Totally new and scared to death! lol!

CynthiaB started this discussion · 9/26/2009

Well hello, my name is Cynthia. I just recently went to a private pole class and had a blast. I wasn't able to do much on the pole because I don't have much upper body strength. I didn't realize what a wimp I am. I have been doing push ups and hand stands hoping to get some muscle built up but it seems like it is taking forever. I just ordered a new x pole and can't wait to get it. The pole I have I can't do much on cuz it isn't sturdy enough. Anyway, does anyone know how long it takes to be able to get up on the pole and to start doing tricks? Is there anything else I could be doing to build up muscle. I'm not to overweight I guess just a weakling! I NEED HELP!! Would love some suggestions. I don't want to get discouraged before my pole even gets here! Thanks!!!

8 replies

Veena · 9/27/2009
Don't be discouraged!! If your looking to do some strength training with your pole, then you might wanna check out my online lessons here. I have a full body work out using your pole to prepare your body for the demands 🥂 You'll get there 🌸
miss fern · 9/27/2009
Veena is exactly right! Keep trying! You can start doing really easy spins straight away. Even if you don't succeed at them, you'll be building muscle just by trying. I find many teachers neglect to mention the forearm or 'grip' muscles that you need when you learn pole. (Doing pushups and handstands is fantastic for arms and shoulder etc, so do keep doing those btw.) These are the muscles that run from your elbow to wrist and help you squeeze your hand tight. Getting a stress ball and squeezing that, or getting those thing that look like pliers from a sports shop and squeezing them will help. You can also try just holding onto the pole high up (with your inside hand) with your feet near the base, and leaning away gently. Remember to switch hands and repeat. Beginner spins you can work on: - Forwards knee spin/front knee hook/forwards tart/butterfly spin - Fireman/crossknee spin - Lollipop/kneegrip fireman spin - Back knee spin/backwards tart
climbergirl · 9/27/2009
hello. My only advice is too not get so excited that you over do it, when you get your pole. When I got my pole, I was so psyched I practiced for about 30 mins a day for 3 days straight and really strained my tendons on my wrists and forearms. So, maybe just work on it every other day. Just listen to your body. good luck and have fun!
SissyBuns · 9/27/2009
Veena is exactly right! Keep trying! You can start doing really easy spins straight away. Even if you don't succeed at them, you'll be building muscle just by trying. I find many teachers neglect to mention the forearm or 'grip' muscles that you need when you learn pole. (Doing pushups and handstands is fantastic for arms and shoulder etc, so do keep doing those btw.) These are the muscles that run from your elbow to wrist and help you squeeze your hand tight. Getting a stress ball and squeezing that, or getting those thing that look like pliers from a sports shop and squeezing them will help. You can also try just holding onto the pole high up (with your inside hand) with your feet near the base, and leaning away gently. Remember to switch hands and repeat. Beginner spins you can work on: - Forwards knee spin/front knee hook/forwards tart/butterfly spin - Fireman/crossknee spin - Lollipop/kneegrip fireman spin - Back knee spin/backwards tart You're right Georgia, much emphasis isn't put onbuilding up forearm strength. I like to do hammer curls and other types of curls because they work the biceps as well as the forearm...all you need is a couple of dumb bells 🙂 . I also sometimes just hold the dumb bells and curl my wrists in and out. Here's the funny thing. I'm right handed but my left hand is my stronger hand on the pole. I think it's from me playing guitar hero (which I am addicted to). When playing that game my left hand is the one fingering the keys and thats a lot of finger and hand motion that I think has built up the strength in that arm LOL. I know that sounds far fetched but, I really think thats what has happened LOL.
SissyBuns · 9/27/2009
Hi Cynthia, I don't think there is a good time frame that anyone can give you that can say how long it will take you to learn tricks because everyone is different. I can tell you right now as you're starting out, the biggest mistake you can make is to compare yourself to others. Just do you, take your time, take it slow and have fun! 😀
CynthiaB · 9/27/2009
Thank you so much for all your advice. I can't wait to get started. Great ideas on working my wrists. I do notice after my pole class they hurt. Thank you!!! 🥂
Veena · 9/27/2009
Oh speaking of wrist....here are 2 exercise you can do for them and her is a great exercise for shoulders. https://www.studioveena.com/video/gallery/Wrist-exercises https://www.studioveena.com/video/gallery/medium-2009-02-23
litlbit · 9/27/2009
Here's more wrist exercises.../www.studioveena.com/video/gallery/022009-010