sailor started this discussion ·
I've come to the understanding that my arms and shoulders are weak. I used to work in a job that involved a lot of climbing (think ropes course on water), and never thought my issue would be a lack of arm strength. :/ I'm discouraged and just need some guidance...
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korinne ·
How so? Are you referring to any move in particular? More info would be helpful! I doubt if you do that much upper body work you have 'weak arms.' Often, when I think weakness is preventing me from learning a new move... It's actually improper body mechanics. Additionally, some muscles generally get used less than others. I had to work very hard to get my triceps and my rhomboids to be strong enough to do several moves. My forearms still aren't where I'd like them to be. Maybe your strength is all in your pecs and biceps? Lastly- are you taking care of yourself? Eating well before and after exercise and getting enough protein? Not overdoing it? Getting enough rest? I know it's difficult... but try not to get discouraged. Everyone progresses at their own pace and hits many roadblocks and speed bumps along the way. Part of the excitement of pole is overcoming challenges. You'll be that much more excited to get what you're aiming for if you work hard for it!
Veena ·
Korinne, brings up some good questions, we can give you some better suggestions if we know more about the situation. The lessons here have all kinds of exercises to strengthen the shoulders, arms and hands even for pole work. 😎
sailor ·
It's been 10 years since I left that job... Perhaps I'm just exhausted everywhere, out of shape, and taking it out on my arms. hah! I've yet to progress beyond basic little things (pole sit, plank, crucifix). I have pain in my right shoulder, that my doctor diagnosed as bicipital tendonitis. I have some resistance bands on the way to help with the exercises I've found for that issue. My right wrist gives me a lot of trouble as well, I probably need to see him about that, too. I can do a pole hold just fine, climbing is no problem... but when it comes to Veena's shoulder presses, I can't do more than a couple. I can do maybe a couple push ups before my shoulder and wrist are unbearable. Eating right, I'm not really sure. Definitely not over doing it. Getting enough rest would be a major no. It's not intentional, I just go through cycles of really terrible sleep.
Veena ·
It sounds like you are taking the lessons, and you're on the right track by purchasing some resistance bands. It will be important for you to work on the conditioning lessons if you have all of these issues!! Keep in mind that the shoulder press is HARD, even with the chair, and if you can do more than a few you're a beast. Also with presses, handstand and pushups some people find it just doesn't work well for their wrists and that's ok. It will also be important to stretch the arms after pole work and doing some foam roller on them would also be good. If you haven't already you could try doing the 30 day take off too.
sailor ·
Thank you, Veena! I started the 30 day take off once (got to day 6)... I don't have a foam roller (or resistance bands) and I felt like I was missing the point when I had to skip over any exercises or stretches that used those tools. I need to get a foam roller, can I find that on amazon, too? (My small town on a penninsula has next to no major stores, it's a safe bet I cannot find one locally) I tried doing a handstand last night, but it was more of a headstand... I couldn't hold even a little bit of my weight with my arms. I hope I can get myself strong enough for that, because I really loved being upside down! hah hah... :)
Veena ·
You don't "have" to have the foam roller. Yes you can get a roller on Amazon. Being able to do a handstand is something you work up too. The resistance band is the most important thing to have the roller work can be thought of as a bonus, your not missing out on gaining strength or even flexibility if you don't do the roller lessons! But if you buy a roller you'll wonder why you waited so long, they feel soooooo good!🌸 Give the 30 days a chance and you'll see an improvement in strength!
sailor ·
The roller just sounds like it would be amazing... I'm amazon shopping now, there are too many choices! Umm... some of them are textured. hah hah! How crazy do I need to get? And thank you again for your continued support!
Jag5303 ·
Go with smooth, textured can be a bit much :)
Veena ·
This lesson has a link to the roller I have. It's nice and firm but not too hard. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4dcc48af-f630-4a8e-aa67-78850ac37250