Stretching and Strength Training?

Hey Ladies! I just got my 2inch titanuim gold X Pole today! its great but id like to start doing some strength training to help me get better on holding myself up. I  can lift myself up on to the pole and hold on for about a minute with my hands and thighs but as soon as i try to hold myself up with just my arms/hands i just cant do it..... also i have ZERO core strenght.... what kind of stretches and strength training should i be doing everyday to help me with the learning pole tricks?  I know the obvious sit ups, crunches, push ups but what else? should i start lifting weights? I also dont want to get to big in the arm area i just want to be toned so im not sure if i should be doing less reps or more reps for just trying to get toned to help me with my pole.... any suggestions and advice would be great! Thanks. :)