This is why you don't kick into an invert!

Saeth started this discussion · 1/4/2015

So a few weeks into beginning pole dancing we started being taught how to invert. We were taught to kick into it and at that point I didn't know any better so off I went. Well it was only time before the almost inevitable happened, I kicked the pole going up. I mean really booted it. I nearly hit the deck from the pain. My nail turned deep red and purple. Some months on the marks have eased but haven't gone and I noticed a ridge in the nail which is normal as a result of trauma. Unfortunately I just learnt why I have a ridge, the nail has lifted from the bed and I stand to lose nearly half of my nail. I was angry at first but that's passed now and I'm just really sad over it. Might sound a bit odd to be so upset over it but I already have a freaky looking nail from surgery on my toe years ago and I have a bruised pinkie nail from kicking the couch while stepping around it. Then chilblain scarring! My feet are a mess and I'm pretty self conscious over my feet and now this ~.~ So people, don't kick, or you'll end up like me! *Sad face*

12 replies

Girl On A Pole · 1/4/2015
Oh. Sounds painful. I find I'm picking up little injuries pole-ing, I've hurt my rotary cuff (still weak 6 months in), my wrist and busted a toe banging off the pole base coming out of a spin. That said, I also kick into my inverts... Till I get better core strength (I'm only 6 months in) kicking in is best way for me. Though I get that pulling up into chopper would really work too. Hope toe is better soon.
Saeth · 1/4/2015
I'm lucky that it doesn't hurt anymore. The worst pain was the actual incident and it was a bit sore for weeks after which is pretty fortunate really considering it killed the nail! The problem with kicking, Noble, is that it's a short cut to overcome something you're not really ready for. There's a slight question over my rotary cuff right now and this will have come from the teacher pushing the class too hard, too fast. We've been poling for the same amount of time. I totally hear you when you say you're lacking strength. My core strength is pretty bad and so is my upper body. There's plenty of things you can do to build yourself up rapidly and safely even without doing the proper move. Pole holds and knee tucks, for example, planks, shoulder presses. It's just so easy to move too fast in poling. You and me are both paying the price for it, I think.
epsilonte · 1/4/2015
Poor nail, hope it gets better soon! But don't worry, it will grow back. It takes time but sooner or later your toe will look normal again. :) Hope that comforts you a little bit.
Girl On A Pole · 1/4/2015
Totally agree saeth, for me, there's a bit of lack of confidence in pulling up into a chopper position and on up into a full invert. At moment it makes sense to kick :-/ Ive seen it done thr chopper and know I'll progress this way. Term starts tomor and my teacher is going to be working on this very move with us. I have been minding my rotary cuff and it's been fairly ok since September but damn it, went bowling a few days ago and it's all inflamed again.
Krista Bocko · 1/4/2015
Can you invert on both sides saeth? Why not go back to a regular invert and focus on chopper strength/take it slow? No harm in that!!
Veena · 1/4/2015
Ouch! Yes, your right do not kick into moves! I'm glad you'll be ok. In the future, if you need to hook the foot on the pole for any move like a Half Cartwheel, (NOT INVERTS) try wearing some running shoes or fitness trainers to protect the foot. There should be no toe scrambling or heel hooking for inverts. If you need to grab the pole with the foot, you're not yet ready to invert. As for inverts you're ready to invert when you can perform several strong and controlled Side Pole Holds, Fan Kicks and Knee Tucks. The Basic invert lesson here is broken down into a few steps to show upper and lower body along with how to put it all together. There is nothing wrong with using a sweeping motion as you step forward into an invert, however kicking puts you at risk for injuries. Under each lesson you'll find Related lessons that you can work on in order to help you build the strength, technique or flexibility needed for the main player lesson. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/50eafb60-e868-4d1b-bc49-75780ac37250 There is no need to suffer through injuries when polling, if this is happening then you need to check your technique and be sure you're working within a safe level for you. :)
Lucca Valentine · 1/4/2015
Def be careful with what is small shoulder pain now...small injuries/pain can cause you to overcompensate with muscles that aren't in pain but also aren't intended for the type of movement you are doing. The more you train this way the more your body remembers poor form, which can result in more serious injury. Practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect. You and your body will be so thankful in the long run if you take the time to build a solid foundation now. Pole is very much a journey and everyone progresses at their own rates and keep in mind not every teacher (and arguably most teachers) are not all educated in the safest methods
Saeth · 1/5/2015
Hi everyone, I no longer kick into inverts. I'm stronger now and can invert without doing so which means I no longer need to worry about kicking the pole either! I stopped doing it when I found out online this is not how you should be taught and then my strength improved and so did my technique once I signed up to Veena's lessons. I just cringe when my other class mates are told to do this. It's just upsetting to be taught in a way that can hurt you because it's not really what you want to pay for, is it?! Veena: What do you mean by no heel hooking for inverts? In the invert video we're told to hook the back of the heel with the leading leg, so are you talking about something different? Also, I'm nowhere near to anything fancy like half cartwheel so no worries there lol. Even though our teacher says we're intermediate level I've confined myself to the beginner moves on here! Lucca: I'm getting my shoulder/arm investigated by a sports massage therapist to figure out what's going on. It's not nerve pain, I don't think it's tendon either, it feels muscular. I think it's because our classes have progressed too fast and we're doing a lot of moves that involve hanging off the pole. There's no mirrors and no instruction on engaging the upper body. Luckily it's my last class with that school this week. I'll be trying a new one to see if they're any better. I hope they are or I don't know where that'll leave me :/
RobynPoleDancer · 1/5/2015
A lesson well learned! My toenails always look awful from all the floorwork. Either chipped or flaking, and usually some bruising on the nail bed (either from shoebangs or from wearing boots eep). I just keep my toenails painted 99% of the time to hide the mess LOL!
Veena · 1/5/2015
Typo should have said no toe scrambling but heel hooking. Not sure why I said or....writing too fast?
Saeth · 1/5/2015
lol Veena, don't worry, we all have our moments! I was sat there for a few minutes trying to figure it out in my head. Robyn thank you for reminding me about toe polish, I think I'll do that to hide the nasty toes going on atm!
Lucca Valentine · 1/5/2015
Yay! I hope you find a good massage therapist/physio and a studio that you enjoy more (and safely helps you achieve your pole goals!) :)