Can Contortion Help With Pole Tricks And Mastering them?

ChevaleresseMommy started this discussion · 2/24/2013

Im getting into contortion(Still training self on poling tircks) Been struggling with motivation and feeling defeated on the pole. I cant get anything when comes to inverted. So I started contortion not only because its awesome but because I want to pull off these tricks. Im very passionate about pole fitness. I know contortion inolves flexibility but cant it tone me as well and build up my muscle, along with strength? Having issues with motivation. Any tips on how to stay motivated? Still have toning and weight to lose.

5 replies

Veena · 2/24/2013
First you should know that contortion training isn't necessary for most inverted tricks. To progress to inverted tricks you need to focus on building strength and conditioning the body. If you're self training you might want to take a look at the lessons here! Included in the lessons is a new program called the 30 day take off. Here is a little video explaining the 30 days. https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/50e4694e-a85c-4fa0-8e66-61940ac37250 You may also want to take a look at a blog I wrote. It talks about what pole moves are professional level and that not every move is appropriate for everyone. https://www.studioveena.com/blogs/view/Professional_Level_Pole_Moves_20130127053217 So... keep in mind that contortion training can be a fun goal but it's in no way necessary to enjoy the benefits of pole. 🌸
Charley · 2/24/2013
I don't recommend and I don't know ayone who does - contortion training on your own. Contortion can be dangerous so I hope you have a knowledgable coach. Like Veena, said contortion won't help with inverts and I've know extremely felixble people who find some pole holds super hard. I don't know how much strength it takes to be a contortionist so I don't know if it will give you strength but I do know it can be dangerous without the proper instruction and coaching.
Elektra Vallens · 2/25/2013
I agree with Charley that I hope you're doing your contortion training in a class or with an instrutor. (This is as opposed to flexibility, which you can practice on your own) It's true that contortion will build certain kinds of strength, especially back strength, but it will not build the kind of strength that you need to get into inversions. For that you need mostly shoulder, arm, and core strength. You should definintely check out the lessons here, and try not to get too frustrated. Depending on where you're starting from, it could be a while before you're ready to do inversions. Contortion will stand you in good stead much further down the line in pole, but for now it sounds like what you really need is strength building.
Miraine · 2/25/2013
I disagree that you can't learn contortion on your own, but that is dependant upon you having the commitment to learning enough anatomy to really understand what you are doing. If you are following expert guidance, great, you can trust in their knowledge, but if you want to do it alone, you need to understand how the body works. I do however agree that strength training is phenomenally important. You see a video of a contortionist, you'll see they don't just flop into positions. It is a complete falacy that contortionists are stretched to the point of weakness. Yes, there are flexible and weak people, but sliding into splits with gravity helping and doing them in the air are two completely different matters. Another point in favour of classes though, is how it can help you stay motivated. Even if you have to travel a bit, so can only take one monthly, or quarterly. That will give you the kick up the behind to do your "homework", so to speak, since you don't want to go back and not have improved ;) Training *properly* will help you build strength :)
ChevaleresseMommy · 2/25/2013
Thank You for your replies.I hope my post made sense to everyone because i think i worded some of the stuff wrong. I apologize. When I said Self training I meant on the pole not the contortion. Im doing the contortion as a hobby but also what to incorperate it into routines as well. I have been poing for a couple years but had to quit because I was pregnant. So I just started poling again 5 months ago but I am having issues because I still weigh 180 and have my baby flab. alot of weight to lift, But I just dont seem to be building muscle.No idea why?I have alot of toning to do yet.