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Ever felt like your body’s just not built for pole?!
*Sigh* So I write this with a bit of exasperation.
I have been thinking about my pole journey and this year in March, it will be my 2 Year Pole Anniversary~! Yay!
The thing that gets me down is the feeling of well, feeling like my body is just not built for pole!
My biggest struggle has ALWAYS been extremely SWEATY hands and feet. I have tried Tite Grip, iTac2 and Dry Hands and I tend to use all 3 hand-in-hand (haha, no pun intended! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif) whenever I go for my pole lessons or pole at home.
I have even tried applying Tite Grip 1/2 hour – 1 hour before my classes and I still end up sweating so much that I have to constantly wipe my hands and the pole.
Whenever I do any activities that require a fair bit of concentration and using my hands (e.g. rock-climbing or fixing my jewellery), my hands perspire so much that it looks like I have just washed my hands!I have been using gloves now for pole for the last 8 months or so during my pole classes. I don't want to but I feel as though I really have no choice. They are the Mighty Grip gloves in the full-gloved version with a soft leather grip.
See, I can't even use the fingerless ones because they are HOPELESS with my body chemistry!!! After a while my fingers slide around in them, making it very insecure for me to use!I have been to see my doctor about this and he said there wasn't anything he could do for me. Surgery was too risky, costly and unnecessary for me as I do not require it for professional/medical purposes and the side effects are many. He also mentioned some tablets but once again, said there were many side effects to this and he would not suggest it for a hobby.
All other times when I'm not poling, my hands can range from dry to normal to very damp and clammy.I feel as if this is just one of those things I'm going to be forever cursed with!
I have heard of Botox in the hands but it's only a short-term solution plus may have other bad side effects too. I told my doctor about this and he said he didn't know anything about this.
Does anyone have any advice or words of encouragement at all?! Have you ever felt like I have because of your body chemistry/build that you are not built for pole?!
Does anybody know anything about having botox injected into your hands/feet for pole purposes, the costs, the risks and where to get it done?
Much appreciated!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif
I love sharing and seeing your passion for pole whenever I come on this site! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
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49 Replies
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Someone asked this question on yahoo and someone else offered alternative advice. I don't know if it fits your situation but it might be worth a look:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070819112106AANMieZ
Here are a few comments from another forum about botox for hands
http://www.realself.com/forum/botox-sweaty-hands-feet
Also what about having a few pairs of grip gloves and switching them during a pole session when one starts getting too slippery?
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A few points came to my mind while reading your post, maybe you already tried them:
– Try to use grip aid under the gloves. Mighty Grip recommends this to not slide around in them too much.
– Have you tried white vinegar? A lot of girls seem to get a good grip with that.
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Finally_The_answer_to_sweaty_hands_20110220023344
– Maybe try a different pole finish?
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Distilled white vinegar on your hands might help.
Keep a fan by your pole so you can air dry your hands FAST!
Towel wide the pole often (as I am sure you do!)
Brass pole might help
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A few suggestions I have: try applying the super strength antiperspirants to your hands before going to bed at night. This may cause them to dry out and crack so be prepared (that is a whole other issue). There is also a procedure called iontophoresis which is bascially passing a low electrical current through water while your hands are soaking in it. I know a few bodybuilders that have done this (guys) and have had great success. For your doctor to tell you there is nothing that can be done is incorrect. You may find some help at this site (I am linking the iontophoresis info but the site is a good reference)
http://www.sweathelp.org/English/PFF_Treatment_Iontophoresis.asp
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the tite grip that you used– was it the lavendar scented one, that says "for hands and feet that sweat" on teh bottle? that is a reforumlation that they've found isn't quite as effective with battling true hyperhydrosis, and the're working to come up with a stronger, max strength version.
i think it's clear that you have hyperhydrosis… not just "sweaty hands"…. topically applied antipersperants may work, but i would honestly recommend that you explore botox.
botox absolutely works. it causes compensatory sweating throughout your body, and it's a very painful procedure because there is no topical anaesthesia that they can give yuo that will actually block the pain. it's expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it. sometimes insurance will erquire that you visit a doctor and try other methods before they will approve you for the procedure. if you can't get insurance to cover it, its' very expensive– i believe about $2K here in NYC, and you need to see someone who's experienced in this procedure– cosmetic botox, or underarm botox, is different. if you go with someone who's not experienced, they can go too deep with the injections and weaken the muscles of the hands. it lasts for about 3-4 months before you need to get it done again (or before the weakness wears off, if your procedure gets botched), but it can be absolutely life-changing for a poler with true hyperhydrosis. it blocks the sweat from coming out at all, so you are given completely, completely dry hands.
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Don’t use iTac on your hands anymore as that is bot helping your sweaty hand issue. When using Tite Grip, do so in layers. Put some on 2 hours before pole, an hour and a half, hour, half hour, and right before pole. That’s my routine to prepare for public performance when my hands are the worst and I’ve been very happy with the results. 🙂
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I too have hopelessly sweaty hands! It's very de-motivational when you want to pole, but feel like you can't. I use grip aids like dry hands and tite grip all the time now and often pole with mighty grip gloves (with tack) when nothing else will work. I didn't know they made a full-fingered version…I may have to look into that. I feel your pain but unforetunately have no advice for you, I havn't looked into any kind of medical strength antipersperants or treatments like botox or surgery. Just know you are not alone. 🙂
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Joyful….and anyone else…. For those who feel like your always slipping because of sweat. Have you tried the X pole Brass finish? I found their brass doesn't work for me. BUT I have dry skin and live in a cold climate, so I rarely sweat. Even in summer I don't sweat much.
Has anyone tried the x pole brass with sweaty hands/body?
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Veena – I haven't tried the x pole brass, but I am slowly wheening off my medications, which means I am solwly starting to sweat again. Once I am completely off (in 2 weeks) and sweating full force, I can say for sure if the PS brass helps with my sweaty hand grip or not (obviously not the same as the x brass, but it might be helpful in comparing the TG, x pole brass, and polished brass as the x brass seems to the the mid point between the TG and PS brass.) I should note, before I started this medication I was a majorly sweaty girl, then the meds mede me bone dry.
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My instructor has been dancing for 7 years and has exactly the same problem as you. She has to wear gloves and footwear while she performs. Her gloves only last a little while before the sweat wrecks them!! Despite that she is amazing on the pole and doesn't give up. She says she likes wearing gloves now, as she has a whole collection and can colour match them to each pole outfit! Try getting a good pair of leather ones (pretty sure that's what she uses). It sucks but good luck!!
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Have you tried drysol? its cheap, and you dont need a prescription. I had horrible hyperhydrosis and it completely stopped it.
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Perhaps you could visit another doctor? It very much sounds like yours didn’t really care? And I can’t imagine why he/she wouldn’t be happy to help a patient who is trying to do some form of exercise!
I used a thing like antiperspirant from my chemist for my underarms years ago. But it went on before bed every night for a few weeks to stop the sweating. Was very effective and may well work on hands. Have you asked a pharmacist about the problem? Good luck!! 🙂
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Just a quick update on sweaty hands and brass.
My hands are slowly starting to sweat again. They are clammyish and do leave streaks on the pole when I dance. I also tend to have oily-ish hands (it's hard to describe), so sweat isn't the only factor that affects my difficulty in hand grip with my moist hands. I did a pole session yesterday on my PS brass pole and did notice some slippage, though not NEAR what it would be on my TG and even less slippage than on a stainless. I did end up putting on some tite grip and vinegar, and I did manage to sweat through it, though not a lot. I was able to grip my pole fairly well with the combo of vinegar, tite grip, wiping my hands, and wiping the pole. The brass did help with grip for me (along with being a smaller diameter pole.) Hope that helps a little…
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I have hyperhidrosis of the palms and soles too — I feel your pain. My dermatologist wasn't as pessimistic as your doctor regarding pills. I came to him curious about botox, and told me he'd only consider it for me if I failed the pills. I take the pills only during the days I need them, and he started me off on a very low dose and had me work my way up to a comfortable dose where I feel improvement but have no side effects. So far the only side effect I've felt was a slightly dry mouth, which only reminds me to hydrate more 🙂 The pills aren't perfect, and I still do have sweaty hands, but it improves around 50-75% when I take my meds. I can do more things when I use them in conjunction with Dry Hands or other topical antiperspirants. I'm happy enough with my results that I no longer want botox. Maybe you can find a doctor willing to work with you on that? I show my doc pics of me on the pole/trapeze/silks/lyra and it makes him laugh, but in a nice way. He isn't dismissive about my hobbies as he knows they're quite important to me 🙂
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-Joyful have you tried wax on your pole?
I now use wax (ordinary candle wax). on my pole and find it provides good enough grip so no hand grip is required. I suppose in some ways it sort of crosses your pole into the chinese pole/rubber thing – you have some grip because of the wax but you can still spin and slide well. It may be worth a try as an addition to your hand grip aids. As I say, just try ordinary candle wax, but buy a candle that is reasonable quality, not one that's crumbly or has sparkly flecks in it.
As far as not being built for pole – I always feel envious of those who have ballerina figures – long and slender – that's not me. But then there are women who are not built like ballerinas who are wonderful polers, Rafaela Montanaro and Amber Ray are two that come to mind that are amazing dancers, incredibly flexible but quite muscularly built – not typical ballerina types. Is there a poler that is like you that you can aspire to?
Good luck…I hope you can get the grip thing sorted.
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I haven't read all the replies so maybe someone already suggested this but I would go to a dermatologist and get that Rx deodrant that shuts down the sweat glands. I got some for my pits but I know they perscribe it to people with excessive sweaty hands/feet too.
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I would call a dermatologist who does botox- it is really common to get botox injections for extreme – sweatiness- It doesnt last forever but it does a good couple of months-(everyones response is a tad different) It is an extreme solution but if you have tried everything and are getting nowhere and you really want to keep poling and advancing- it is a solution that WORKS!!! The side effects really arent that dangerous anymore- especially if you find a qualified dr. Im not surprised your general dr hasnt heard of it- it is a specialty and in dermatologist offices-but it is not a rareity! Lots of people get it under their underarms as ell for excessive sweating. If you watch groupon- if money is an issue – botox deals come up a lot! Trul;y if you tried everything else and it is effecting your poling everyday , I would at leats get a consultation- it WORKS! My step mom works for a dermatologist and they do this a lot!!!!
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I have a sweating problem too and I went to see my dematologist and she gave me two things. One is an oral pill called glycopyrrolate which stops sweating from the inside. The second is a clear gel that works like an antiperspirant to stop the sweating from the outside. I would see a dermatologist and see if they can help you because this is definitely more affordable than botox.
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Wow!! Thanks everybody for your replies, suggestions, experiences and overall support! ^__^
I love this site so much!I’m sorry I haven’t been able to reply sooner. I have been so busy lately and will take the time to reply properly once I have my computer switched on as I am writing from my iPhone.
I have a few questions and comments from some of the stuff posted on this thread so will hopefully get around to it soon! ^_^
I love you all! Keep up the great work!! -
Hi everyone!
I have re-read all your responses again today and I have some good news to share.
I went to see a different doctor on Sat and brought up the issue of sweatiness and ironically, she also recommended that I try Driclor at night on my hands and feet when they are dry and apply it everyday for a week and then 2-3 times a week thereafter.
So I have begun this on Sat night…So far, my comments and observations are that my hands and feet have gotten MORE sweatier as a result! HAHA. Maybe it's just a passing effect? I will see how it goes after doing it for a week or so as judging by your responses, it seems to be a VERY effective product.
I am learning to put my phone down at night and learn a bit of self-control by going to sleep after I apply this product as I do not wish to get it on my phone and other belongings.
My only query is…will it diminish the effect if I get moisturiser on my hands? I use my hands to moisturise my face, arms and legs and rub some Arnica gel on my bruises too and I find that after I use moisturiser and even after I wash my hands thoroughly, I feel as if the dry effect on my hands have worn out?!
Maybe it's better for me to use gloves or something to moisturise my face, legs and arms?!
What do you think? -
I feel like it shouldn't diminish the effect if you put moisturizer on because moisturizer just softens skin and doesn't induce sweating. I would do any and all moisturizer stuff before applying the drysol. Another way to boost the effect of the drysol might be to rub alcohol on your hands. I had to do that when I stupidly went and got a mani pedi before pole and it helped quite a bit.
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Hi Persian,
Sorry, I should clarify that I moisturise in the mornings after I have a shower. I apply the Driclor before I sleep so the next day when I have a shower, all the solution has already been absorbed by my hands and feet. My hands and feet feel dry and somewhat "chalky".
It is my concern that AFTER I moisturise in the morning, putting moisturiser on my previously "chalky" hands will only diminish the work that Driclor is doing whilst I sleep.I always moisturise my face before I sleep anyway so that shouldn't affect my hands when I apply the solution on.
Mmmm…I thought moisturiser would be considered oily and therefore can induce sweating?
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Persevere – Driclor did the same to me…. then it worked (and beyond a few weeks, I've never had to use it again!) 🙂 I used it for my underarms so no experience with the moisturiser issue but I believe dry skin can be as bad as sweaty skin. Try it out, see how you go? I've seen some of the nivea moisturisers recommended around here quite often and as soon as I work what the Australian equivalent of the ones recommended are I'm definitely going to give it a shot! Witht he wrong moisturiser though, I imagine it'd be problematic.
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I too have terribly sweaty hands and feet. I don't think it's hyperhydrosis because it's not all the time. It's only when I sweat due to exercise, a hot environment or nervousness. I could be wrong but at any rate when they do sweat, they sweat like crazy. As someone mentioned, it looks like I've washed my hands. Despite how frustrating this is, I am not willing take put possible toxins in my body via medications or botox etc. I have tried all grip aids to no avail. Thank you Joyful and Kitty98 for mentioning the full fingered gloves! I had no idea they made those. I'm going to try them since the fingerless ones don't help me because my fingers sweat too much. And thank you so much Kitty98 for sharing the story of your instructor!! That is so inspiring! I needed to hear that story!! Something someone mentioned, that I was thinking of trying is iontophoresis. Here is the youtube video: http://youtu.be/WjPTacmAi3o
I'm going to try the gloves first and vinegar, as those are about the only two things I haven't tried yet.
Take heart my sweaty palm (and feet) sisters! There has to be a solution. Where there is a will there is a way! And if you want to talk about feeling like you're not being built for the pole, I not only have terribly sweaty hands, I'm also not a natural athlete (understatement) and so my growth in strength is extremely, ridiculously, painfully slow. Put the two together and it makes for a very frusting and many times disheartenting experience. I've also already experienced a pretty serious shoulder injury that set me back further. I pay for classes and can't do half of what the other girls can do even at beginner level. I take small breaks from it at times to get my head straight (Doing something you suck at all the time truly messes with your head) but I always come back. I'm in for the long haul even if it takes me years! XOXO to you guys!
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Joyful – I sent you a PM regarding severe hyperhydrosis. Tite Grip may have an answer for you as we are working on new formulas and products that help uncontrollable sweaty hands/feet. Xo
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