Pole climb help

Sugartoe Gamzetti started this discussion · 11/20/2011

So, I'm not sure exactly what strength level one should be at in order to do pole climbs, but I am a beginner who has been dancing pole for about two months (I had to take off some time, however, due to a hand over use injury). The thing is I am doing a fair amount of conditioning both my legs and arms, but I can't do a pole climb at ALL! Everything I try it my legs end up sliding off the pole right away and I am left hanging with my arms. . .I have tried cleaning my pole and wiping it down, but my feet still slip. . .I would love to know what anyone thinks/has helpful advice. . .I have become so frustrated! thank you!

23 replies

Sugartoe Gamzetti · 11/20/2011
So, I'm not sure exactly what strength level one should be at in order to do pole climbs, but I am a beginner who has been dancing pole for about two months (I had to take off some time, however, due to a hand over use injury). The thing is I am doing a fair amount of conditioning both my legs and arms, but I can't do a pole climb at ALL! Everything I try it my legs end up sliding off the pole right away and I am left hanging with my arms. . .I have tried cleaning my pole and wiping it down, but my feet still slip. . .I would love to know what anyone thinks/has helpful advice. . .I have become so frustrated! thank you!
stars2shame · 11/20/2011
Make sure you have the leg positioning right, check a video that shows how to do a pole climb. Also make sure your body is warm, you will stick better to the pole. Keep trying! Just trying to do the pole climb is working the muscles you need to be able to do the pole climb. Everybody gets moves at different levels, so keep trying and you will get it. Watch lots of videos of people doing the moves you want to learn and envision yourself doing the move, You will get it!
Sugartoe Gamzetti · 11/20/2011
Thank you for your advice----it is strange, when I first started pole in the summer I could do a pole climb quite easily and now since it is cold I keep slipping off----perhaps I could do it because my body was so much warmer/sweating in the summer---I will keep trying and perhaps turn the heat up in my house~
mikkixx · 11/21/2011
Have you considered grip aids? It sounds like your skin is too dry to stick, rather than there being a strength problem, if you could do it easily in summer... I use shaving cream on my legs as a grip aid. Spraying your legs with a light mist of water might work if you're not keen on shaving cream. Moisturising on the days when you don't pole, or moisturising with a water-based moisturiser that is largely glycerin (I find mineral oil and shea/cocoa butter are the slippery ones) should help as well!
Cherished · 11/21/2011
I agree with Mikki. Personally though I don't think I was able to climb at 2 months but because you've already done it then it looks like the weather could be the main factor. A lot of people either stick better to the pole in warm weather and others (like me) stick better when the pole is cold.
PaulettePoles · 11/21/2011
You can try if you are too dry, that works good! Sometimes I wrap my feet w electrical tape- not because they are dry, but tender. I use it if I am going to be doing a lot of climbs and I seem to get good stick from it as a nice side effect.. Good luck!! You will get it. :)
Dancing Paws · 11/21/2011
In addition to your BODY being wam, it helps if the POLE is warm too. Some girls take a blow dryer to it. I just use plain old friction with my hand. A ton of spins will get it warmed up. You may notice that the pole is grippier at the end of a pole practice than the beginning...
NinaPoles · 11/21/2011
I use Dry Hands for my climbs. I had such trouble doing climbs before I started using that, because my hands got so sweaty that I just slid off, but it's much better now. As for when to start learning the pole climb, at my studio we start prepping for climbs already in our very first lesson, and I was climbing within weeks. A different studio I have taken classes at teaches "all" the spins first, and don't start with pole climb until level 3. I personally think it's good to start early, as it's the best strength builder you can get.. :)
azblanco · 11/21/2011
It took me about 3 months to be able to climb. When I started pole, I could not even do a push up. I struggled greatly because of this. Try grip aids because if your hands are sweaty its not very helpful when try to build strength. :) I use dry hands top- tire grip is also good. And what kind of pole do you have? That can make a difference. Also- is your pole by a fan or ac vent??? Mine is and I can't pole with my fan or a/c running because it produces too much condensation
azblanco · 11/21/2011
Dang auto correct. I meant to put tite-grip not top-tire grip. ** LOL
Sugartoe Gamzetti · 11/21/2011
thank you to everyone who wrote in advice and hints---while I definitely can work on my upper arm strength, I've come to the conclusion that my problem is most likely grip rather than conditioning for this move (since I could do it easily in the summer). So tomorrow during my pole practice I am going to try getting the pole warmer and also trying to really work up a sweat/get my body hot before trying to pole climb to see if I can stick better to the pole :) By the way, I currently have a lil mynx pole---I know it is not the best but it has been very sturdy so far and seems to be working while I save up for a better pole~ I will let you know how it turns out!
RoseMay · 11/22/2011
Good luck! Apart from what everyone else already said ... also remember to really squeeze the pole between your thighs. The stronger you are the less you have to rely on skin gripping the pole (and the less it will hurt and the less bruises you'll get).
Dancing Paws · 11/22/2011
Doesn't matter that you have a lilmynx. I learned on a lilmynx and I was a SWEATY girl. It will just take a little longer to get your pole warm, so you will have to be a little patient. Lilmynx is actually apretty good pole. Stainless steel is a great metal in that it won't wear off.
Kobajo84 · 11/22/2011
I love my Lil' Mynx! I actually think it is a better pole for gripiness, however with environmental influences the pole changes just like every other pole- meaning when it's cold, the pole is like ice and slippery. My Mynx warmed up nicely and was such a great pole for my learning progression. I have the powder coated black rotator though. If you have the stainless steel it will be very slippery and you just have to really keep it warm like everyone else said. If you can, post a video. Some of us might be able to give you some tips based on your form if you aren't able to get it after trying everything recommended.
Sugartoe Gamzetti · 11/22/2011
I did it !!! During pole practice this afternoon I really warmed up my legs good, and also rubbed on some mighty grip around my inner foot and leg. . .and it worked! I was able to climb up and even hold the position up on the pole for a while before slowly sliding down. Thank you so much everyone❤️
Lyme Lyte · 11/22/2011
I sometimes will put a heater on the floor angled up to the pole and it heats it up well. Also what helped me learn to climb is really studying my form in a big mirror. Side view....really helped. If you don't have a mirror go get one!
Might Grip · 11/22/2011
A suggestion: take a look at the anklet protectors with tack on our web site. www.mightygrip.com They will help you push up with your legs while you build the upper body stregnth needed for pole. Joel
Sugartoe Gamzetti · 11/22/2011
ok, I will check out that website, thank you!
Veena · 11/23/2011
Sugartoe....Pole climbs requires upper body strength and proper positioning. If your having troubles because your cold and the pole is cold try this Basic Warm Up. I designed it to warm the pole and your body! https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/80540840-b88a-11df-856f-001b214581be Can you do a Pole Hold and a Crucifix? This is a helpful move to build upper body strength. Also be sure your Points of Contact are correct. You want to use the front for the shin/ankle, in between the inside of the knees, and the hands. Make sure your engaging the scapula before pulling up. Here is the lesson https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/233115a0-b889-11df-856f-001b214581be Keep at it you can do it!!! 🥂
Veena · 11/23/2011
OH and try using some Aveeno lotion a few hours before polling if you have dry skin. This helps me grip the pole better in the cold winter months! But don't apply it right before you dance, it will be too slick.
sweetfluid · 11/23/2011
I need help myself too! any advice? https://www.studioveena.com/users/view/4ecc217b-6f20-4f30-8111-0d420ac37250
psychoholicslag · 11/24/2011
Suave Advanced Therapy (blue graphics) is a good lotion too. It usually works best for me if I apply it right before I pole because it provides a little bit of tack/moisture for my dry skin to stick like glue to the pole. I don't like it on my hands though, so you might want to apply it with gloves or the back of your hands. Glad to hear you got your climb!
Sugartoe Gamzetti · 11/24/2011
Thank you all for the added advice ---I will look up the Suave lotion, and also start watching some of the tutorials for pole climbs again. ❤️