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To use gripping aids or not to use that is the question
Im having the hardest time griping the pole which really gets to me but, I dont let it stop me from keep trying. Ive looked into gripping aids and mighty grip gloves which might help me but l wonder is it going to be hard to stop using it once l start! If anyone has some tricks that me grip better without any aids l will greatly appreciate it!!:)
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19 Replies
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First question always……is the grip issue due to strength or due to sweaty hands?
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Both…my hands sweat l dont think its too much im wiping it off between every other move, but l definitely dont have much strength which im working on everyday!
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Have you tried wiping your hands with alcohol (maybe you already do that) or I have even heard some girls use vinegar?
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I tried using rubbing alcohol and mixed it with water half and half it helped a little bit but l still couldnt get a tight grip…was I supposed to mix it like that?
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I mix a little water with my alcohol too. Sometimes alcohol without water dries my hands out a little better. I have really sweaty hands. If your hands are not sweaty but you are having grip problems that could just mean you need a little time to build grip strength.
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Oh ok thank you I will continue to work on it without any aids and use the alcohol to build my strength hopefully soon so I can move forward!
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i have had two pairs of mighty grip fingerless gloves..for me sweaty hands was my issue and and having a glove on my hands made my fingers even sweatier. during the summer i have to put “certain dri” top shelf antiperspirant on my palms at night. if you think that grip strength is your temporary issue, try kitchen rubber gloves, or close fitting latex or non latex gloves to help you hold poses and built strength without sliding. also, you can wrap your pole with resistance bands to give you rubber grip. i have never wrapped mine bottom to top that way but for the small area i wrapped it really helped. good luck!
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If you suffer from sweaty hands trying grip aids to help reduce sweat is a good idea. Everyone has some great suggestions for you!
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yep, I use dry hands for my sweaty hands, a little drop goes a long way.
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Grip aids are a very individual decision. I use grip aids and also gloves at times, especially when working on a new move at home (no spotter or crash mat). I don’t see grip aids as a shortcut or taking the easy way out. For me they add an extra layer of safety and security when learning a new move. I have yet to find a grip aid strong enough to substitute for strength to do a move. When learning a new move you have to exert yourself more because you are trying to figure out where everything goes, where to squeeze, the push, the pull while “hanging” on the pole. That takes a lot more exertion than going straight into a move. The grip aid can help certain parts stick more securely while I figure out where to put everything else. If there is any chance I may be sweaty or encounter a “slick” spot on the pole I like having the added security of a grip aid.
Pole is my hobby and fitness regimen. I am not training for competitions or performances. I can see using grip aids sparingly if I were training for a competition. However, Olympic gymnasts use chalk during competition and professional dancers use rosin on their shoes to prevent slips as well. So, if the pro’s need a little “aid” from time to time, why can’t I. Just my opinion.
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Thank you everyone for the reponses I would have never thought of some of these things!!….l Love this site! l dont have anyone to talk to about these things lol I will be trying each and everyones idea, so I guess ill be ordering some gripping aids just to see the difference and trying the bands and gloves!!…Thanks a bunch everyone!!!!:)
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Just to add I wonder if I do have some type of strength but im being scared to use it in fear that I might hurt myself!! But I guess that is something I will have to get over but still practice safely!
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when you have the strength to attempt a move, your body and your confidence will typically know. as long as you are approaching cautiously and realizing you can get hurt, listening to your body and only attempting things because you see that your muscle development is leading you steadily toward it instead of because someone you know has already got it or because it seems like everyone that posts a video can do it then you will know when you are ready. JUST LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. not the little voice in your head that gets discouraged or everyone else.
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I will definitely listen to my body and not try to force something on it that it is not ready for l know practice makes prefect but I know that I have to be patient as well!
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I personally do not use grip aids because my hands do not sweat too much. Sometimes I will use a little Mighty Grip powder toward the end of the session when my grip is fatiguing or I’m getting excessively sweaty, but it’s not something that I want to rely on for everything, because I don’t want to become one of those girls who can’t do anything in class if she forgets her grip aid at home (and I do know girls like this). I tend to just continually dry my hands off and spray down my hands and the pole with rubbing alcohol, and that seems to work fine for me.
I tried the tacky Mighty Grip gloves, and they did not work for me. They were so sticky that the gloves would stick to the pole and my hands would slide out of the gloves…and forget about any move that requires moving or sliding hands!
I know it can be frustrating to not be able to grip the pole as well as you would like, but keep practicing the moves that you are comfortable with, as this will help you gain more natural grip strength. I remember being frustrated when I first started out, but all of the extra practice with bare hands definitely paid off!
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