Should I be doing inverts so soon??

shanz15 started this discussion · 3/2/2013

Hey guys!!! would really love your advise I have been poling for about 4months or so on and off and have just moved to another city and had to find another studio However my new studio i went to a beginner class and was way to easy not even challenging in the slightest, so i went to an intermediate yay!! However half way through the lesson the teacher, a wee asian lady, had us practising inverts? i said i ihave never done one before and she gave me a few exercises to try and get my feet to touch the pole, slowly upside down I was just wondering is this too soon to be doing inverts or is it completly safe? I am aware that you should not jump into it as everyone has said. sorry for rambling but I LOVE pole and have hit a problem??

6 replies

Danielle Tillie · 3/2/2013
Did you actually invert or did you just do exercises?
Runemist34 · 3/2/2013
Hey Shanz! I think that it depends on how you're doing it, and if you're prepared in the ways of strength and technique! It took me about four years to invert, but I was doing a lot of "off time" from pole through those years- it took me a long time to build up the strength. You can always check out Veena's lessons, she has a really good Strength routine that will help with inverts, as well as Dirdy Birdy's lessons on Youtube, where she also gives some very similar tips on preparing for the Basic Invert. You are right, one should NEVER jump into an invert! It can really damage the muscles in your arms, shoulders and back. It's good that you're watching for that :) Otherwise, just try to watch your technique, and ask a lot of questions! Your instructor is there to teach you, and should (hopefully!) be well versed in the ways of muscles, of pole dancing, and the risks therein. I've heard of people getting into inverts about 3 months in, 6 months in, 1 year in... and occasionally, 1 month in! But that last is a little scary, if they're new to the journey of strength and fitness. It's all about you, and how your body reacts! If you feel strange or uncomfortable doing it, I would say not to do it. You can always try the "second half" of the invert by going at it from the floor, and eventually working your way up. There ARE other ways to get upside down (my current preference is the Cross Knee release) but they will also get you into different possibilities, and block others off. It's good to have a full repertioir. If you're afraid of being upside down in general, you can also try those moves for somewhat more stability (depending on which you prefer, of course!)
shanz15 · 3/2/2013
wow thank you! you are right! i think i feel strong what are some ways to increase your strength that would help with inverts? such as specific gym exercises?
shanz15 · 3/2/2013
Some people did inverts i nearly went upside down, my foot was on the back of the pole my body in a C shape
shanz15 · 3/2/2013
Some people did inverts i nearly went upside down, my foot was on the back of the pole my body in a C shape
Crystabel · 3/2/2013
I did inverts on my first time on the pole. Spins made me dizzy so i worked on climbs and inverts instead. I am strong and have climbed trees and swingsets and hung upside down all my life though lol.