thicker pole.. do i pursue. will this help me?

shanz15 started this discussion · 2/23/2013

Hey everyone!! I have just moved to Auckland and have started going to a different pole studio. I am somewhere from beginner to internediate. However today in class I noticed all the poles there were the thicker ones (at my old studio we had a mix of 3 different sizes) and i found it quite tricky with some moves due to it being a thicker pole Can you guys give me your advise as to weather this matters much and does having a thicker pole challenge you or help to improve your skills rather than the thinner ones? Just because everything seemed so much harder thanks!!!

7 replies

Runemist34 · 2/23/2013
Likely you're having issues because your forearms and hands aren't used to the altered grip of a larger pole, and thus the rest of your muscles are attempting to accomodate for their issues. This will likely give you a greater challenge for now, until your muscles are used to the small alteration, at which time you'll discover the larger pole feels "normal." I know that some people have problems with larger poles due to smaller hands, as well, but... I can't really relate. I also have heard that thicker poles will create different challenges later, for certain holds; a good example is a knee hold, or a crucifix. You may find that the large pole provides more surface for your thighs to grip onto, thus making the hold easier in general, but that a knee hold or a knee pit grip would be easier on a smaller pole, because you can get your leg closed slightly farther, and thus add more skin to grip the pole. Most people have their preferences, and some enjoy switching between a few different sizes, depending on their mood, or the moves they'll be working on for that day, or if they have a performance coming up and are limited to a singular size of pole.
PersianXcursian · 2/23/2013
I switch between my 45 at home and the 50s at the studio. I think its good to be acquainted with different sizd poles
shanz15 · 2/24/2013
whats the main difference between the two??
bugsy monroe · 2/24/2013
It is more difficult for the hands to grip around a larger pole. The digits must work harder to secure a hold. This is why gymnastics/circus-type bars are so slim, and why weight lifters use 'fat bar' training to increase their gripping power. The studio at which I teach (Elena Gibson's) is fitted almost entirely with 50mm poles (the industry standard seems to be 45mm, with 38mm evermore common). This means that students must work harder, but often find themselves stronger than those at equivalent level elsewhere. Performing on 45mm feels quite luxurious when you are accustomed to 50mm! The only moves with which I have felt relative discomfort on 45mm are those requiring a strong thigh grip. This is due to my having slim legs thorugh which the smaller pole can slip. So, keep up the good work on the thicker poles! Having said that, if I'm asked advice on home-poling, I tend to recommend buying 45mm. This is because I think it challenging enough to work up the discipline to train alone, without the peer pressure of the studio environment, in what is often a less temparature-regulated space. At home: treat yourself, I say! X
eurpho · 2/24/2013
I started on a 50mm pole, and tried to use it as much as possible ever since. There was a period of time when I did spinny classes on a 45mm pole, which was SOOOO much easier, but the moment I tried to switch back to 50mm it was horrendous. I find that I needed so much more strength to be able to do moves that I can easily do on a 45mm. Now I do pretty much everything on 50mm, including spinny routines. However, when I have difficulty with certain moves (like now I'm trying to get my twisted grip handspring), I go back to the 45mm, and only when I can do it there then do I try to get it on the 50. To me, I've only nailed a move if I can do it on a 50. So, for me I'll advise you to continue on a 50. It's harder certainly, but it'll make you so much stronger. Which is always a good thing 😊😊
poledanceromance · 2/24/2013
My fingers don't touch on a 50 and I don't have tiny hands by any stretch. I think the value in workng with a 50 is that it forces you to actually use your body mechanics with some things. For example with the static V, on a 50 if your hands are small you can hold it just fine if you're really using that push/pull because that's what holds you up and takes the pressure off your hands so it's not squeezing with your fingers and levering your joints that's holding you there. I notice a lot of the "famous" polers are really tiny and if you watch them on a 50mm sometimes it looks like they aren't even gripping with their fingers. If you look closely you'll see a lot of extended fingers, pushing with the palms and engaged but relaxed fingers, even when changing grips, and relying instead on engaged core muscles that hold opposing tension on the palm grips...the push/pull. I think learning to work away from the death grip and with relaxed fingers on the larger diameter pole highlights what conditioning is needed and contributes to that "easy" look particularly with split bracket transitions.
Charley · 2/24/2013
I used to have a 40-45-50mm all set up. I would start on my 40 with a move, take it to 45 then onto 50. I have tiny hands and my fingers only touch on the 40. I think it's best to use all 3 sizes. I can do most everything on 50mm - it's how I started. You do learn to use your body more effectively. I still find the 50 better for most body holds. I struggle with x ankle and advanced plank on a 45 and can barely do them at all on a 40. Hand grips are trickier because I have sweaty hands and even though I can generally work through them on a 45 on a 50 I can't as well. But still it's great to cross train all sizes. If you can do it ona 50 - you can do it on anything (unless your me and your laybacks go away - hahahaha)