Starting off with static or spin?!

stephnicoleex3 started this discussion · 4/25/2013

I should be getting my pole in on the 30th, which is coincidentally the day I get paid, so I can buy some lessons!!! :) This will be my first time on a pole, although I have watched MANY videos, lots of research, and have been wanting a pole forever...but kept holding back on buying one. Now that I am FINALLY getting one, I'm nervous, but so excited to start. I was just wondering if I should start on static or spin? Also, will the lessons guide me in the right direction on where I should start, what I should start with, and how? I'm a little scared I will get overwhelmed with it & discouraged, since I am teaching myself. So, I'm hoping the lessons will really give it step by step, rather than just me picking random videos to do!

10 replies

Polewalker916 · 4/25/2013
I would start on static to get used to moves without getting dizzy once u get a feel for moves and get comfortable holding u could switch to spin. I don't have veenas lessons (I wish!) but I've heard alot of good stuff about the 30 day take off and her lessons in general. Don't get overwhelmed and discouraged!! Stick with it, this pole journey can b smooth or rough depending on the day. U will get it!! If u think about how much there is to learn it can b mind boggling but if u do one or a few things at a time at your own pace u will progress. Work on flexibility and building strength everywhere but mainly in your arms and back (pull ups, climbing a rope or pole). Hope u enjoy your new pole!! And stay positive, veenas site is so great, many many positive, motivating, supportive people here. Good luck on your journey :) I look forward to seeing/hearing your progress.
CapFeb · 4/25/2013
I regret not learning on spin...I feel like people who learn on spin advance quicker and have bigger muscles because of the g-force that comes with spin. Probably not even remotely true, it's just one of those things my brain finds logical :P
PlatinumAni · 4/25/2013
Congratulations on getting a pole and finding SV! You have came to the right place. Veena's 30 day take off will guide you right through every step from warming up, building strength, conditioning, spins, moves and floor work. Every day is already planned out for you! Beyond the 30 days all the lessons are categorized and very detailed you will have no trouble deciding :) As for the spin static debate. I am very glad I started spinny early in my poling days. However I think you should have proper shoulder engagement beforehand. When you can hold your shoulders back and down while hanging from the pole at least :D Good luck and keep us posted on your journey!
calipolepixie · 4/26/2013
Learn on both (wish I had) but definitely get each move nailed on static mode first, then practice it on spin.
prettypuff1 · 4/26/2013
I have learned exclusively on a static pole.. I wish I had more experience with spinning poles and making more graceful transitions..
stephnicoleex3 · 4/26/2013
Thanks so much for all of the advise ladies! I will definitely be updating everyone on my progress, and I am so excited to begin. :)
mystical · 4/29/2013
I do moves on both static and spin, I am a beginner, I was told when you do moves on static you gain momentum and grace. On spin you dont have to use your energy to get momentum you can just focus on the spin and moves on spin are very pretty. I hope to see a video of your progress :)
Serzi · 4/29/2013
When I first started I was consulting (perhaps pestering) Karol Helms a lot. She was gracious enough to provide me w/ her very professional advice that I, to this day, praise and pass on to whomever I can. The very first bit of advice she offered me when I got my pole was this: "Pole dancing is a PROCESS, its not something that people just try and are immediately good at!! It takes alot of time, practice, and determination to increase your skill! Soooo, dont get discoouraged, keep with it, take your time to learn and perfect each move you try. And start slowly..!! And my biggest peeve.... Spinning mode is fun, but you're not really learning the right technique to the moves when youre working on spinning. So keep it on static when you practice and really learn how to do the moves correctly and safely before adding spinning to the mix. When youre doing them beautifully on static, then give spin a go!" Of course...lol...curiousity got the best of me and I did try spin my first day. I justified it as "just making sure it works". Well, it DID. I did a fireman so fast I swear I coulda flung myself right through my bedroom window! LOL That was not fun at all, it was SCARY. I put it right back on static. That being said, make sure to test spin mode when you get your pole, but do not throw your weight into it. Be gentle, it does not need much momentum or you'll find yourself in hyper-drive. If you DO ever find yourself in hyper-drive DO NOT PANIC. The tighter you grip and the closer you tuck into your pole the FASTER you will spin. Hold securely, but try to put your legs out or lightly drag your feet on the floor to slow yourself back down. The further you hold yourself out, the slower it will go. To combat dizziness, either look at your pole or hands and try to ignore the blur surrounding you. Do not strain your neck to do so. The key to controlling spin is to be calm and deliberate w/ each move. But, I digress, just be aware that spin is an entirely different approach than static. I do recommend staying off of it entirely until at least your fourth month (if you are poling at least 6-8 hours per week prior to that). You will be much stronger, controlled, and confident in your abilities by then. Personally, I waited until my six month Polerversary before I attempted spin again and I feel I ROCKED that biotch! lol So much that I made 3 vids to celebrate. :D And, I will also say that I knew a girl who totally rocked spin her second month. Unfortunately, she did it too much too fast and too early. Srsly strained the muscles in her right arm/both wrists and had to take a month off to recover. I regard this as proof to Karol's claim. Get strong on static first, rock spin later. You WILL get there. ;) Shwew! Sorry, that was way too long as usual! Hope this is at least a little helpful.
stephnicoleex3 · 4/30/2013
Thank you so much Serzi, for all of that in depth info...I really appreciate it!! I know, like you were, I will be excited to give spinning mode a try when I get my pole (today by the way, ahh!!). But, I think I will wait now lol. Of course, I will make sure it works properly, but I will start with static, and learn on static for the first few months. I am hoping to get at least 1-3 hours of pole in every single night...as my body allows. I'm sure there will be some days where I have to rest, but I'd like to be poling as much as possible :).
SpyralBound · 4/30/2013
I started on spin pretty early, can't remember when exactly but I think it was before 4 months, and found I really took to it. I had few issues with dizziness and I learned quickly how to control my speed. It also allowed me to work on my form in certain poses like a Back Hook Spin - being on spin mode let me stay up there longer so I could adjust until my knees & ankles created that lovely attractive triangle shape that makes a Back Hook look beautiful, and with enough practice, that positioning became muscle memory. BUT I also started pole after strength-training for a while so I think I may have had a slight advantage on the strength side of things. The bummer is that I took to spinny so easily and so early that I started over-relying on it, and my static spins have suffered. I don't get enough momentum in most spins to make it around the pole more than one full rotation. Once you learn how to do a basic pole climb and have it down solid, I would suggest putting the pole on spin mode and just climbing it one step, giving yourself a *very tiny boost* as you get up there. This will get you used to the feeling and you don't have to be super strong or do anything fancy. You can try pulling your body towards the pole or leaning back away from it to get a sense for how that affects your speed. And good to know too: Some poles are faster than others! I don't mean brand necessarily, it seems to vary from pole to pole. All of the poles at my studio are Platinum Stages and some are super-loose and spin very fast (and the spin lasts forever) while others are slower and the spin doesn't sustain for as long. So if you're moving between poles, say at home and in class, you may have different spinny experiences. Good luck, have fun, BE SAFE!