Virgin to the pole

Taystee started this discussion · 1/15/2014

Hello everyone!! Ok so here goes, I randomly became interested in pole exercise few months ago. I went to couple classes & a month later ended up buying a pole. My pole has been up for the last month or so and I'll go one once in awhile. I am no where near where I should be for as long as I had the pole. Here is my problem: I get tired easily ugh I look like I'm in shape but I'm totally not! Also, the pole is soooo damn slippery. I looked it up but I just don't know what to try. Last but no least, it hurts so damn bad and I know it's going to but I don't know. If any one could give me some words of wisdom it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!!

13 replies

BonnieAndClyde · 1/15/2014
Its awesome that you are a new comer to pole! I have been addicted for a little over 2 years. I got my pole after 6 months of training at a studio. All I can say is DO NOT GIVE UP! I know it is hard to stay motivated training at home but it is well worth it. While my classes took a break I stayed on my pole at home and wound up being able to teach myself new tricks and became even more addicted! Stay with it and just picture yourself in an outstanding hold such as the extended butterfly or superman! My illusions of grandeur have actually come to fruition because of being determined and staying motivated.
StephiiP · 1/15/2014
^ What she said! Never give up! and being here with Veena do her 30 day challenge! =) Theres so much to learn here and a great community to be in! Welcome
dustbunny · 1/15/2014
The lessons here are a great value and will help you so much. Yes! Pole hurts, but it gets better I promise. Every new hold will bring new pain until your skin in that area toughens up but it does. Cold poles are very slippery, so that could be part of your problem. I use a hair dryer to keep my pole warm in the winter. Don't stress too much and just try to enjoy yourself.
Alexis Corinne · 1/15/2014
Get a spray bottle and a towel. Fill the bottle with rubbing alcohol, spray on the towel wipe down the pole. You will notice a total difference! I do it when I dance :) Also look into grip aid - I am and have to :) Congrats on your pole!!!!
Phoenix Hunter · 1/15/2014
You get tired easily because this is hard! you will build up endurance but until then you will feel like this. Yes, this shit hurts. haha! sorry but it's true. I haven't seen anyone bruise as bad as I did. the pain. lots of muscle soreness, bruising, hot baths, Epsom salt, arnica, tyelonol, advil, massages, even crying from frustration and tiredness and pain. But!!! it gets better. you get stronger, it gets easier. it will always be challenging. you will slip and slide on the pole if you are too sweaty or wearing lotion,etc. you will slip on the pole if your skin is not warm, skin is too dry, pole is too cold. there are sooooo many factors that contribute to sliding. also not being strong enough to hold yourself up will make you slide. Try everything and see what works for you. Do a good warm up before you pole. Move your body and get your skin to be slightly sweaty, damp. that's usually a good start. I swear it gets better. if you love this, don't stop. get veenas 30 day program to get you started.
HellOnHeelsNH · 1/16/2014
This sport is not easy, but it will get easier as you practice more... Even after 15 years, if I go on hiatus for too long, that first couple days make me sore and bruised! Ouch, yes I'm sore and bruised right now lol! 2 weeks and i know i will be trying new harder stuff... Your bruises are badges of accomplishment!
HellOnHeelsNH · 1/16/2014
I also highly recommend getting these lessons, you will save yourself alot of frustration, for grip i use a rosin bag, you can get them at any sporting store it works awesome!
Veena · 1/16/2014
Hi, and welcome! A month is not a long time and there isn't a set by month one you "should be this" far, for pole dancers. We all have our own journey and some are able to work daily because pole is their profession, others pole dance because it's simply fun, a great workout, or an expression for them, so progress will not be important. It sounds like you could benefit from the lessons as others mentioned. I have everything place in an order in which to progress, this way you don't have to teach yourself or figure out what to do at home! As mentioned I also have the 30 day take off program, this will give you 30 days of structured lessons that will increase your strength and improve you pole progress! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4KzMIIbZH0 For pole grip issues, first make sure your new pole is super clean try steam!! Don't put on lotion right before poling, however, if you have normal to dry skin and live in a cool/cold climate, you might find that a non greasy lotion like Lubriderm hours or the night before you pole very helpful. If you slip because to sweaty hands try a grip aid like dry hands, if you've cleaned your pole and warmed up well, but still slip, try Might Grip and Dew point they work magic for cold pole rooms! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgvvc2uvcFw
polebravely · 1/16/2014
Hi everyone! I am also very new to pole. What is this thirty day challenge? I'm trying to coordinate a good workout plan. I love to do yoga and kettlebell as well. Is it okay to cross train?
polebravely · 1/16/2014
oops, just saw Veena's post about the 30 day challenge, sorry! I'm new to discussion threads too
Veena · 1/16/2014
What I posted is not a challenge it's a program, very in-depth it's a guide for polers just starting or getting back into pole after a long break. There was an ab challenge I posted publicly, this is not a step by step but general tips and exercises for ab training using the pole.
polebravely · 1/16/2014
Oh! I see. I will definitely start a 30 day program take off. I'm very new to pole. I've taken some lessons in Nebraska at Aeriel Bombshell, but other than that I have not done too much with the pole. Is it okay to cross train or do yoga and work with kettlebells while participating in the 30 day program? Thank you for this site!
Veena · 1/16/2014
Yes, you can cross train with anything else you like, the program won't take up too much of your time! You worked with Lyndi!! She's a great person and a beautiful dancer, your in good hands with her!