Twisted VS True grip

luvlee started this discussion · 3/22/2011

I have been getting very frusterated with pole lately more so than it making me happy. I have many delimas, but let me get advice on this one. I was just starting to do the twisted lift grip and twisted grip split Aysha. I thought it looked so cool, then I found out it was bad to do. I had a few polers I reallt respect tell me it was not good, so I stopped. I do hair. I can not injure myself. I started working on true grips like handsprings and cartwheels and now, I have hurt my wrist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really????????? Twisted never hurt me. WTH? Also, I am having trouble with the true grip. It is so much harder. Twisted is easier. I am having a hard time thinking I will never be able to do cool moves like this. Please give any advice you all have. Thanks so much. I have never been this discouraged about pole. I want it to make me happy again.

4 replies

chemgoddess1 · 3/22/2011
Hunny...I will tell you right now that you have been pushing yourself too hard to learn trick after trick after trick. Twisted is "easier" because it is limiting the amount of movement your body can do. this is the exact reason it is dangerous...if you slip or jerk you have just torn your shoulder up. Pole dancing is not just about the tricks. I have been at this for 3+ years and you southern Ohio girls have surpassed me (and reinspired me). Quit making it a competition. As for making you happy again, instead of trying to get new tricks, try stringing your tricks together. See how long you can stay off the ground but get into the next trick off the pole. Or dance to an entire song without inverting or climbing once.
PhillyPoleJess · 3/22/2011
Yeah I am with Chem on this your wrist sounds like it is overworked bcs what is dangerous about twisted grip is not messing up your wrist but your rotator cuff. Thankfully if you lay off your wrist for a week or two, work on things that do not put direct pressure on the wrist and ease back onto those tricks it should be ok (unless it hurts extremely bad and then see a doctor) If you mess up your rotator cuff though it could be months before being back on a pole and even once healthy again makes it more likely to become a reinjury. If you have been picking up everything pretty quickly, we all reach roadblocks remember this may be yours. Breathe first study your videos of your attempts. Rewatch them over and over again. Also watch a video of someone else who can do it well (if you have veena's lessons this is easier since it will be done many times over, quick, slow, and with instruction). Try seeing if you can spot differences in technique. Can you do a split grip aysha from a butterfly, inverted crucifix, or any other move while already inverted? It really helps to start from there learn the balance and form of the move at the top and then dismount. Veena has a great lesson on the split grip aysha and wish i would have found before learning it the hard way myself. Whatever you do let that wrist heal FIRST and work on those combinations and transitions of moves you currently know. Chems ideas of trying to stay off the floor for as long as possible and without climbing/inverting are great ideas and will test your stamina and creativity. There have been times I took a whole week or two off from pole. Usually the first practice coming back will be a little shaky but after that I feel refreshed. Sometimes stepping out of the frustration and giving yourself a moment to relax and remember why you love something is enough. Dont be so hard on yourself! It can be difficult to remember to be nice to yourself but it is so important. Hopefully that is helpful!
tarah · 3/23/2011
Hi Luvlee 🌸 I'm so sorry to hear about your wrist 🙁 I hope it will heal quickly. I have to agree with chemgoddess!! It really sounds like you are pushing yourself too hard. Poling should be fun and if you are trying to "keep up" with other dancers, it could take all fun out of it. If it makes you feel any better, I have enjoyed watching you more than others who might be more "advanced". Everyone has there own unique style and personality. and anyway, you are SO way ahead of me!! Sorry I can't give any advice on your tg's... try to take it easy til that wrist is all better :)
luvlee · 3/23/2011
Wow! Thanks, Tara! I am glad you enjoy my videos. I do believe my wrist will be just fine in a day or so. It was not a terrible injury, thank goodness. I will be going to my studio next week to make sure I am doing everything right just to be safe.