Newbie has some questions

Geegee started this discussion · 7/14/2009

hi everybody =) I am also new. I love it so far. I have a cheap pole down in my basement. I know, I should have shopped around. Anyway, I have a question for those who also have the cheap pole. One is, for those of you also have one or have had one, do you have any suggestions on how I can work my left upper body, since I am unable to spin to the left. If I do spin to the left, the pole will start to loosen up...Also, do you have a workout routine with your pole that you would like to share with me? How much time trying new spins and how much time do you spend practicing ones you are already learning? One more =) Is it better to learn transitional poses and walks before you learn too many spins? Thanks so much girls. I think this site is awesome =) Kuddos to you Veena =)

11 replies

FreeTheSun · 7/14/2009
Welcome! I am sure you'll continue to love pole as you progess too, it's addicting. 😀 So as for your questions, I can't say anything in the cheap pole area but for the last two questions I can give an opinion. I would say practice the spins till you don't even have to think going into them. I like to mix up ones I know and ones I am working on because then I still maintain that "feel" of spinning gracefully on the pole while being able to work on those new spins that aren't so graceful yet. As for transitions vs. crap tons of spins, I personally like throwing in transitions rather than doing spin after spin because then I can dance more and it just flows better for me. I have some friends that don't like the dance aspect of pole and so just do spins/tricks right after eachother. For me, thats boring as all get out unless I am just really working on something new and need to practice it over and over again, but then when I am done with that I do some dancing cause for me that is 1/2 the fun.
perrylilac · 7/14/2009
I have one of those poles you are talking about. They are crappy. I've had mine for 3 weeks and it's seriously already time for a new one. The PLASTIC threading is already warping. Anyway, my husband is the one who has to tighten it and when he does I'm able to spin any which way. Are you sure it's as tight as you can possibly get it? There shouldn't be a reason you only spin one way. I know what you mean about it loosening because mine does the same thing if it's not tight. I don't have a set routine I do. I warm up, usually do a workout and then pole for about an hour. I practice all my spins and try new spins and I work on any inverts I'm learning (I"m only 3-4 weeks into it myself). I jam some music and dance around and move to it. Hope this helps!
RoxyPink · 7/14/2009
So when are you getting a new pole?? HEHE 😀 Transitions are good for a couple things....1. they let you rest a little between more demanding spins/tricks. 2. they really help your work out...you'd be surprised at how a few hip rolls here and a few dips there will help tighten your abs and legs. If you aren't into the "sexy" dance you can still do the same transitions just approach it from a more "fitness" aspect. As far as how ofter should you practice spins you already know...I still do fireman spins as part of my warm up! It never hurts to practice the basics...considering most basic spins have intermediate and advanced versions. Practice makes perfect! 😀
Geegee · 7/16/2009
Thanks girls =) I still can't get my pole to stop moving, but have no fear! My hubby agreed to getting a much better and safer pole. Suggestions?? Next question, if you don't mind - In what order do I study the lessons? Does it matter if i start from the beginning of Veena's lessons (walks, squats, etc.) or learn some spins first. I would eventually like to create a dance for my husband and not sure how to go about it. I guess that's it for now. Thanks again! This site and you ladies have been a great support system =)
RoxyPink · 7/16/2009
That is great that your hubby agreed to get you another pole. The majority on here will suggest X-pole. They are very strong and easy to use. Platinum stages is also a very good pole. 50mm is the standard size, but you can get a 45mm if you have super small hands. There are many finishes to choose from: X-pole comes in chrome or titanium gold (which is much grippier) and platinum stages comes in stainless steel and brass. As far as Veena's lessons...go in order. The videos at the beginning have great exercises for building the strength that you will need later on to master more difficult moves! Remember to take your time and not rush moves as you can get hurt. Always work on the basics even when you become advanced! Practice makes perfect! The more you practice your floorwork, transitions, spins etc...the more fluid you will become in your movements and you will eventually get to a point where you can dance for your husband with out having to plan out a routine! Which I personally think is MUCH hotter! I hope you share your progress with us! 😀
SissyBuns · 7/16/2009
You're probably going to get tons of recommendations for the X-pole. I have one and I love it. It's perfect. It's strong and sturdy, it has spin and static and it doesn't cause any structural damage! What more could you ask for? As far as the order of Veenas lessons I work from the start and take them in order because they progress in difficulty. 😁
Jootje · 7/21/2009
Hi! Sorry for a shittie writing on my part: I'm Dutch and my english isn't all that good (and I cant find the spellingcontrole on my PC in english) 😀 I read about your cheap pole; mine is even cheaper I bet! My boyfriend just stole a pole from the street wich holds a trafficsign. I've polished it with an emerypaper untill it is smooth enough, the thickness of the pole is ecxactly the same of a regular pole. It's amazingly strong and my boyfriend made a self-made system at the bottum of the pole witch makes it possible to fix/ fasten (and make it lose again to move it somewehere else) it to the floor and it will press itself to the ceiling. Perhabs you can do the same? 😉 Good luck finding a strong pole 🙂 Jootje
Castleoutsider · 7/22/2009
yea no i know what she means by only spinning one way ^.~ shes not crazy. its like a shower rod.. if u go one way it extends n hey its all fine.. go the other way.. the pole screws back up into the top peice and the bottom part comes out. -o- bah... well just one id do to work my left since u can only use ur right.. do the cradle spin =) u have to switch ur hands and use ur left on top ^^ try a go at it
Veena · 7/26/2009
Welcome 😀 sound like you might be thinking about a new pole. I really love the X pole, and as far as the lessons go, they are placed in order please be sure to do the strength training section, this is very important because it prepares your body for the demands of pole dance. Have fun!!! 🌸
Keera · 7/28/2009
Hello everyone! I am new as well. I am from the US and only recently had the chance to actually pole dance. I do not own my own pole yet but it is something that I will be saving up for. These are a few questions that I have about the poles. When I am able to buy one myself which is better a 45 or a 50? That one confuses me. Also the pole that I have had some time with spins and a few dancers that frequent there complain about it spinning. Should I stop practicing on the spinning pole and just wait or just continue having fun until I get my own? Thanks ladies also I have an email address that goes directly to my cell so you can reply here or there. mailto:[email protected] Lastly is there a way to change my name from keera? I actually hate this name but I knew it would be easy for me to remember. Thanks again and a good day to all =D
miss fern · 7/28/2009
45 vs 50 What people generally find is that 45mm is easier for spins and beginner climbs, because you can wrap your whole fist around the pole and 50mm is easier for advanced moves where you grip with odd parts of your body (knees, armpits, hip/inner thigh etc) because of the greater surface area and skin contact. IMO If you're looking to get strong and really fit and possibly want to perform or compete then 50mm is industry standard, so definitely go with that. If you just want to show off to your friends/hubby (and improve fitness of course) then on 45mm you would pick up moves faster. I bought a 45mm titanium X pole a year ago, coz I had a lot of grip issues when I was a beginner. Now I wish I had 50mm! Oh and I never noticed any difference between titanium and chrome anyway (they say the former is grippier.) SPINNY vs STATIC Neither is better than the other, and spinny is definitely not cheating 😉 I'd say keep practicing on spinny. You will have to learn about throwing your weight to get momemtum when you move to a static pole, but on the plus side - spinny actually builds up your grip and strength more, because you are constantly fighting with the pole to stay on! Haha!