Spin mode heeelp!

Runemist34 started this discussion · 8/5/2014

Well, it's hot, and I still want to dance. It always seems like I can stick with every part of my body BUT my hands, which means I'm not terribly keen on spins... but I do want to make my dancing look beautiful! So, I figure this is a perfect time to practice the spin mode. I've not done much with it, it's scary! And, I haven't had spin mode for a long time, so it's tough to get used to it after poling without for so long. And... well, it just spins either way too fast, or too slow! I know that so many newbs who try spin mode have this complaint, but all I've ever seen as advice is "You'll get used to it," and I'm not really convinced. I have Veena's lessons, and I take them all into account: I don't push off too hard, even when practicing spins, and I have definitely noticed that shifting my weight changes the speed. But, let's say I'd like to climb, sit, plank, and then layback (like a CAR). Climb is fine until I get all the way up, sit is so fast I feel like throwing up, and then plank is so epic-slow that I'm barely moving! By then I'm so freaked out I can't do the layback, because I don't want to be upside down and crazily spinning about. SO, is this actually a normal speed to be going? Is there a better way to control speed during spin mode? How did all of you lovely, beautiful spin-mode women get used to the insanity? Is there something I should be taking into account when getting used to spin mode?

6 replies

Rachel Osborne · 8/5/2014
Look I'm not an expert, I'm intermediate and restarted pole last October after several years off; prior to restarting I had never used spin but fell in love when I started in November at a studio where the poles were always on spin mode and now my own pole is permanently on spin. Things that helped me: never locking pole so mounting, climbing, inverting always requires tiny muscle adjustments to keep pole steady which means muscle memory becomes automatic. I then just get used to it. When it comes to deliberately spinning I've internalised the way to 'ride' the pole so I am in control. Understanding that extending [a leg/arm/both] away from pole will slow me and tucking in close will speed me up. Filming myself: when I think I'm going at warp speed I'm actually not. Dismounting and leaning/looking up and away then straight at pole will restore equilibrium, if still dizzy spin other way or pirouette the other way. Everyone's vestibular system is different and some people love and feel energised by spinning whereas others hate it. If you find spinning hard don't feel you have to spin all the time when on spin mode. Perform as if on static and just put in a few controlled spins or poses and do scary stuff like CAR when the pole is at rest. Hope that helps sorry for woffle.
Phoenix Hunter · 8/5/2014
Tropicalpole has good advice, I only use spin mode once a week. but Runemist, you are correct that some moves will spin faster than others. Really the only way you can control/slow the spin is by choosing moves that slow it down. ugh! a pole sit makes me spin so crazy fast! those moves were you body is hanging away from the pole will slow you down; plank, Gemini, skater, stargazer with your upper body leaning away from the pole. other moves go fast; pole sit, crucifix, inverted crucifix, etc. so if you are climbing and you are spinning too fast, you can climb with an extended leg to slow you down or really stick your butt out away from the pole. if you are gonna climb and go straight into a sit and you know that sit will spin super fast, I would try starting my climb with almost no spin and see if it will pick up to a slow spin by time you get to the sit. it takes some experimentation. just have short intervals with the spin pole. I can only handle like 30-45seconds at a time before I have to come to the ground and reset. I stare at the pole or spin in the opposite direction to get rid of the dizziness. I had to work up to being on spin for 30seconds, it used to be even worse. haha! reading this is reminding me I need to do more spinning pole!
Jenn1989 · 8/6/2014
I don't use the spin mode much either, I'll usually try a few spins on it at a time then go back to static because I haven't figured out how to control the speed good yet. The other day I was practising pretzel, and when I came down I almost face planted I was so dizzy, haha.
Allgold78 · 8/6/2014
I love the thought of spinny pole but it scares me lol. I love Tropicalpole's suggestion of never having the home pole on static. That way I'll get the technical studio work 4 times a week on static and can practice spinny at home. Good thinking batman!!
Rachel Osborne · 8/6/2014
Maybe lock pole if you are going to try something inverted that is new and daring (and get out the crash mats!) but yeah permanent spin mode and practising everything that way has made all the difference. I find I need to think through combos first to work out where I'm likely to get fast spin or slow down using the 'lean out and away = slow down' mantra. If a pole sit is going too fast it can seem scary to lean away or go into a plank because the instinct is to curl in and clutch pole which only makes it go faster. Stretching a leg out instead helps if you have spin death grip. I always go into CAR low enough to touch ground with hands and from a swan/drama queen spin because I can slow right down if I need to by extending my arms and straightening my legs. If I want to do a jade on spin I go in from a secure gemini to a straight pike; stretching arms and legs out will control the spin whereas a tuck hip hold will not slow me down at all. Your head and hips are also heavy and moving them close to or further from pole when climbing or posing will help to control the ride.
MissMoloka · 8/6/2014
Everyone has given great tips! I only started to fall in love with spin mode this year because I had to learn spin mode for competition - it really forced me to get my act together on spin and was left with no choice but to just do it. Spin used to make my heart beat so fast (it still does, lol) and I'd feel so out of breath even if I feel like I didn't do much at all! But, here's what helped me and I hope it helps you :) - Breathing, taking your time and mentally focusing and refocusing. Focus on what you're doing and try not to let the fast spinning deter you. When you feel a moment of "OMG, this is going so fast!!!" Take a deep breath, take a moment to pause and focus on what you're trying to do as much as possible rather than focus on how fast the pole is spinning. It's not spinning as fast as it feels. Don't ever feel pressured to rush in to your next move. In fact, I love how spin can make every time you pause a moment to showcase something pretty... which leads to the next point: - Start with simple, pretty movements. It helped me feel like I was still being productive just by doing something pretty. I recommend watching Rachele Ribera on youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIOXCkrc-5A]. She really takes her time with every little movement so that all movements - no matter how simple - count in looking pretty. Take the time to spin around and make shapes with your legs, like you're skating around the pole. Don't rush in to your next move. Just play and have fun. - Think of the movements as broken down in to segments. This really helped me and kept me from feeling intimidated that I couldn't do a series of things on spin. You can focus on working each separate segment on its own and piecing them together little by little and again, without rushing. Always take a moment to breathe and mentally refocus if you feel yourself starting to worry or freak out... You can start off like this: - Segment 1: Simple spinning around in a pretty chair pose (hold for about two rotations) - Segment 2: From the chair pose, bring legs to pole to climb (hold pole between shins for about two rotations - breathe!) - Segment 3: Start pulling up in to a climb (keep breathing and don't worry about the spin speed). Again, take your time and it's your chance to make it look pretty if you don't rush. - Segment 4: Breathe - get ready to wrap legs around for a sit. Mentally prepare yourself because spin will increase, keep breathing, focus on getting in to that sit. Hold for a few rotations, catch your breath as the world spins around you and relax... - Segment 5: follow up with whatever your next move is.... Sorry for being so wordy but hope this helps! It can be done! To recap, I think of spin pole as taking your time with each move, taking the time to breathe and refocus during a move and in between moves. Make each move count and if the pole slows down and can't be sped up,just do your best to dismount beautifully and start a new sequence. A lot of getting through spin is a mental thing for me I guess :p Good luck!!!