Greetings from Jacksonville, FL

Christa started this discussion · 2/20/2009

Hi there! My name's Christa. My fabulous boyfriend was kind enough to get me an X-Pole for my b-day 2 days ago. I am sooo excited to learn. I have so many questions, tho! 🤔 I know it's only been 2 days, but I can barely hold myself up a couple seconds before I start sliding down! Is that normal, or am I just puny?! I've watched hundreds of videos & they all make it look so easy to grip the pole with your thighs & stay in place, but again, I just seem to slide right down. Will that gradually get better with practice? Also, my hands seem to get sweaty quickly. I am having to wipe the pole down after just a few spins...is that normal? I've read about some powders...what do you guys recommend? Sorry for so many questions, but there aren't any places near me that teach & other than YouTube & this website, I am pretty much on my own. Any advice anyone can give me is greatly appreciated! ~Christa 😀

5 replies

Trena · 2/20/2009
Hi Christa and welcome! 😀 Wow what a great boyfriend!!!! 🥂 Every concern you have is completely normal!!! I had the same concerns when I was a beginner (Im an intermediate now.) It is TOTALLY normal that you cant hold yourself up for long, dont feel bad. This will come with practice. Whatever you do just dont give up!!! Its hard not to lose heart, I know (I remember how it feels) but your muscle strength will grow all the time and you'll get better and better, just keep practicing. For the moment, until you build up strength in your arms and your core muscles I wouldnt recommend trying to do inverts. Work with your spins and you'll gradually get the strength to invert. Again I will stress...DONT GIVE UP!!! (Well Im sure your boyfriend wont let you anyway lol!! 😂 ) The reason the girls with the videos make it look so easy is that they all practised to get that way too, it doesnt happen automatically no matter how strong or flexible you are. At first your hands will get sweaty quickly but as you get more used to the pole and, depending on the spins or tricks you're doing, it wont be as bad. Ive never used powder but a few of the girls n guys on here may be able to give you advice on that. Anyway congratulations on your birthday gift!! Happy poling! 😀 Trena xxx
Veena · 2/20/2009
Welcome!! It is absolutely normal to struggle like that at first. 😉 I like to recommended strength training to new polers who don't have a really athletic background. A good place to start training??? Right here! There are strength training lessons that will strengthen all the major muscle groups and no special equipment required just you and your friend the pole. LOL We have our Friday chat today so feel free to pop in and say hey! We have fun giving each other support, advice and we get a bit silly too. 🤓 🤓
Polegirlsonia · 2/20/2009
Hello 😀 All of those complaints are very normal when starting pole!! have no fear it will get easier and better with time 😀 I've lost 55kg and gained heaps of strength in the past 2 years since having my last child, it happens pretty quickly too. your in the best place ever cause you'll have plenty of support here 👍
Christa · 2/20/2009
Thanks so much for all of the advice. That makes me feel much better. I was beginning to think maybe I was just too puny for the pole! 😂 I'm sooo glad I found this sight...everyone has been very kind & helpful! Thanks again! ~Christa 🌸
pole-twista · 2/21/2009
Hello and Welcome 🌸