- Hip harnesses commonly encounter a problem where the initial waist rope is too small and circular, leading to significant distance between the waist and subsequent layers like hip wraps and thigh bindings.
- This spacing between layers often results in distortion during suspension, exerting excessive pressure across the hip flexors.
- Another issue arises with very small circular waistlines, causing uneven loading during full inversion.
- As a consequence, individuals may experience discomfort and pain in the belly, floating ribs, and organs due to excessive pressure.
BEGIN AROUND THE WAIST
Start with a single column tie around the waist that makes a V shape on the hips.
- Begin the hip harness around the waist, ensuring it snugly fits against the hip bones.
- Create a strong V-shape with a steep angle, positioning the knot just above the pubic bone.
- Avoid tying the rope too loosely, as it may result in discomfort.
- Maintain an open V-shape when pulling on the rope to ensure proper tension.
- This shape ensures comfort during full inversion by distributing the load evenly and preventing pressure on the stomach.
- Apply this concept to other parts of the body for similar comfort and effectiveness, such as with the hip loader.
WRAP THIGH WITH X FRICTION
Wrap to create a stem and complete it with an X friction.
NOT THIS
- Begin by wrapping the rope straight around the hips, maintaining tight tension.
- Cross the rope to complete the wrap, then utilise an X-friction technique.
- Avoid pulling the wrap down tightly, instead, slide it up slightly to create an open V-shape.
- Aim for short stems and numerous V-shapes throughout the tie.
- Eliminate elasticity during tying for increased compactness and resistance to stress.
- Position the knot in the middle, otherwise it can create discomfort.
CONNECT TO THE BACK
Create a half hitch on the back of the waist line.
- After completing the X-friction, move to the back to create the middle layer of the harness.
- This layer should provide support to the hips without restricting the hip flexor movement.
- Utilize the flesh to secure the rope in place, allowing the model to open their legs comfortably during transitions.
- Use a half-hitch to secure the rope and ensure it remains centered.
- Maintain an open waist rope, creating a V-shape both in the front and the back.
- This configuration resembles a hip rope, providing comfortable support during suspension without squeezing the belly or spine.
- Repeat the process on the other side for symmetry.
WRAP THE OTHER THIGH
Create an X friction on the other thigh
- Repeat the process on the opposite side, aiming to secure the rope along the hip flesh to keep it in place.
- Wrap around the thigh and cross the rope again, ensuring to go under the stem.
- Note that on the other side, the X-friction may feel slightly different, with the ropes positioned further back on the leg.
- Avoid the common mistake of placing the second X-friction on the outside of the leg, as it disrupts balance.
- Pull the rope up with a slight V-shape following the muscle for proper tension.
- Tie the X-friction, noting that it may initially flip over itself, which is normal and will stabilise after completing the last wrap of the X shape.
- Pay attention to any twists on the other side.
CONNECT TO THE ORIGINAL STEM
Go under the original stem and then create an X friction
- Go under the stem on the far side
- Create an x friction
- Ensure you do a wrap above the x friction to lock it
REINFORCE THE STEM
Following the stem direction, go OVER > UNDER > OVER > UNDER the wraps
- Reinforce the lines to prevent collapse during suspension, especially on the side where you started.
- Without reinforcement, excessive upward pull during suspension can crush the thigh, block blood flow, and cause intense pain.
- To reinforce, return to the starting side and spin the four lines that form the friction.
- Remember the pattern: over, under, over, under.
- After the full spin, add a second layer on this rope for additional security.
- This reinforcement is crucial for self-suspenders to prevent painful collapse, especially when initially pulling the suspension line upwards.
- Once reinforced, continue wrapping behind for completion.
CONNECT TO THE BACK
Follow the hip wrap to the back and go under the half hitch and do a full turn to lock in the tension.
- Double the rope around the hips for added stability.
- Perform a full spin to lock the tension in place.
- This prevents the rope from shifting during use.
- Bring the rope back to the front to continue the tying process.
MIRROR THE REINFORCEMENT
Go OVER > UNDER > OVER > UNDER the wraps just as you did on the other side
- Connect a small rope to complete the tie on both sides.
- Repeat the pattern: over, under, over, under.
- Add an extra spin for reinforcement, if desired.
- Note: Ensure symmetry in the locking on both sides, but avoid creating pressure points.
- Omit the extra spin if it would create discomfort, especially at junction points.
- The opposite tie typically doesn’t tighten as much as the first one, but it’s still beneficial for safety to reinforce it.
CONNECT TO THE ORIGINAL STEM
Go behind the central friction and create an X friction encompassing it all
- Secure the tie with several crosses across the back.
- For added solidity, connect the waist rope to these lines.
- Use a half-hitch or half-hitch friction to connect the waist down to the line on each side.
- This creates an extremely compact front that can withstand suspension and shocks in multiple directions.
COMPACT WAIST AND HIP LINES TOGETHER
Use half hitches to bring the wraps together.
- If desired, add extra pressure on the waist by connecting the waist rope to the lines.
- Use a half-hitch or half-hitch friction on each side to achieve compactness and solidity.
- When wrapping around the waist, alternate between going over and under to maintain the desired shape.
- After completing the tie, dress the wraps by pushing them down while lifting the skin up to ensure proper placement.
- This extra fix helps prevent the ropes from riding up during movement and causing discomfort.
CONCLUSION
- This hip harness provides a comfortable and balanced suspension experience.
- It avoids the unflattering straight line across the butt, giving a more appealing shape, especially when inverted.
- Developed as a solution to address common issues with traditional ties, this harness is optimized for self-suspension.
- Tightening the tie ensures it remains secure without stretching during use, enhancing the overall experience.