This trick is called the Flag (aka Chinese Flag). It is most recognizable as a signature move of the circus apparatus, Chinese pole, and is highly regarded as a feat of strength because your hands are the only point of connection to the pole – the rest of the trick is pure core and upper body strength.
Jess Leanne Norris’ Iron X
However, there are of course, laws of physics that dictate this trick’s level of difficulty – the further your weight is from the pole, the more difficult it is to hold. Therefore, perfectly parallel to the floor is the most impressive aim because your feet are as far from the pole as possible; as soon as your body dips below or rises above parallel, your weight circles closer to the pole – making it easier.
I have made this pose significantly easier by tucking in my bottom leg, which I would hazard to guess: if my head weighs 8lbs, my leg probably weighs about 25lbs = significant.
Frankly, any leg variation is easier than both legs straight, together, and parallel to the floor; such as split, stag, tuck, straddle (which is called an Iron X), and any of these leg variations can be done with your body facing upward instead of forward – which might be easier or harder depending on the muscles you prefer to use.
Dominic Lacasse’, Guinness World Record for the longest Human Flag (39 sec)
Different hand holds can also make it easier depending on personal preference. My Flag shows a twisted grip with my top arm elbow facing backward and my thumb up, while
Jess Leanne Norris‘ Iron X shows a split grip with the top arm untwisted and the elbow facing forward.
Dominic Lacasse is using a cup grip, in which the top hand holds the pole from behind with the thumb down. He also happens to be the Guinness World Record for the longest Human Flag (39 sec) – which is really impressive considering he’s just so fat ;)
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