. 🙂 You will have to engage because the ball is in your way, so you can't just curl up to the point where the weight of your legs holds you, KWIM? There is a good exercise that involves holding the ball between your ankles and curling your body upward until the ball is over your head, but unless you already have a strong-ish core it's tough to keep your lower back on the ground until you curl it up, so I don't recommend that one until you've been working your core for a little while.