body weight issues/recording

bwiertalla started this discussion · 4/27/2015

So after taking a long break from pole and signing up on studio veena, im at beginners level so i am starting from the very beginning with the pole strength exercises. I decided to record my workout today and is it just me or do some of you guys feel like ten times bigger than what you see in the mirror? I looked back over my video and looked 3 times the size than im used to seeing in the mirror. I have to say it was pretty demotivating. Anyone else experienced this? and if so how did you get yourself out of the rut.

6 replies

AllysonKendal · 4/27/2015
*Hugs* To some degree I do notice how I look in videos... but WAY less than I used to. Now I just look at what I can do and how strong I've gotten. But yes, some cameras and lighting are down right unflattering. Thankfully the pole community here is so supportive that I post videos and pictures that I wouldn't show my best friends because my stomach looks a certain way. When it comes to pole a lot of that melts away. That being said, I did have a good look at myself today and said... bikini diet starts NOW. It's not easy to not be critical of yourself, but I hope you don't let it overshadow the accomplishments on that film and I hope it does not deter you from sharing. :)
Phoenix Hunter · 4/27/2015
yes, I feel like that all the time. its a constant struggle that I have to keep pushing out of my mind. seriously, I have to make myself stop. just stop those thoughts. yes they keep popping back up. but I make them stop each time. it gets easier to block those thoughts. fortunately I have some pics or videos where I feel like I look okay. I tend to focus more on those good feelings I get from those pics/videos. the more videos/pics you take the more you will love some and hate others. if you feel bad looking at it, dont look at it anymore. move on. maybe the next video you will feel better about. I wish I knew a way to permanently get rid of these thoughts. actually when you achieve tricks that you've really worked hard for, you tend to care less about how fat you feel you look. you get so proud of your pole accomplishments that it kind of pushes that negativety away. just keep working hard and celebrate each and every pole accomplishment you make , no matter how small it may be. celebrate EVERY thing you do with pole. it really does eliminate much of those negative feelings about yourself.
Veena · 4/27/2015
It's SUPER common to feel that way!! One thing to keep in mind is depending on the camera quality and angles used, we can end up looking far different than in real life! Also the first time I saw myself, blah I was not happy. The same when I started doing voiceovers for the lessons, I was horrified by my voice lol My point is, don't let this feeling stop you from recording or posting progress. It's really important to have video to look back on. 💜
bwiertalla · 4/27/2015
thanks ladies! this is super helpful as ive been trying to get motivated to get back on the pole and to start losing some weight. so we will see how it goes!
Storypole17 · 4/28/2015
I'm right there with ya! I poled consistently from 2010-2013. Then I dabbled in Lyra and silks. I quit smoking in 2014 and gained about 15 pounds. These pounds are really stubborn!!! Anyways, I'm starting to pole again and hula hooping - so I hope just dancing around (the part I missed so bad when I didn't pole anymore) - will get my confidence back up!
Serzi · 4/29/2015
It can be devastating at times to see how different the camera's view is compared to the mirror. If it truly bothers you as much as mine has, I recommend playing around with the recording/editing options. A lot of my videos were either black&white or had a red filter. I used to be extremely self-conscious and heavily edited out the more unflattering angles. Through doing this I actually found a new hobby because I really enjoyed editing the videos. In retrospect, I feel I was much too harsh on my pre-pregnancy body. lol Even though I weigh less now than I did back then, I can tell that I am significantly more out of shape these days. If possible, I encourage you to embrace your shape no matter what it is and record your progress with or without editing. Years from now it will motivate you, either because you'll see how far you've come from that point or to see what you're capable of if you ever have to take some down-time. It reminds you that it's not impossible, it gets easier, you look and feel better over time. Can I just add that there ain't nothing cuter than those awkward beginner videos? Few people will share their earliest pole attempts, but when they do I appreciate it so much. I've seen some super adorable first vids of champion pole dancers and you would never guess that it was them if they didn't tell you so. We may not all have the same body type, but we all start off pretty much the same with the pain, determination, and flexed feet. haha Whether you keep your vids to yourself or share them, record your progress anyway. You won't regret it! ♥