Although the straitjackets are designed to contain anyone who could hurt themselves or others, they also represent an excellent challenge for illusionists. In fact, one of Houdini's most famous tricks was the escape from a straitjacket hanging from a crane! Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to dislodge your shoulder to perform this trick, but you do have to practice the following steps.
Steps
Step 1. As you are tied up, use one hand to subtly grasp the front, holding about 10cm thick
Take a deep breath and tense your muscles to widen your upper body as much as possible. As the sleeves are pulled behind you, try to make sure your stronger arm covers your weaker one.
Step 2. Relax
Once the straitjacket is fastened, relax your torso and exhale. Make the upper body as small as possible, and release the thickness created in the previous step. The straitjacket should look looser now.
Step 3. Push your strong arm vehemently towards the opposite shoulder
This will move the thickness to where you need it for the next step.
Step 4. Bring your strong arm over your head, climbing over it
Keep your weak arm down. Once this is done, you will be able to move your arms freely.
Step 5. Undo the sleeve buckle with your teeth
Step 6. Undo the buckles behind you, top and bottom, using your now free hands
Step 7. Step on one of the sleeves and step out of the straitjacket
Warnings
- Have the person who helped you put on the straitjacket on hand, in case you can't get free and need help getting out.
- With some straitjackets this method will not be effective, for example with those that prevent you from carrying an arm over your head.
