Curious about changes to physical appearance

skramamme started this discussion · 6/5/2015

I was just wondering, for those who take notice of such things or wanted to see a difference how long did it take in your poling journey to see a noticeable difference in your physique? I am around 10kg over my "normal" weight and it's almost all on my belly, the most dangerous type of weight to carry. I know most of it is diet and I do my best, but living on a disability pension with a kid means that I rely on pasta and so on to bulk out our meals quite a bit-pasta stretches one small chicken fillet into 2 nights for me and my daughter, whereas one chicken fillet with salad wouldn't be enough for one meal between us. I make my own pasta sauces from scratch and also make lentil stew (dahl) and sometimes beef stews etc but I have a shitty stove so things like stir fry and so on are not possible (the stove top doesn't heat up properly)- in other words, what I can cook and afford is limited. I am recovering from 3 years of being completely sedentary because I was on crutches for over a year and basically spent 2012-1014 waiting for my next operations. So I know 3 years of physical inactivity won't resolve itself overnight. But I'm just so freaking unhappy with my body and I want to have something to look forward to. I also know everyone's journey is different, I guess I just want some reassurance that changes will come eventually. Em xox

6 replies

Andrea Pole · 6/5/2015
Hello Emma! In my case, I've been poling for three months and I've already noticed that my skin is a lot better, stronger and firm. My upper abs are also starting to show, as well as my serratus muscles. I've started pole dancing twice a week and this past month I've been poling 4 times a week plus abs and flexibility sessions. And about losing cm or weight...nothing so far. I haven't lost a single cm and I've gained about 1,5kg (which I can gess is muscle, since I'm exactly the same). I did take my measurements last month because I'm also curious to know how my body will change. I'm on my normal weight but I'd like to lose some kilos so my belly fat will go away. I eat very badly (I mean, A LOT of junk food) so I guess that the main reason I haven't lost any cm. Actually, today I'm going to a nutricionist because I want to learn to eat properly. Hope that helps!
tblue41945 · 6/5/2015
I started seeing a change in my upper body at about 3 months in. I'm 7 months in now and I have more definition in my shoulders and back than I've ever had. In general my body feels tighter. People have commented that I look thinner but I have actually gained a couple pounds.
Veena · 6/5/2015
How soon someone seeing a change will greatly vary depending on as you mentioned, diet, how active they were before starting, age, genitics and how often the practice pole. I think the best thing and usually the most noticible thing to new polers is how much stronger they feel! Forget scales, your engergy level, how clothes fit and progress are the best indicators of if something is working for you.
lazarenka · 6/5/2015
I agree. I REFUSE to weigh myself. Weight on a scale does not indicate ANYTHING. It could be a couple of lbs of water fluctuation, but even so, if we see no lbs lost, or especially if your weight is higher, that can send somebody (I am speaking from personal experience) into an absolute tailspin. Just concentrate solely on how you feel, and as you start to feel better and better and your clothes are fitting more loosely, try a pair of shorts on that were maybe a little snug to see if they have loosened up a bit. That's always rewarding. I have a rubbermaid bin that is labeled "Too Small"... and when I can gradually pull things out of that bin and wear them, it is VERY gratifying. Stick with it, you are going to be thinking about your weight every day anyway, so why not just do your best "one day at a time"? You'd be surprised how quickly those days go by and how suddenly, there IS a change.
skramamme · 6/5/2015
I don't have any scales at home because I'm a recovered anorexic so it's way (weigh haha) too triggering. I was weighed at my Dr's because I could see how much weight I had gained and couldn't fit in to any of my normal clothes, so we decided to see if I had gained as much as I had feared and it was actually worse. I know muscle mass will weigh more, I always go by body fat because that's what I care about, I just happen to know that I am in the mid 60's rather than mid 50's (kg) weight wise.
Cherry Blossom · 6/5/2015
I gain 7,5 kg in one month (4h for pole per day, 5 Time a week) I am so happy.