Aerial Hammock Tutorial: How to Do a Cross Back Straddle

Cross back straddle is a fundamental and fun trick on the aerial hammock. I still remember looking at those beautiful crosses on my classmates’ backs, and wondering when will I ever get this? Why is cross-back straddle on aerial hammock so hard? While there are many ways to arrive at a cross back, here I will share with you one of the simplest ways. This post will also end with some other tips on achieving your straddle up in cross back.


Standing on the Hammock

First begin from a standing position. Start with the left leg in the hammock and bring your body up. Keep your right leg to the right and behind the hammock (the fabric should be in front of your right leg). Try to keep a steady position from the get-go to prevent swinging.

Aerial hammock trick - cross back straddle

Bring the Upper Body in Front of the Right Fabric

Next, bring the right arm in front of the hammock. Follow the right arm and lean to the right, so your left arm can grab the right fabric.

Aerial hammock trick - cross back straddle

Notice the right fabric is under the left armpit for a stable position.

Aerial hammock trick - cross back straddle

Follow the Right Arm to Turn Backward

Follow the right arm and right leg to turn to the back. Now you should be facing the opposite direction.

Aerial hammock trick - cross back straddle

Kick the Left Leg to the Left

Pull the body up slightly while kicking the left leg to the left side. You will end up with a perfect cross on your back.


How to Straddle up in a Cross Back Straddle

Here comes the challenge for most beginners. While lack of strength can make this challenging, you can possibly overcome this with a little technique.

Lean your upper body back

I vividly remember trying to lift my butt and legs up with my core. That made it a lot harder than it needed to be. Try to trust the hammock and really lean on the cross. You can also use the arms to push against the hammock to help with leaning back.

Aerial hammock trick - cross back straddle

Try bending one leg

Adding onto the previous step, bend your free leg and lift the knee up. That would be easier than straddling with straight legs.

But be sure to keep the left leg (the one on the hammock) straight to keep the tension of the hammock.

Aerial hammock trick - cross back straddle

Watch the full video above on how to come out of the straddle.

After you have got it once, it will only get easier. If you are still having a hard time, there are strengthening exercises made just for aerialists.


Aerialists’ Floor Workout

Here is my favorite beginner aerialists’ workout to build your core and learn how different muscles support each other:

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