Motivation to practice at home

bootpants started this discussion · 7/20/2011

I got my very own X-Pole a few weeks ago and haven't really played with it that much. I take lessons at a studio and have been going for a while, but I'm only able to go once a week, so I am still at beginner level. I was wondering if any of you have some tips on what to do to get motivated to practice at home. I WAS really motivated tonight but got bored quickly, because I don't really know what to do. I want to perfect my spins and learn more spins. So I'm curious: What do you do to get in the mood? :)

11 replies

TinyDancer04 · 7/21/2011
I watch vids on YouTube. Put on some music that I love and away I go :) I usually start off with doing some dancing and enjoying myself and then working on perfecting moves
Kobajo84 · 7/21/2011
I usually get motivated by watching other videos & turning on my pole playlist to get some good music going. I also go into a practice with a goal in mind, like you said you want to perfect your spins...make yourself a list of spins from watching videos or from Veena's lessons and stick to your list. Usually when I have things written out I am more likely to stick to that list. I also find recording myself to critique
Kobajo84 · 7/21/2011
....my moves later helps get me motivated as well. I can stay on top of what needs to be worked on and what looks good enough for me to keep doing. 😀
Mechie · 7/21/2011
I have the same problem...I get bored easily...especially when I don't know what I'm doing...LOL I got reeeally excited when I discovered Veena's beginner routine. I learned all of the beginner moves already, faaaar from perfect but I can do them...and doing the beginner routine (practicing the beginner moves) with music in the background helps tremendously. I also saw a couple of Dirdy Birdy's beginner routine on YouTube, I try to mimic her dance and when it comes to moves where I'm not familiar, I'll just search on Veena's lessons and learn it from there (I learned how to do the body wave from Veena last night!!! Yes, it's a simple move...but I really had no clue as to how to start..LOL Her description of "snuggle against the pole like a cat" works like a charm!!) Happy Poling~~
minicoopergrl · 7/21/2011
I also go to a studio once a week to take lessons and pole at home. What I do is make a list of the moves we learned in class and then work on them at home. That way I have a game plan. I also do some strength training to help with the moves. It makes me feel more accomplished if I have a plan.
Kobajo84 · 7/21/2011
Here is a great article titles "9 Things Successful People Do Differently." http://www.wthr.com/story/15110096/9-things-successful-people-do-differently I think there is some great advice in here that can be applied to putting together your pole workout in order to stay motivated to keep working out. 😉 Also I think if you have the ability to take lessons locally like someone else said, that having that exposure and structure a studio offers can keep you working towards goals. It also helps having someone there to guide you and give you the positive reinforcement you need to continue to push yourself. ❤️
Runemist34 · 7/21/2011
Generally, I'll start off with a bit of just dancing, to warm up. Nothing too strenuous, often not much more than one fireman spin. Just put on some really good music, and dance. Then, once warmed, I'll work on moves I'd like to work on, so right now...some more advanced spins, and my climbing moves, like the basic plank and the CKR and now, the basic invert! This all usually takes about a half an hour or so, and then I go on to do my weights and strength training, stretching to cool down, and I'm done! That's a whole hour workout...and it really doesn't feel like it! I found I also usually got bored pretty easy. The dancing is kind of my "getting in the mood," it's my reward, sort of like having dessert first ;) It tends to follow into the new-moves part, too, so I'm less bored (and tired!) by doing six spins in a row, then some climbing, and then done. Sounds boring and difficult to me!
bootpants · 7/21/2011
Thank you SO much, ladies! It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who feels like this. I was so excited about my pole and then couldn't motivate myself. So frustrating! I think it's time to invest in Veena's lessons. :) I'll try practicing again tonight and will follow what you guys suggested. Kobajo84, thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out later! Maren
JBStarryEyedGirl · 7/21/2011
For me, it's defintely all about the music! Putting the right tunes on can instantly get my booty bouncing and then my endorphins kick in! Just keep changing your music until something gets you moving, my favorites to warm up to are girly music like Britney Spears, Kesha, Christina Aguilera, etc. =) Also, give yourself goals! Write on a white board, chalk board, piece of paper taped to the wall!
Poleluver · 7/21/2011
I've always preferred practicing at the studio even if it is just the class. Something great about an open space, taller, sturdy, permanent poles and hard floors without any distractions. I"ve been trying to get my practice space with thos same things in mind.
Veena · 7/21/2011
Oh its all about the music for me 🥂