I also need to add my 5 cents on inverting. I started inverting very early. I was taking classes at a studio that offered them in 5 different levels;

Level 1 strenghtening, walking and transitions
Level 2 Transitions, simple spins and strength
Level 3 Transitions, spins and strength
Level 4 Climbing, intricate spins, inverted moves and strength
Level 5 More elaborate spins & advanced pole tricks (as stated on the website LOL http://xposefitness.com/locations.htm )

I am a strong lvl 2 and get by comfortably but still learning in lvl 3. Due to my work/school/family/life schedule (and not having a pole at home to practice with) and the class schedule, I had to start attending lvl 4 classes just to go and I was taught to invert. I’m able to invert on both sides but it wasn’t until recently that I learned I’m not strong enough to do it properly.

I kind of just kick my leg up until it hooks then situate myself on the pole and after that I can’t do much. It feels good to be able to do it but now I know that I’m no doing it properly so I’m haning up my invert until I have the strength to do it right, and I know I’ll benefit from it greatly in the end. Fleur your post was crazy helpful and I will be doing all of those things to invert "properly" from now on.

I used to brag that I was lvl 4…. but I didn’t belong there safely. I’m proudly demoting myself to lvl 2 https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif