My body seems like its not made to pole

gemz31 started this discussion · 10/9/2012

I often look through the posts and videos on studio veena and admire each and every one of you! You beautiful dancing, strength and determination inspires me to keep trying and one day be a fraction as good as you. I have had a pole dancing lessons on and off for a few years, but I never seem to pick up the moves as quickly as everyone else. Which is very frustrating and unmotivating. I would love for the day to come where I can climb the pole effortlessly and do a pole sit without it hurting my thighs or an invert without feeling like I will fall on my head! How often do you ladies dance and how long are your sessions? What keeps you wanting to pole when you feel like your body just wasn't made for it?

8 replies

Beckypolegirl · 10/9/2012
i usually pole three times a week with at least one rest day in between. Everyone is different and will learn at their own pace and be stronger at different things. At the moment i am working on my dance and floorwork as that is one area i am not good at but i video myself every time and even seeing little things i like gives me motivation to keep going. Pole is a fun journey but just remember its YOUR journey and it will be different to everyone elses. Keep at it every small improvement is a milestone :)
maranda1389 · 10/9/2012
Everyone learns at a different pace. I have a friend who has only been dancing a few months and can do the knee hold perfectly! It took me 2 years on and off to get that, yet I showed her once, and she nailed it! I could invert and do a Scorpio and Gemini way before I could climb the pole. We all have strengths and weakness, but with practice and a positive attitude, I believe I can evejt
maranda1389 · 10/9/2012
Everyone learns at a different pace. I have a friend who has only been dancing a few months and can do the knee hold perfectly! It took me 2 years on and off to get that, yet I showed her once, and she nailed it! I could invert and do a Scorpio and Gemini way before I could climb the pole. We all have strengths and weakness, but with practice and a positive attitude, I believe I can eventually master any move I want to. I know I pole WAY too often. I dance 6-7 days a week, and usually practice an hour at home each day as well. Too much practice can set you back too. Just go at your own pace, treat your body well, and stop once in a while to toot your own horn for all the things you HAVE mastered :)
monica kay · 10/9/2012
I get discouraged bc my belly, legs, and hands sweat. basically, all the "contact points" sweat and slip! Haha lucky me. but i find inspiration in the one armed pole dancer. I mean- come on! If she didnt let that stop her, who am i to get discouraged over my bodily functions? Dont be a quitter! You will be rewarded if you stick with it and keep trying :)
Hazelnut · 10/10/2012
don't be discouraged - I find that my personal "Pole journey" dips and peaks regularly! I usually pole two or three times a week... but this last two weeks or so I haven't felt motivated to do ANY exercise, and was super busy with work as well, and even though I knew pole would make me feel better for some reason I just couldn't get myself to do it... and then suddenly last night I had this weird urge to jump back on and it was amazing!! THe two weeks off hadn't changed anything and I enjoyed it so much more after the break. Sometimes you have to let yourself rest for awhile and then you'll enjoy it more when you get back to it.
CapFeb · 10/10/2012
I feel like my body isn't made to pole in certain positions---I have an hourglass figure anatomically--the amount of fat on my body won't change that my chest and my hips are the exact same length around my body. It makes things like Roxy and Flying Ballerina impossible because the pole presses into my ribs. Worst pain I've ever felt my life. But I could be doing it wrong, because I'm close to neither. BUT. There's still many things that are super easy for me to do. I can't name very many things that people just do (like playing an instrument or singing or dancing or painting) and most things take work. Some aspects are just more difficult than the others, and practice makes perfect.
Jessilee · 10/10/2012
Everyone advances and can do moves at their own pace. It can definitely be frustrating, but keep trying..and don't be hard on yourself! Confidence is a big part of this and if you don't "feel" the move it will make it harder as well. Definitely try to make regular time for it as well.
Runemist34 · 10/10/2012
I totally understand where you're coming from! I've felt that way a lot, but... it's slowly starting to fade. Y'know, after four years ;) Honestly, sometimes your body doesn't work the same way other people's bodies do. I know that mine will just "forget" to use certain muscles, which is why I NEED to do strength training targeted to certain muscles- once they are being used and are getting stronger, my brain goes "Oh yeah! Let's use those things!" and it's good, but... yeah, that's also why I have messed up knees :P But I'm working on those! Watching other people dance, it's sort of like looking at a painting- you can go to an art gallery and think "Wow, I could never do something that intricate!" and, when you go home and attempt to paint, you probably won't. You're looking at that other painting, the one in the gallery, with the kind outlook of someone appreciating art, the expression of another person. However, when you're looking at your own, you get the double-whammy of having somewhat less experience (my paintings look like they were done by a three-year-old, because that's about my skill level), and also having that big ol' critic in your head who only feels comfortable giving YOU the harsh critiques! So, here's my tip: Only watch other people's videos for two reasons. First, for inspiration, as in "Wow, that's amazing! I'll keep dancing so I can do that move!" Or, secondly, for analysis. Such as "Hmm, I see how that person moved from one-handed to split grip! That was very nice, I'll give that a try next time." Once you've gotten yourself out of the habit of comparing yourself to these other dancers, who are in different places in their journey, you can start watching just for the fun of it again ;) I'm still trying to teach myself those two mentailities for watching videos. It's tough, as I really enjoy watching just for the art of it... but, I'm very harsh with myself on critiques, so I'm trying to stop! Honestly, keep at it! You'll be amazed at how your body reacts once it's done fighting you, and how much more you learn, all of a sudden!