Bare feet on horrid floors!

SaraNova started this discussion · 2/5/2011

Hiya, I am just setting some pole sessions in the UK in Manchester, holding them in a Rock club and having a rock n roll feel to the lessons! :) My only problem is that the venue has a disgusting sticky carpet that they won't clean, and one part is floorboards that could cause splinters, could have broken glass in etc. I thought about rolling out a piece of carpet, or some kind of plastic or picnic mat even, but I have limited storage, and also want to make sure it is something secure with my Xpoles. Please could anyone help me with suggestions about how to deal with this?! Thanks, Sara xx

14 replies

KikiGeneres · 2/5/2011
I have used something around rather than under the pole. Get a large piece of carpet or heavy fabric and cut a hole in the center. After you place the base of your pole where you want it, drop the carpet down over it. Then put the pole up as usual. I would suggest either some heavy double sided tape or some skid proof mats under it so it does not bunch or slide! Hope it helps! Good Luck!
VanillaryPuff · 2/5/2011
I agree with Kiki, putting some carpet AROUND would be easier and perhaps even better. I suggest you buy a big piece of carpet or even some kind of plastic mat at the DIY-store, and cut it in from one side to the center to be able to place it around the pole when it's already standing. You can fix it at the sides on the floor with good double sided tape, so it won't slip easily - although I don't think it would be a problem if it even did slip at little bit. You should be able to choose from several kinds of carpet at the store, make sure you chose something that won't tear the skin of your knees when practising floorwork ;)
chemgoddess1 · 2/5/2011
Also what could be an option would be the foam puzzle piece mats. They break down for easy/compact storage and are easy to set up. I just saw some that are wood grain...cool!! http://www.amazon.com/Tadpoles-Wood-Print-Playmat-Natural/dp/B003ZYEEDM http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41c1UXShgXL._AA300_.jpg
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kat pole princess · 2/5/2011
@ chem goddess thans for that suggestion. this looks better than the plastic puzzles. the only question i have is do set the pieces around the pole or place the pole on top of the pieces?
kat pole princess · 2/5/2011
i meant plastic looking pieces
chemgoddess1 · 2/5/2011
I don't see why you could not set the pole on top of it....I think a few here have done that. The foam is going to compress and might even give you a better base than the nasty carpeting.
HollySatine · 2/5/2011
Couldn't that be dangerous though to set the pole on top of the foam mats? Isn't that unstable?
chemgoddess1 · 2/5/2011
No more unstable that on carpeting in your home. As long as you tighten the pole properly it should be a non-issue. Gotta figure at home you have the carpet fibers plus at lkeast 1/2 inch padding. This is no different. If you are concerned then just cut out an opening that the pole fits through, but then you will have the issue of the mats possbily moving around. At least with the pole on top of the mats they will be anchored.
HollySatine · 2/5/2011
I know you can set up a pole on carpet - I only asked because I had heard you're not supposed to put your pole over a rug (since rugs are not really secured to anything like carpet is), which is basically what these mats are. But maybe that's only a problem with cheaper, less safe poles anyway?
Polkadotpoler · 2/5/2011
I have thought about getting some kiddy foam mats? Toys R Us sell mats that are 6 or so inches square which is the perfect size for the bottom of my pole. I would just take one out to fit around the bottom of the pole and voila! http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4312139
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SaraNova · 2/5/2011
Cool, those foam mats and kids foams mats look a great idea, and should be easily stored away. I have four poles and there's not much storage space at the venue. Might buy one and see how it works! Thanks for your help :)
kat pole princess · 2/5/2011
i bought my plastic sport kind at kmart for 15.00. They r 6ft square. They r great but i hate that it doesnt form a perfect square (i know i have ocd .lol). I may buy the wood-looking ones and cut them underneath or cut the ones i have. hmmmm . . .
nymphdancer · 2/7/2011
ooooooo I like the wood look ones! I use black ones under my pole sometimes over the carpet. I really want wood though for the pole area because I prefer to dance in heels.
Kira · 2/7/2011
just being nosy - what club are you having your lessons in??