Hand Size, Grip, and Poles

Jadrien started this discussion · 4/15/2010

Hi, so I've always been known for having small hands (they measure 6 in./16cm from wrist to top of middle finger), and actually I don't think I've met anyone with smaller hands than me. Height-wise I'm not exactly petite (5'6) though, just very small and slim hands. I started stripping about a month ago and I've been able to climb up the pole once or twice, but it is very difficult. I realize a part of that will be improved with increasing upper arm strength, but as I've been looking around, I figure part of it must also come from hand size. Even for spins with my feet on the floor, I find it extremely hard to keep a grip on the pole (are my fingers supposed to touch around it? 'Cause there's no way they can on a standard 50mm). I've never been able to try a 45mm or 42mm, but I wondered, since I'm considering getting a home pole, if I should automatically go for those sizes because of my hand size? Any help would be appreciated. 🙂

2 replies

Veena · 4/15/2010
Most of the pro dancers are tiny and most starred off with a 50mm pole. It just takes time to build up the strength. Your hands do not need to fit around the pole, mine don't. You'll get stronger! 🥂 If your looking for some strength exercises for your hands, wrists, and forearms, I have specific lessons on those area, in addition to the full body strength work too. You can find them under the strength training section of the lessons 🌸 .
loopielou · 4/16/2010
Just measured my hands - you have the same size hands as me 😀 I have used both the 50mm and 45mm. I did find the 50mm difficult at first till I built up my grip strength. I've got to say that I find the 45mm easier on my hand and knee grips, but less so on the full leg grips and I like using it for learning new advanced moved, but you get used to the 50mm. It just takes time - keep practising.