Ultimate shoulder rides

My preference is to pick them up from behind. Naturally you have to be using correct bio-mechanics with your legs so you don't strain your back. I slip my head between their legs from behind and then I squat down with my legs. As I squat down, I slowly and smoothly pull their hips back so their weight is on resting on me before I even attempt to stand up. Then I simply standup as though I'm doing a leg squat with weight on my shoulders. Once you practice and get the motion nice and smooth, there is no struggle at all to pick them up. I have even picked up women weighing 250 lbs like this with no injury. It's all about timing and a smooth motion so your legs do the work. It's very similar to how guys pick up cheerleaders on one hand. Timing and bio-mechanics is the key. Of course if there is a bench or stairs nearby that the rider can stand on, it makes it even easier since I don't have to bend down as low to scoop them up from behind.

The one thing the rider loves about this method I use, is that I can pick them up quite easily this way and they feel flattered that they are not too heavy. They often say, "Wow you picked me up like a little doll." Since a lot of women are self conscious about their weight, they will feel very good about themselves and will enjoy being carried even more if they don't feel that they are too heavy and you make it seem easy to pick them up.

With all that I've said above, I have no doubt that everyone will have their own preferred method and some may disagree that my method can be done safely without back injury but it has worked well for me for many years. It's very important the lifting is done with the legs.