Too weak or too afraid...?

EileenTI started this discussion · 11/3/2009

Hi! As you know, I am going to ploe-dancing lessons once a week and don't have a pole to train otherwise... I've been there only 3-4 times up to now, but the last time I was veeerrryy desperate, because we did things which I couldn't do and I feel like I was the only one who couldn't do it. And it was kind of "easy" stuff like "Martini-Girls" and stuff...And clinging to the pole with the whole body and bend back. I couldn't do it. *ggrrrrr* I wonder if I am to weak in my arms, or if I just make mistakes like having the upper hand to low , so there is no tension, or...sometimes I also think that I am a bit afraid of really touching the pole (I guess that's bad if you try to do pole-dancing... 🤔 ) and getting some speed into the swinging. Did someone feel similar in the beginning? Have a nice week, Eileen

8 replies

onepinkprincess · 11/3/2009
You are not alone to start with I would over think things and fail miserably but once I was a bit more confident I just started to do spins etc without stopping to think too hard and it was much better. Everyone learns at a different pace so try not to compare yourself to other girls they probably find it hard too. Getting comfy with the pole is the most basic bit once you stop being scared by it I'm sure you'll be fine. Try to find time for the bits you can do and perfect them. Hopefully knowing you can do some spins well will help your confidence. Pole dancing does take a fair bit of strength even for the basics but this will come to you with time and practice and ask you instructor to check your technique too if your worried about that she will more than happy to help. Hope that's helpful Cxxx
EileenTI · 11/3/2009
Yes, I guess now that the "overthinking things" you mentioned is the point... That's a good idea. Last lesson I was in a bad condition anyway, but if it's the same next time and nothing works I will just ask the teacher... Good to know that there are more people feeling like that. Or maybe not good to know 😀 Whatever! Thanks a lot anyway!
SissyBuns · 11/3/2009
I felt the same way when I first started. Hell I still feel that way at class soemtimes. There will always be people more advanced then you so you just gotta move along at your own pace 😉 You'll get stronger the more you go. You've only taken a few classes so give it time 😀 . You can try working out at home to get stronger too 👍
Runemist34 · 11/3/2009
There are other things you can do to improve your strength for the pole, even if you aren't using a pole! Besides that, I always found classes hard because sometimes they move through things quickly, and don't always take into account that you may not have the same kind of muscle development as someone else, and may not be able to do a move. Hey, look at me! I can do a carousel spin, I can climb the pole and sit on it...but I can't do a "fan legs" move! I'm just not built the same as others. I find that the knowing how to do a move is helpful, even if you can't quite do it. You figure out the muscles you want to use, the other moves you CAN do that work those muscles, and do those instead, till you're stronger!
EileenTI · 11/4/2009
Yes, right... Maybe I should work on my muscles then, even if they are not the actual problem 🙂 I don't know what it is. But that's good what you all wrote anyway. It makes be feel a bit more relaxed about it now! Thank you 🙂
Tantric Limpet · 11/4/2009
I was like you too at the beginning and if I am off the pole for a while I get all jittery about using it again, I am at that point at the moment as I haven't poled for about three months and am definitely over thinking about getting back on it! I guess we have to just go for it 🙂 xx
Tine007 · 11/4/2009
Hi Eileen, I felt the same in the beginning, and still do for every new move 😨 I totally know that it's a combination of building the muscles and being mental... Ususually I don't get a new move right away, but at some point, it seems to click all the sudden ☀️ It also comes in waves, alternating between feeling totally dumb not getting anything and then I get 2 or 3 moves at the same time.... Overthinking is another thing I always do, it kinda works when my brain gives up and I just do it 😉 It took me over 2 months till I didn't feel like a sack of potatoes, to build enough forearm/biceps/lats and I was also afraid of crashing into the pole or flying of... For the muscle part of it, climbing and hanging/holding with arms only really helped my spins 😀 Oh, and weather (temperature, humidity) is a factor, too... It alters the stickyness of the pole. If it's humid, my spins don't work very well either 'cause I slip 🙄 Veena has a great artice here http://www.studioveena.com/info/2009/05/19/the-temperamental-pole/ And honestly, last week, when we went on a stage pole for the first time (usually we learn on stable X-poles) I was so mental I couldn't do a single spin 'cause I was terrified to crash on the edge of the stage or have the whole pole fall over with me (although there were weights at the bottom and everyone else did it and it was fine) 😳 😳 😳 Inverting though was no problem (I think because you can't fly outwards, lol)... 😂 Keep at it and be patient, your brain and muscles will catch on, followed by your confidence and then you'll be spinning around the pole like no one's business 😬 🥂 🥂 🥂
blueeyes · 11/5/2009
I would say its mainly mental!! I, personally, feel like the reason I have progressed so quickly on the pole is because I was never afraid of it or of the pain. I didnt care what I had to do to get a move, I was going to get it! (maybe that sounds bad haha) but, just own the pole. you can do it girl!!