Hopelessly inflexible.

natalianyx started this discussion · 8/25/2015

So as the title says i'm hopelessly inflexible and it's really getting in the way of anything pole related. I'm doing the 30 day take off and the moment anything that requires leg back or hip flexibility I just know that I won't be able to do it. I've stopped doing the 30 day takeoff and instead going for 30 days to flexy but i'm struggling with that too because I can't maintain neutral back because of my hip inflexibility. Its really tanking my selfesteem.

15 replies

natalianyx · 8/25/2015
What im asking are there any tips or other stretching routines for those that are hopelessly inflexible.
A Christina · 8/25/2015
Perhaps you're pushing yourself too hard too fast? It takes some people well over a year to reach the level of flexibility of most dancers.
Phoenix Hunter · 8/25/2015
I was really inflexible when I started pole. I've only been poling 2 years now. as far as gaining flexibility. you do the stretches to the best of your ability no matter how little you are able to stretch. just do a tiny bit. your stretches will look drastically different from say Veena's stretches in the beginning because you wont be able to go as far. thats ok. do what you can and hold it for the 30 seconds. always do flexibility when your body is very warm preferably sweating. and be consistent. flexibility increases very very gradually but it does get better. and if there are particular stretches that you just find impossible, ask Veena and maybe she can help you to modify the stretch for the level you are at.
Phoenix Hunter · 8/25/2015
to give you an example, I could barely straddle my legs to do a straddle stretch. that's ok. I would just hold whatever kind of straddle I could do. I worked up to doing flexibility 3 times a week and it got better. be consistent, patient, and use good form. your body will open up eventually. you just dont know it yet. it takes a little dedication and time for it to happen.
emmasculator · 8/25/2015
I too have really struggled with flexibility particularly in my legs. I found I would start one thing, then switch to another routine when I didn't see the results as quickly as I wanted. what I've learned is that your body rewards consistency. Keep at it and do what you can even if it seems like small steps. Some people's bodies like mine, just don't move as quickly as other people's do but on the bright side that makes every little victory sweeter. I would also pay attention to the muscle groups around the muscle that seems to be tight and give those some extra attention as well. so for example when my hamstrings are tight I engage my quads when I'm stretching them and think of them working in tandem. Best of luck and don't worry if the going is slower than you think it ought to be. :)
Phoenix Hunter · 8/25/2015
thats so very true emmasculator, your body want consistency and predictability when it comes to flexibility. its totally the opposite of say, weight training, where shocking the muscles with unpredictablility helps you make gains. Flexibility likes consistency.
emmasculator · 8/25/2015
Thanks Phoenix! :D I definatley learned that lesson the hard way. And then when I finally stuck to one thing, I found that in one month I made more gains than in six months of random flitting about! it was such a concept to me!
Veena · 8/26/2015
It's really important if you're very tight to use the options either shown or written to make a stretch less intense. There is no reason to expect your stretches to look like mine or anyone else for that matter. :)
mystical · 8/26/2015
I'm the same way I'm very inflexible, I'm going to start doing the split routine's, where I can be more flexible and get my splits, flexibility take's time.. Like everything else.
Catsanctuary177663 · 8/26/2015
Talk about inflexible, I can't do the ballerina because I can't reach the pole with the top hand. It had not occurred to me to do shoulder stretches regularly. Progress, not perfection.....
demi5e2991 · 8/26/2015
I had terrible mobility issues in my hips and it made flexibility training in the hip flexor and hamstrings almost unbearable. First I had to work on really knowing how to move my body from the hip, then strength train, then work on flexibility. After 2 years of consistent work I'm finally getting to the point where I can sit on the floor with my legs straight out and lean forward and touch my toes, so don't feel bad. Make sure you're doing quality movements on warm muscles a few times a week and if you have to set several tiny baby goals then so be it. If you're willing to do the work you'll look back on all of it later and realize the body always wanted to be more flexy, but the mind had to find the patience and tenacity to make it all happen. That's the best thing about pole--you'll discover a lot about your own will and really, all paths are up.
Phoenix Hunter · 8/27/2015
Catsanctuary, I wasn't able to ballerina either! I couldn't even twist and reach the top pole at all! It had never occurred to me to stretch my shoulders and pecs :) I had no clue. But amazingly it got better from stretching my shoulders and pecs. Also working ballerina from the ground and trying to hold whatever position I could get for 30 seconds 3 times each side a few times a week or at the end of every pole session. My body gradually opened up. I seriously just thought I would never be able to do twisted ballerina. I thought that was for special flexible people. Hah! Just keep doing it little by little and it will come together. Just don't force it. Your body will surprise you
Catsanctuary177663 · 8/27/2015
Thanks, I feel better now. What are the best exercises for stretching the upper body-shoulders and such? I have totally ignored it with the exception of my wrists, concentrating on strength but not flexibility above the waist.
Storypole17 · 8/27/2015
The best shoulders and upper body stretches in my opinion, are the ones where you put your hand against the pole or the wall, at shoulder height, and drop your torso to towards the floor. I hope that makes sense! I have really tight upper back and shoulders so this one particular stretch helps me out! I too struggle with flexibility but I did the 30 day flexy program and have noticed changes! I am continuing to do the flexibility routines 2-3 days a week (just started that this week) so hopefully I will see results with those!
Veena · 8/27/2015
Cat, you will also find stretches for shoulders etc, in the related lessons below the main player of any lesson that requires shoulder flexy. Like ballerina 😊