Help Needed

Firstpastthepost started this discussion · 7/14/2012

Hi I am quite new to pole, 6 months. Have a fantastic teacher and have invested in a pole for home but am still scared when I do an invert. I am fine going upside down and just gripping with my thighs but as soon as I turn into the pole and drop my hands to touch the floor I panic as its not there and then when I have slid down enough to handstand out of it, fear has hit me and I just cannot let go with my legs. Am I being just totally stupid or has anyone else had a fear and if so how did you get over it? Huge thanks A xx

15 replies

CapFeb · 7/14/2012
I don't have a fear--but I've been inverting for two months and once I get upside down I forget to breathe. Have you tried having someone to spot you until you feel comfortable to do it by yourself? I needed someone for elbow grip aysha, just one person (especially a professional, like an instructor) might be enough to support you until you feel comfortable
Firstpastthepost · 7/14/2012
I forget the breathing bit as well!! I watch all you fantastic polers and think will that ever be me?? I know at 50 that I have my restrictions but I have never enjoyed any sport or dance as much as this in my life. x
HannahElizabeth · 7/14/2012
I remember when I first tried to take my hands off the pole to do the inverted crucifix and it was scary! CapFeb is right in that if you feel uncomfortable try getting someone to spot you until you're able to do it unaided.Trying to get over the mental barrier is often the hardest part so having someone there can help break this down and you'll be hanging upside down as if it's second nature before you know it. Good luck!
plumtwisty · 7/14/2012
I have always had a feeling of going over backwards, which made being upside-down (especially from a cross-ankle release!) very intimidating. It was easiest for me to have someone spot me, hands on my hips, and for me to try it-- and even fall over backwards once or twice (with a spotter) --to get over that fear and realize it isn't so bad. :)
plumtwisty · 7/14/2012
*fear, not feeling! fear of the feeling? You get the point. :)
CapFeb · 7/14/2012
Also, sometimes, instead of going to the pole with a "maybe" mindset, I go with a "screw you, I'm going to do this and blow your mind" mindset. If you know that you can invert safetly and you have the strength for it, find a really good song that puts you in the mood to pole or after an argument when you're upset. Adrenaline does wonders!
Camkobo · 7/14/2012
Have you tried getting into it from the floor? Turn your back to the pole and work your way into a handstand. Then when you grip with the legs your belly will already be on the pole, but your hands will be on the floor to help you. Then you slowly learn to lift them up just 1 inch. If you were to fall, your hands would go down and you'd be in a handstand again. I make all of my students back into it before they fully invert so they know what to expect when they get up there. And I second the spotter as well!
Dancing Paws · 7/14/2012
Have you tried getting into an inverted crucifix from a reverse handstand? That way your hands are already on the ground. All you have to do is lift them up when you are comfy. Once you are comfy with that, try it from an invert.
Saphyre · 7/14/2012
I have been poling for 8 months and am just shy of 48. As we get older, we are less sure of our strength, and our equilibrium changes dramatically. Doing things like going upside down (especially going backward from a pole sit or a plank) and even handstand/forearm stand positions are absolutely terrifying. I still cannot do a reverse handstand even though it is advised to learn new moves from that position. That rush of blood to the head is different when you are older. Period. The best advise I can give is to work on your strength and take your time. Do a ton of floor planks (yoga move) to strengthen your shoulders and arms. It is critical to feel like you have that strength before you can breath and just go with it. Also, there are other dismounts from an invert that you can work on and get comfortable with before moving around to the front of the pole and dismounting from a handstand. I'm sure your instructor can show those to you. Whatever you do, please do not rush it. You may not be able to move forward as quickly as other students who are younger, but that does not mean that you can't do it! It sounds like you have the determination to push on. Good luck!
calipolepixie · 7/15/2012
I am an over 40 poler & i am The same. It took me several months before i could invert w/out hesitation &/or fear. It takes me a Lil longer to learn moves, particularily Ones that require inverts but eventually i always end up doing It. It Just takes me time to build up The courage. Take Your time be patient w/yourself & listen to Your body. When you are ready you Will do It.
Veena · 7/15/2012
Its a normal fear! The girls have some great advice for you. Telling yourself it can be done and you will do it, is huge when it comes to learning new things. Pole is mentally challenging as well as physically! I do suggest getting comfortable with being upside down before learning to do a basic invert. Try working on Reverse handstands, you can do an inverted crucifix from here! Elbowstands are great as well, and can be practiced against the wall or pole. :)
Schtoffen · 7/15/2012
I get that fear going from floor to brass monkey!! Feels so un-natural and scary!!
Firstpastthepost · 7/15/2012
Huge thanks to all of you, it really is appreciated. xx
jade s · 7/15/2012
I'm 47, and been poling for 3 years. Anything upside down still makes me nervous, especially when it's a new trick. I'll get disoriented for a split second and then worry that either the floor isn't there, or it's too close. Once you feel confident in yourself and the new trick, you'll be able to do it and not be so afraid. Just be safe! If you don't feel comfortable yet, then have a spotter when you practice. It has taken me a long time to gain the strength and confidence to do the more advanced tricks, so don't rush yourself. I've found, that if you love poling, you will keep going, and you will end up doing things that will simply amaze you. Hang there. 6 months is really a short amount of time. Have fun!!
QueenJewell · 7/16/2012
Try a thick matt also. I'm going to invest in one because I have noone to spot me at home.