Flexibility vs Strength

Divine Gotcha Hooked started this discussion · 5/23/2013

I am really still a newbie to poling and all that poling requires. Anyway, I was having a conversation with some a couple of my pole sisters and the topic of flexibility vs strength came up. They were talking about how most people are either flexible or have a lot of strength. I am really torn between the two because I thought that there was a happy median between the two. I understand that you have to work on both, but is that really true? You are either really flexible or really strong? I am trying to figure out where I fall in those categories. I guess it would be to early to tell, but I would really like to know where I fall. Please send give me some feedback.

8 replies

ORGANIC ANGEL · 5/23/2013
Hi honey! Welcome! I'm pretty strong and flexible too.I think whatever you work towards, you'll accomplish! I couldn't even touch my toes in '08 and now I have splits all three ways:) I am still building. Here I had just gone through something really tough and had to gain back my strength in a short period of time but you get the picture through them:) I do stretching about 3-4x per week for atleast 15 min and pole at least 3x a week.When I was new to pole, I only poled 1x a week and gym a few days. Then after a couple months, 2x and then after a few more 3x. Now it's between 3-6x a week:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smQ_DlsUvW8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm5j4Iu97wc
Veena · 5/23/2013
Not true, you can be both strong and flexible. 💪 🥂 Look at all of the professional, and even armature pole dancers who exhibit both!
Tovah · 5/23/2013
I think they go hand in hand for pole. I found for myself that it's a vicious cycle. i.e. I want to do a trick but can't because I need more flexibility and so I stretch to reach my goal. i.e. splits Now certain tricks require strength and endurance and so, I have to do other forms of fitness to up the muscle strength. Then this whole thing repeats itself. Of course things get much easier as you get flexier and stronger. I would like fluidity to the mix...lol
Divine Gotcha Hooked · 5/23/2013
Thanks Everyone! I was thinking they both go hand in hand, but I really started to question myself. Thanks again for the feedback and videos! I will keep working on my goals and push that conversation out of my mind. :-)
ORGANIC ANGEL · 5/24/2013
You know what, this reminds me of those people at the gym that come up to you and say "you're getting older, I bet you can't do xyz anymore". The last time someone said that I said, "no, age doesn't matter" (and I'm still in my 20's) I don't know people say things they don't really understand. Lol, I proceeded to do a backbend in front of the guy who said that to me b/c the xyz in the phrase was a backbend...but anyway...people don't really understand how the body works.I was always the worst kid for flexibilty on those fit tests in elementary school.I didn't do sports, I did some modern dance for maybe a yr. and one round of cheerleading(maybe a sememster around 12) and I've come a long way. I do find that some bodies become stronger faster than others and some become flexy faster than others, but I do believe it's based on genetics mostly. You can be working at it 2x as someone else and they can have it first. Don't feel behind if you are starting out wherever you are. I remember starting at the gym yrs ago w/ 10 weights for everything, including legs! You have to start somewhere:) It will be a nice road though so no worries and enjoy it!xx Good luck, let us know if you have any questions.
chemgoddess1 · 5/24/2013
Typically if you work on strength only you will lose flexibility and vice versa. This is the reason they make football players not only work on weights but also take things like ballet and yoga classes. But as long as you train both you will have both. I do know some professional body builders though that have very limited range of motion and that is mostly because they do not work for functional strength but rather appearance/bulk.
Reyn · 5/31/2013
Chem's got it! It really depends on how much you devote to each. If you have time to really dedicate to both, I believe you can have both. Some people may be genetically inclined towards one or another, but that doesn't mean they can't have both if they are willing to put in the work!!!
Divine Gotcha Hooked · 5/31/2013
Thanks Everyone!! I really needed some feedback. I was really starting to feel some kind of way about strengthening and flexibility practices. I am feeling a lot better. ❤️