Post-natal trick loss?

Brittania Banks started this discussion · 2/18/2011

Hey there, I am 5 weeks postpartum and my body has already returned to it's normal state & weight. (95 lbs.) I feel great and energetic So I figured it was time to break out the old Xpole and see what I could do. I tried my first inversion in 10 months and couldn't get halfway up. I then tried a lot of easier tricks... corkscrew, pole climb, fan kick, and to my dismay... no luck. I am just wondering, how long does it take to get it back? I still have the 'muscle memory' on how to do all the tricks that I had previously knew & loved. But lack the strength? (i think) I'm also having grip issues... Any advice from fellow mom & pops?

14 replies

reenie aka Mysfit · 2/18/2011
Post partum is tricky....I generally have my personal training and pole clients take it easy for 3 months minimum. During pregancy, most of us will have a slight separtion in the rectus abdominus fascia....This needs time to get back to normal and recover. I have seen woman go too fast getting into core type exercises herniate. It isn't worth the risk. Most activity is fine. Some may just simply need to be adapted and modified. It is hard to recommend anything specific or list restrictions without actually seeing you. PLUS--as I have found you live around the corner from me~that might be the easiest thing to do!!! I am still super stoked that there is a veener around the corner from me!!!
Evie Bloom · 2/18/2011
KT Coates has a series of you tube videos on abdonmonal strengthening, getting back on the pole after pregnancy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpDRUYiZP9o&playnext=1&list=PLFBFB6012F344EEB4 Your muscles are very stretched out and weak after pregnancy so to avoid injury you need to build up strength slowly and be careful.
Veena · 2/18/2011
Lol yep I remember trying to invert. I made sure I recorded it so I could see my progress. If you have had preveous strength and conditioning before you became pregnant it usually comes back fairly quickly. If not take your time and be very aware of your posture during ab work. If your taking the lessons there is a move called the "switch" it's great for post baby!! If you had any amount of abdominal separation do NOT do full sit ups and stay away from inverts until you have built up strength. It will come back quickly. I'm responding from my phone so I hope it all made sense lol
Brittania Banks · 2/22/2011
Thanks for the advice everyone! I didnt have any abdominal stretching and I spoke with the Doc about if I was good to give it another shot and she said I was clear to go. So today I decieded to try again and videotape an invert. And managed to actually do one! But... it seems I have forgotten how to get back down. :P
minicoopergrl · 2/25/2011
After I got the ok from the dr to work out again, I really felt like I had to start all over again. I couldnt do much of anything. Within a few months things started clicking and I started to really improve. Now 2yrs since birth I am stronger than ever and can nail tricks I never thought I would get.
kozalyn · 3/1/2011
I am feeling the exact same way! My boy is 4 months now and I just started back on the pole, inverting seems near impossible right now. How do you guys find time to pole? I try to do it while little man is napping or in his swing but it seems every time I get warmed up he starts crying or wants to be picked up. I never feel like I can make any progress :(
Rocknbody · 4/9/2011
DOn't get discouraged! I felt the same way, I went to convention last year 4 months after baby and just stood and watched everyone wanting to cry. Just go back to the fun and movement of pole and the strength will come back over time. It really makes you focus on your sexy and fluidity, then when you invert again you''ll have it all :) COngrats on the baby !
Rocknbody · 4/9/2011
And on the time piece, 4 months is still pretty new, relax you've got plenty of time coming. Enjoy him while he is still little and can't hog the pole like my boys do now :)
lily · 4/10/2011
That's so fantastic you have bounced back so quickly, congratulations on becoming a mother! Everyone and every pregnancy is different, I agree with everyone else about giving yourself time. I have always bounced back really well after baby, but my last pregnancy was twins so it's taken me much longer this time. My babies are almost 11 months now and I am still not quite back to my previous level of strength but am working hard and getting closer! You'll be back doing all your fave tricks before you know it! :)
TinyDancer04 · 7/18/2011
Sorry to bump up an old thread! My baby Is one and I've just started poling again. Im back to my prepregnancy weight and I've Been doing lots of kickboxing and feel pretty strong. But... Back on the pole... My god! I've just got a brass pole and it's great on my hands & I can still do handsprings :) But I can't seem to do a simple leg hang! I used to be able to do everything.. Including drops etc.. It's very discouraging ! The main problem is having trouble gripping with my legs- I just slide off. Do you think this Is just lack of leg strength or a slippery pole? Weird the grip is amazing with my hands but not with my legs! Any advice would be great :)
Veena · 7/18/2011
Totally fine bringing up this old thread! 😀 Alesha...Sounds like your in need of some Pole specific core strength work. I have some great conditioning exercises here if your taking the lessons. Some people hear core and think abdominal work only but real core work, consists of both the abdominals AND the back, to avoid a muscle imbalance. Yoga and Pilates is another great option! It does get better!! oh here is a video you might like as well....It talks a bit about the belly after baby. https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/d650d310-c3b4-11df-bc90-001b21721e0c
TinyDancer04 · 7/18/2011
Thanks veena! I'll check out the vid and I'm definately thinking your lessons might be the go this time! I feel like I'm starting all over again! I still don't understand why my legs just won't grip! So annoying. I can invert fine ok, I seem to have the strength to get up there but my legs just won't stick on the pole! Did you every experience this after any of your babies?
Veena · 7/18/2011
Not with the legs.....If its just the legs, have you made sure your skin is nice and warmed up before you pole. If you have a bit of sweat on them they will grip better. I have dry skin and if I'm not warmed up or if I forget to put lotion on a few hrs before poling (not right before) I can't grip.
TinyDancer04 · 7/18/2011
Thanks so much I'll give it a try :)