Technique Tip: Skin the Cat aka Reverse Pike Progressions! How do you feel about Skin the Cat (aside from the awful name 😅)? Is it a skill that could use some improvement, or one you’re a bit hesitant to lower fully into? It can feel intense, especially when you're up high. But it’s also incredibly useful: a strength-builder, a transition point and one worth gradually approaching. As a lifelong cat lover, the name definitely makes me cringe 😬 At our studio, we call it Reverse Pike, but I’ve also heard Skin the Carrot, Chip n' Dip and Skinny Cat. Call it whatever feels right to you! 👇 Try these progressions to make it more approachable: 🔥 Step 1 – Shoulder Mobility Warm up using the tail of the silk. Take your arms overhead, then rotate your hands forward to feel your shoulders move into internal rotation—where the upper arms rotate inward and the shoulders round slightly forward. 👉 When you're in the skill, avoid pinching your shoulder blades together or down—this can compress the shoulder joint and strain your rotator cuff. ✨ Instead, think of creating a turtle shell shape across your upper back - rounded, wide, and supported. 🐢 🔄 Step 2 – Practice Low Start close to the ground. Rotate back until your feet touch the mat. Keep some weight in your hands to get in tune with your shoulder position. Tuck your head and draw in through your center to return. 🤸‍♀️ Step 3 – Tuck Version Bend your knees to shorten the lever. Move to your point of control and practice coming back safely. Each practice session aim to go a tiny bit further. 🌀 Step 4 – Resistance Band Spot Loop a band between the silks to support your hips as you rotate. It may take a few tries to find the right height and resistance. Very helpful for a self-spot! 💡 Have a history of shoulder injury or instability? A little discomfort is normal when learning this, but pain isn’t. If you feel sharp or lingering pain, pause, modify, and assess what adjustments your body might need. This skill used to freak me out and honestly, it still can! But with thoughtful prep and progressions, it becomes much more doable!