I feel so dumb trying this trick. I almost tore my arm off! Am I reading the instructions correctly??...can anyone help who has done it or does it a lot.

I tried doing it with my left arm (as it suggests--but fail to swivel my palm over my thumb as it says I can.

Ellen

Dear Ellen:

You may very well be doing it correctly and just unable to do it. You really have to crank the arm around at an awkward angle. Some folks have to work up to it by stretching over a period of time.

I for instance can't really do the move at it's best because of a long standing problem with my left elbow. Just take it slowly at first and stretch out the needed tendons, etc.

Best,
Brad Burt

Ellen

It may be just a matter of practice - however, I couldn't get the trick from the instructions - I ended up buying the video as well which makes thing a lot clearer!

Ellen

It all depends on how flexible your wrist is. It took me a few weeks of practise to make the move look convincing.
Don't force your wrist, just practise everyday. It'll get easier.

Ellen:

Just to make sure you are understanding the instructions correctly, try going backwards from the final position.

This might give you a clearer idea!

alleycat

I find that the starting position is awkward too so while misdirecting the spectator you can take your time preparing.

Florian

Keep practicing though. I use it all the time and it freaks people out.

DonB!

Practice and practice. But sometimes just take care of yourself and don't force yourself to the limits.

You won't get 40 degrees more even if you practice 10 hours a day. I think a loose sweater or jacket will help you with the elbow problem.

You really need to twist more than just your wrist. Think about twisting your wrist, elbow and shoulder and you can go a whole lot furthur. I've done this trick so many times, and I've made so many people scream. It's great, work on it!

Yeah it happened to me too when I first tried it. I think there is something to do with the individual's flexibility. I still do it by request and I still suffer a bit after the effect, but the response I get is worth everything.

I do the final few degrees of the "twist" after I place my fingers on the ground, but before my palm. This allows me a bit of leverage to "push" for the last little bit.

It only hurts a little...

I've got the video if you want to borrow it. Pm me if interested.


ellisd

Hi Dave,

Nice browsing into you here.

Flexibility is the key! I only realised that after a trip to the ER........... only joking it's just a case of limbering up

I love this trick, and would like to further enhance the performance with the "twisted flesh" look using a rubber band, but I cannot figure out how the heck I am supposed to put the rubber band on to make it look good. Any advice?

Try fishing line instead of rubber band... it looks great! Be good to yourself though, don't cut off the circulation. Just wrap it around your wrist a couple of times and the spiral it up your forearm, finishing with a couple of wraps just below the elbow.

I don't know why I never thought of using fishing line. Good idea, thanks.

Put some uncooked pasta in your mouth and bite it as you do the illusion and then swallow it.
The sound is real and there is no clean up.
You'll get used to the taste.