Things I Have Noticed Since I Started Poling

JoleneBell started this discussion · 2/8/2014

I am developing callouses on my hands! I can now do THREE, count em, THREE sets of ten Shoulder Presses. When I first started 10 days ago, I could barely do two sets. Pole Holds, the holy grail of the moment, are getting far stronger. Even though I can't complete one, my hands are noticeably stronger and I can just TASTE IT. It will be mine! My body is changing. Rapidly. My waist is tightening and trimming, my bum is firmer, and my hips are changing. I'd love to hear about everyone's personal experiences with this!

20 replies

AnnVann · 2/8/2014
Omg, I just started poling last Oct., and my body is Night and Day different! I am getting shoulders for the first time in my life! My hips are narrowing, and my bum is very much tighter. I was expecting most change to be in biceps, but it is more in shoulders, lats, and triceps, for me, at least. This poling stuff has amazing body benefits! I "do" get sore a lot with all the rapid changing, but it is so worth it.
yrngrl · 2/8/2014
I started last April. I haven't lost any weight (not that I wanted to), but I have gotten much bigger muscles in my arms, shoulders and back, visible abs (totally shocked about that one!), and lost an inch off my waist and hips.
Skullpixie · 2/8/2014
Same here Yrngrl the same happened to me since I started I'm happy about the inch off my hips I really needed to lose a bit.
frenchhornprof · 2/8/2014
I was astonished today when I tried on my wedding dress (from 4 years ago) and it wasn't the waist that didn't fit but the upper chest! Now I'm more confident about wearing sleeveless because I have defined shoulders (and arms to some extent).
sassylina · 2/8/2014
I have more defined muscles in my arms, shoulders, chest, and back.
cij1916 · 2/8/2014
that quickly? Wow...anxiously awaiting for my delivery lol, gotta wait until Thursday for my pole to get me
Just4Pole · 2/9/2014
I just met someone for the first time, and during our dinner conversation she commented on the shape of my arms and asked me if I worked out. I was ah, huh? What!? Really?!
dancingqueans · 2/9/2014
my ex noticed I was shrinking! and how long and lean I look compared to last april and he was so proud of me. made me feel like a million bucks! he commented with out me saying a word. biggest happy dance I had all day
IrishOrla · 2/9/2014
My shoulders and arms have gotten very muscly hehe. My legs are more defined and I also beat my boyfriend all the time now when we are play fighting , he calls my arms "the iron fists" lol. My waist has lost about two inches and my bum is tighter. I've been poling two years now. Not to mention constant calluses on my hands too, it's only now I can cope with them lol pole has honestly changed my life.
Danielle Tillie · 2/9/2014
I should find some old pictures of me to compare and contrast. Basically at this point (4 years into my pole journey) I am solid muscle. My bicep and lats have gotten so big that finding sleeves and dresses that fit have become a slight issue, but I'm not complaining. Everything is far more toned... I have visible abs! My flexibility is phenomenal considering where I starting and having never worked on that before in my life. When I flex my legs they look like professional dancer legs... something I never thought I'd have. It seems so surreal sometimes... the changes in my body. It's pretty awesome though!
JBStarryEyedGirl · 2/9/2014
A friend I haven't seen in a while commented that I look "way buffer" now! LOL. Another was like, "OMG you are getting so tiny, your waist is so small now". I definitely love having some muscles and losing some weight. The biggest thing I notice though is my attitude change, nothing is too hard, and nothing is impossible. All I have to do it continue to work hard every day and push myself, that has been the most rewarding benefit of pole dancing for me.
Nikita Day · 2/12/2014
I lifted weights 5 days a week for the years and it wasn't just the smallest weight possible. I pushed myself constantly. I was strong, but there wasn't one visual change in my body. I poled for three months and my back, stomach, shoulders and arms had so much muscle to them that even I could see a huge difference
grayeyes · 2/12/2014
Arm definition. I have also lifted weights off and on for years but arms never defined like they have now. What a great bonus--not only do I love poling but my arms look better at 44 years old than they ever have. I did an obstacle course race with my husband and two other guys this past summer and I daresay I did better on the obstacles that required upper body strength than they did--don't tell them.
Runemist34 · 2/12/2014
Trusting my body more. For most of my life my body was an inconvenient, needy way of getting my brain around... but, after starting to dance and getting more and more into it, I started to discover that it can do, and be, so much more than that. I am far stronger, and far more physically capable than I ever thought!
JoleneBell · 2/17/2014
Thanks so much for all of your contributions to this thread! It's so awesome to share! I can't believe the changes I am continuing to see after just 19 days of consistent pole strength training. I am so grateful for this community and all of you. You rock my world. p.s. Remember! Focus on engaging a neutral scapula! :P
jdecourcy7029 · 2/17/2014
You are doing awesome! I am still struggling with my shoulder presses and my pole holds. I have been doing my walks and dancing around my pole. I was finally brave enough to put on my boy shorts. I have been told that I dance to my own beat not to the beat of the music. I have been doing the strength exercises and have noticed my upper body strength is getting much better. It is now 3 weeks since I have put up my pole. I have to do better with my time management to get my workouts in. I work 60 - 65 hours per week as a property manager. I can do this! You have been a huge motivator and an encouragement.
JoleneBell · 2/17/2014
JD, I'm so glad! I started getting up 5 am to get my poling in before everyone gets up and the day starts. My day goes much smoother when I do that. It's a little tough because I'm a night owl, but pole is super important to me so I make it work. Sounds like to work insane hours! Do you have kiddos, too?
jdecourcy7029 · 2/17/2014
Jolene, Thanks for the reply, no kids at home anymore. I'm 53. I am going to try your early morning method... Thanks
leyrose · 2/17/2014
Um... My arms!! Everytime I look in the mirror while doing my hair or something I'm like damn look at those huge arms lol, sometimes I feel self conscious because of how muscly they are compared to how they used to be little sticks.
Phoenix Hunter · 2/17/2014
Same here, arms. someone actually commented the other day how strong my arms looked. that's pretty cool.