Page 89 - AERIAL ACROBATICS & CALISTHENICS VOL. 1 (ENG).pdf

9.1 → INTRODUCTION
The higher the contraction needed by the forearm muscles as we grip the rope, the higher the involvement and contraction of other proximal muscles. We can test this by squeezing the rope using only the muscles of the hand and forearm, and then adding proximal muscles such as the biceps, triceps, lats, etc. The compression force applied to the rope will be less when we involve only the muscles of the hand and forearm.
When performing skills such as beats, the muscle contractions of the hand and forearm applied during the amortization phase will be greater than in a regular isometric hang.
Besides, the coordination to contract and relax the muscles involved at each of the phases of the movement is crucial, varying for each muscle and each phase of the beat.
If we don’t have enough grip strength we will need to constantly contract the proximal muscles to avoid falling during the amortization phase which would interrupt the fluidity of the movement. Likewise, if we don’t develop the proper muscular coordination (contraction or relaxation) we would contract and lock our arms constantly, also interrupting the fluidity of the movement.
To properly perform dynamic movements on rope, it is critical to improve grip strength and allow our body to learn and memorize the correct movement pat- terns.
We should switch the top hand every time we perform a set to maintain a proper muscular balance.
When training on silks/fabric or when using bungees, the weightless moment will enhance in time because of the elastic effect of the material. Hence we should adapt our movement to it. (For ex- ample we should make our horizontal plank position last longer during the side bell/plank beats).
THE AERIAL MOVEMENT® 87