i dont like the way some instructors teach

quancutie23 started this discussion · 4/9/2015

I have studie a large amount of youtube videos and read a bunch of blogs on this site about pole do's and dont. Am I out of line for interfering with an instructor teaching style to help a student out. This was the students second day already having them do a chopper and a invert it took me weeks to learn a basic spin than months to learn to really beautiful straddle into a v than into a invert. -I dont belive in allowing student to jump into moves, than not teaching them proper shoulder And hand form or good postures,all this from personal experiences im no expert but damn educated in fitness. I understand some students in each class is more advance than others but thoes students should use that time to work on strengthening. Their weaker side and to help spot other students. -Idk i am venting but i feel like im comming off as a B&@$H. I just prefer instuctors with great form and any move or combo i like or want to try they CAn DO IT no problem. This studio is differnt but its close by and its affordable and i get to meet ppl and pole is my stress reliever ----Am i a jerk

20 replies

Casi · 4/9/2015
Hey Quancutie. I would be disturbed to see anyone being taught chopper on the second day too! When I first started pole, I had teachers who got me inverting the first day and then doing one handed ballerina spins on static over and over again at three weeks in. That day of spins shredded my shoulder, and weeks of improperly done inverts gave me excruciating back pain. I ended up having to take almost two months off in the first few months I was poling. Where I go now they are more conscientious, but there are still times when they encourage unprepared students to work on moves that are way beyond their current skill level. When I see another student trying one of these moves that just looks unsafe for them, I do discretely give them some tips on intermediate or strengthening moves to help work up to that or on positioning to prevent injury, such as holding their shoulder blades back and down, etc. I also mention how it took me way longer to get that or how that's really an intermediate or advanced level move so they don't feel like it's something they are expected to be able to get immediately. The friendly and supportive dynamic at my school makes it possible for those of us more advanced students to cheer on and give advice to newer students in a way that is appreciated. I don't know if that is true of the place you are at. If you are going to classes with the same students regularly and they know you are at a much higher skill level, then they may respect and appreciate some gentle advice from you. If you aren't that advanced at pole, then maybe mention your fitness experience and all the research you've done online and just present things as suggestions they might want to try. Either way, I would say gauge if the student seems open to it and talk to them directly. Confronting the instructor openly is probably going to make them defensive and create an ugly dynamic. At my school I'm still stressed about how bad the warm ups are - mostly too-cold stretching, and done with lots of bouncing. I've never known how to address it with the instructors. So if anyone has any suggestions for that, fire away!
tacha666 · 4/10/2015
I know what you mean... There is one studio around here where they put beginners in their very first class up into a shouldermount so they can get a feeling what it's like :-( Honestly, I don't think as a spotter you can hold someone up in a shouldermount Position if something goes wrong. I even heard of a girl who broke her toe at a bachelorette party at that studio when they put her into chopper and then went away for the picture. But there is at least something good about it: They were the reason why me and my friend started our own studio, teaching dance moves and beginner spins to beginners :-)
quancutie23 · 4/10/2015
--@ casi i gave her tips on workouts and gave her the this site url. What makes me sad the instructors are not good dancers, they can barely invert,they dont know anything about sweaty or dry handsproducts and they bought fake xpoles for their home use. I know the girl i was giving tips too told me she bought one out of the sex shop i said ooh my goodness just do light work on thoes and dont do any extreme flips and i told her to come over and i will show her the videos i used for self taught
quancutie23 · 4/10/2015
@TaTacha666 shoulder mount first day i would be out of there no thank you. I cant even shoulder mount
tacha666 · 4/10/2015
Of course no one could do a shoulder mount. They lifted them up into one and held them up. Totally irresponsible, if you ask me. I would never do that! But the people who walk into a studio first day usually don't know much about the sport and since they call themself instructors the students think this must be right! These girls came to me afterwards and said they were scared as hell! But I also had some Girls walk in who had watched pole videos before and expected to learn a bunch of crazy tricks on their first day and were kinda dissapointed when I wouldn't teach them how to invert. (If they want to experience being upside down I usually let them crawl up into a reverse handstand, have them grip the pole in an in verted crucifix position and ask them if they want to take their hands off the floor. Most won't.) I even had a girl who asked me if I could teach her an Ayesha and leg switches when she couldn't even climb and do a crucifix. But usually they are happy when they learn a pirouette, a bodywave, a sexy walk, a sexy sqaut and a plie spin in their first class :-)
litlbit · 4/10/2015
No, as with any other business that you do not own, you do not have the right to interfere with their business( calling out an instructor, or trying to redirect their customer/student). You do have the right to leave if you don't like what hey are doing, or how they do it, as well as sharing your thoughts with others outside of their Establishment. I agree, allot of these things should not be taught to newcomers, they need to be taught the basic foundation and fundamentals, as well as specific strength and conditioning exercises. Also, students should never spot other students in a class (it's different if you are at a friend's home poling), that's what the instructors are for, they are insured to do this, not a student. :)
Phoenix Hunter · 4/10/2015
I agree with you quancutie. but you definitely just have to back out of that one and let the teacher do what she's gonna do. I know. it sucks. I've seen some stupid shit that shouldnt take place and it is upsetting. I just dont get it. is is ignorance, lack of training, or just not giving a shit about peoples bodies. why the unsafe teaching methods. now, that being said no can say shit about you talking to that student outside of class and maybe gently recommending her to check out the lessons here for safe poling technique. I have done this myself. seriously. I just dont get it. and once you fuck up a body part, there is no going back. you gotta live with that damage the rest of your life. you would never walk into gymnastics training and the coach would have you on the uneven bars your first week. no way in hell! I believe in buidling strength even if it takes longer and seems like the more diffiicult route. I know not every student has that kind of patience but teachers and other students can influence someone new to pole if those are the standards they live by themselves. the students will see the benefits of earning your strength rather than doing some unsafe shit and cheating your way into a trick you have no business doing.
quancutie23 · 4/10/2015
--@Litlbit Are you serious?? You have some point but you were not there and not witness what i saw all i did was spot her because they were hesitated to and help her safely exit out which they did not go over, but fitness is a community thing and i love to hear all helpful events and advice and if a studio dont want to hear what others have to say well thats a lil ignorant and you are right i will take my business else where. All i do is cheer students on and teach them cheat positions to get into intermediate or advance positons. I belive i helped with grace and didnt over step my boundaries but maybe to the instructor i did. Maybe i will talk to the instructors and ask is it ok to help out and give advice??? That way im.not comming off as a know it all
Veena · 4/10/2015
You don't have to agree with instructors, but it's polite to wait and discuss concerns privately after class. Your voice will be better heard if you don't undermine the teacher in front of everyone.
quancutie23 · 4/10/2015
--@Phoenix Hunter i agree with you You rock boo. Shoo when you get introduced to pole you get excited and want to flip drop and spin but dont realize it takes time to get there all i wanted to do was spin and that's all i still do i rarely do flips and drops i like being on THe ground lol
litlbit · 4/10/2015
quancutie23, I was addressing the fact that regardless of what you feel, if you are not on staff and you spotted someone as a student, you as well as the studio can be sued. Veena is right, wait until there is a private moment to pull the instructor aside to discuss your concerns. Whether we agree or disagree with how things are being done, it still is not our place to step in on someone else s business. I don't disagree that the scenario that was described is a whole lot of wrong on the part of part of the instructor/studio, but it is still their business to chose right or wrong how they want things done. Yes, it is a shame that there are places like that, that don't seem to care about the people that have entrusted their safety to them. There are many studio owners/instructors that have been working hard to change that. Sadly it takes time, and hopefully it doesn't cost someone a serious injury, or perhaps even their life. I have been a member of SV since it's beginning, and am unable to get on as much as I would like, having said that, I'm not here to fight or start an argument, I'm just as concerned about these situations as you. :)
Runemist34 · 4/10/2015
I completely agree with litlbit- there is a time and a place to voice these concerns, and there are ways of doing it without stepping on anyone's toes. While, yes, it can be really unfortunate and uncomfortable to watch someone go through these things when you believe you know a better, and safer, way of doing it... it's not your place to be taking over anyone's class, and it's not your place to even be "helping out" in a class. Should you do something wrong, and someone get hurt, very many bad things (including bad legal things) can happen. The best way to do it would be to file a formal complaint, go to the owner of the place, talk to the instructors and politely inquire to them about how they feel about safety, what they know about the human body and it's muscles and joints, what kinds of do's and don't's should be done on the pole in their opinion. Let it be an open discussion, rather than a judgement you place on someone. That way, if you feel you're in a place that is unsafe, you can move on and allow the knowledge you expressed to them stew in their heads. What you do is your own business- find another studio, or just do your own thing at home. What they do is their business, and if it is to create a safer practice and be more informed, then that's great, but if not... none of your concern! They'll learn, or they won't. Maybe they have other training methods that you aren't aware of.
litlbit · 4/10/2015
Casi, try finding or putting together a warm up you've seen that you feel might work, then ask to speak to your instructor, or even the owner privately and share your feelings along with a suggestion...the worst they can do is say no. As a studio owner/instructor, I have had students come to me with suggestions/ideas, I LOVE that they care enough about what they are doing/learning that they give input! In order for us to continue to challenge our students, we need to change things up periodically. I consider what they've shared, and after considering 1) is it feasible, 2) Is it going to be safe, and 3) Does it fit with what we are teaching at that time, we may implement it! You might want to suggest a suggestion box for your studio/school, it's a great way for everyone to share their ideas! Our students are very much a part of what we do, we are here because of them! :)
MD5677 · 4/10/2015
I take an aqua pole class. The instructor is very qualified and the class has a certain "culture" to it - like most studios. For the second session one of the new students had taken a swim clinic with my instructor. So because she was a certified swim aerobics instructor she decided to "help" my instructor out and co-teach the class. Her self initiated assistance definitely disrupted the flow of the class and his teaching style. I personally thought it was very disrespectful. The other new people in the class were confused as to what to do and us more "seasoned" women were like who the F are you, go find your own darn class to teach. So I guess I am saying, let the teacher be the teacher and the student should be encouraging but still be the student. By the way, she no longer attends the class so I guess the instructor discreetly "handled his business".
Casi · 4/10/2015
Thanks lilbit. I'll think about what I could offer as a suggestion. My instructors are great and clearly put a lot of work into preparing their warm ups as well as the class. I certainly wouldn't want to offend them. I think it's just a question of the latest research on stretching not having reached every corner of the Mexican fitness community yet.
litlbit · 4/10/2015
Casi, I know for myself with running my studio and teaching as well, no matter how well I try to keep up with new information to continually educate myself and my staff, I fall short on occasion and a student or instructor will bring something to me to check out. I really appreciate that! It shows me they not only care, but want our studio to continue to offer the best we can, so I think if you have good instructors, they will probably appreciate your input! Keep me posted! 😊
quancutie23 · 4/10/2015
Litlbit for legal reasons you have a great point my.lips are sealed i will not be not say anything or assit others i will just watch learn and do my own thing
litlbit · 4/10/2015
quancutie23, that's a good way to handle it, but continue to cheer your fellow students on, and continue to be a good example for them. You'd be surprised how much(positive)impact you'll have on those around you, because you care! :) Pole on!!!
ItsEss · 4/11/2015
I know what you mean. It's a difficult position to be in. I've experienced something similar in noticing the way some teach based on common sense safety knowledge that you just gain by doing this awhile. I would love to continue to go to the studi I trained at the most but between not feeling like I can learn anything new myself & seeing level of instruction new students get, I don't even bother. It's just really frustrating to miss out on the "studio atmosphere". But you just have to weigh the costs/ benefits..especially if you know it'll be hard to bite your tongue. I hope you find the balance & maybe it will encourage you to instruct in the future.
Kellye Perkins · 4/11/2015
I had a similar experience with a pole studio when I started out. She had me doing a reverse plank, try a split grip and a kick invert the first lesson. I couldn't even do a pole hold. Took 2+ weeks to recover from injury. I saw another student fall off the pole on her back and there were no mats down either. I voted with my feet and taught myself through online videos. I have a gymnastics/dance background so I felt safer working on my own. So happy to be part of StudioVeena to learn and meet friends:)