performance at home vs. at the studio

Crystaljng started this discussion · 12/24/2011

I noticed that for some reason I can perform so much better at the dance studio compared to at home. Last week I learnt twisted grip hand springs and a couple of other hand springs at the studio. I learnt quite quickly so by then end of the session I was able to do them all. However when I got home at night practiced the same tricks, I couldn’t even do one of them. Then I come to the realization that it seems this is an issue for me. From memory there are many tricks I can do so easily in the studio and I seem to struggle when practicing at home. Anybody has the same experience? How can I improve my performance regardless where I am?

12 replies

CalBear · 12/24/2011
This is exactly the same problem i have! The primary reason for me is b/c my pole at home is slippery even tho its the same EXACT pole as in the studio... for whatever reason. I can't do the same hold at home, as I can in the studio (kinda frustrating). Also, I think that there is the human element of it. Like, I probably couldn't do all the same excercises at home as I do in the gym.. I think the presence of other people sometimes creates a better focus/execution of moves/motivation.
Veena · 12/24/2011
Yeah, I think there is something about doing things in front of other, gets our adrenalin going! Also at home we tend to jump on the pole without warming up the pole or our bodies and that doesn't help! I can always lift heavier weights at the gym than at home.
luvlee · 12/24/2011
I had issues w my grip at home. My pole is slicker than the ones in the studio. I am very dry naturally. Like chaffing dry and had to warm up for almost an hr too!!! I got Pole Physics lotion and it has been a God send! Also turn up the heat when you pole at home if you are in a cold winter climate right now. Just things to try.
Veena · 12/24/2011
Oh something to try if your body and climate is cold and dry... A humidifier. I used my fabric steamer the other day on my pole ( to clean it ) and then left it running in the pole room and used it a bit on my body ( holding it far away so I didn't get a steam burn ) but it worked so well. Lol
trickivix · 12/26/2011
I get this problem too... for me there are 4 reasons. 1. the people factor, 2. not warmed up enough/pole is too cold, 3. I feel a little clasutrophobic - although the walls and ceiling are just far enough to not kick (if I'm careful) I'm still paranoid that I will, 4. I have also noticed that a lot of poles need to be worked in a bit too. The studio that I go to have poles that don't get used much and I find them super slippery and almost impossible to do anything on them, even though they are the same type of poles. When I got my pole at home, it was a struggle to even invert as it felt so slippery. Over time, the grip on my home pole became better. As for your second question, if your pole grippiness is fine, and you're not worried about the walls and ceiling, warming up well would definitely help, and if that's not working, you can always try to bring some friends to watch you while you practise 😉
hookedonpole · 12/26/2011
Yes, exact same thing for me. I know for me it's the adrenaline. I also struggle with the lack of open space and feeling of being able to go for something full swing. As veena, when I went to a gym for power flex weight classes, I could do more reps and heavier weights than at home, as well as ab work and any other workout for that matter. Glad to know I'm not alone :)
Crystaljng · 12/26/2011
Thanks for the response everyone. Now I feel that I am not alone, and I am not losing any capabilities outside of the studio. A couple of things I have learnt after reading the suggesgtions: 1. Proper body warm up, not taking shortcuts. 2. Proper pole warm up. The weather in Melbourne is generally dry and cold (compared to most part of the country), although it is summer right now. 3. More practice on the pole will make it easier to use. 4. The more I share in the forum, the more support I will have! 🌸
NinaPoles · 12/26/2011
Thanks for the humidifier tip Veena, that's perfect for Colorado! Can't believe I haven't thought of it!:)
PlatinumAni · 12/26/2011
Lots of good tips and yes plenty of support here. :)
Crystaljng · 12/30/2011
Hi everyone, After posting the thread I have received a lot of good tips and I have taken all of them on board. In today's practice I have done proper body and pole warm up, also played exciting background music to get my adrenaline up. The result is I have mastered Allegra, cartwheel mount straight leg , and twisted grib handspring! I HAVE improved my home performance! Thanks for the advice everyone!
nilla · 12/30/2011
Yeah, Veena's humidifier tip is stellar. I have the worst grip in winter when the air is cold and dry, but once when i was congested I put a pot of water on the stove to boil with some essential oils in it, and I noticed that the little bit of humidity added to the air made me have much better grip on my pole. I prob should not have been trying to pole while I was sick, lol. But once i figured out that my grip was better I can't really blame myself for not staying off it. Take note that increasing humidity won't help your grip if you're already in a hot and humid climate.
Veena · 12/30/2011
Yay, that's great news guys! ❤️