What other workouts have helped you pole better-stronger

Poleluver started this discussion · 9/15/2010

I was wondering what other workouts than pole has helped you pole better, be stronger and yeild the best results for poling? I am doing spinning and a body pump ( weight lifting class) but I love spinning I just know the only helpful part for poling is cardio. I am interested in learning what has helped people. I recently heard about MMA mixed martial arts that really kicks peoples behinds* rewards being, cardio stronger core, arms, weight loss ect. I am tired of being soft and really want to kick it up a notch or several! LOL

20 replies

keex · 9/15/2010
Pilates. Hands down. It's all about sourcing your strength, stability, control and stamina from your core. Plus, it focuses on optimal alignment and muscular symmetry which is great for injury prevention and maximizing your strength and flexibility. The key is, you need a great instructor who can assess your needs based on your posture, alignment and fitness goals and who can progress you systematically toward those goals.
BACE16 · 9/15/2010
Yoga is great too. For a lot of the same reasons as pilates. I had an awesome yoga teacher that taught yoga pole. Specific yoga poses that would use a wall or ball prop that used the pole instead. It took yoga to a much more intense level and helped with alignment on the pole, especially hand/elbow stands. I recommend it.
verucablue · 9/15/2010
what she said...pilates 🙂
FridaSiren · 9/15/2010
oooh! i´d love to try that yoga pole! i am absolutely in love with my iyengar yoga classes. we do alot of flexibility and balance stuff but also gain alot of strength and it really tones the muscles. there is alot of inversion work also. head/elbow/hand stands and others. but way before that we start with just legs in the air, shoulder stands or just hanging upsidown on these rope slings and such. i think the idea is as we are gaining strength to do more dificult stuff like the hand stands our bodies are getting used to being upsidown for longer periods of time without getting dizzy or nauseous. i started these classes at about the same time i started regular pole classes and i find that they complement each other perfectly. when i was finally ready to start inverting in pole i had no upsidown scary issues (well exept that i cant tell my left from right upsidown, lol). i was also the first in my class to be able to invert with no momentum, even though i am the heaviest girl in class, and can be upside as long as my arms can hold out and have no trouble being relaxed and breathing.i am sure this is because of the yoga. on the other hand i´m not supposed to be ready to do hand stands and stuff yet in yoga class but am the only one in my level who can and i know this is because of the poling. something i find funny is that in yoga we always have flexed feet while in pole we always point. again i think this is a great complement (this might not be the right word in english?) anyway iyengar is a great workout and i always get this 3 day high in wich i am in such a good mood i actually irritate people with my happiness! hugs! 🥂 🌸 frida 🌸
keex · 9/15/2010
I'm a big fan of yoga too! I just don't practice it as much as I used to. My fave is Anusara yoga.
Poleluver · 9/15/2010
There are some days when i am really tired of being soft and crave a change- I have been working out more and notice some toning and sculpting but not weight loss which is frustrating. Also at first I would think, I just worked out this am and I shouldn't or can't pole later but really I think If I could get to the point of not being sore I could train my body into handling pole in the evening too.( as long as I am also resting arms when needed).I haven't been careful and working out can pull me away from pole. Maybe even just dancing on hard days. GOOD NEWS! I bought my 6 inch pole o mat! I had worked some overtime to justify buying it. Also not to mention my husband can sleep on it when we go camping and it won't de flate in the night! lol.I have been a little too afraid of falling and I look forward to "safely" bouncing to get the fear out. I'm gonna try and re start classes too. Missing them.
Maria Joao · 9/16/2010
oooh! i´d love to try that yoga pole! i am absolutely in love with my iyengar yoga classes. Hi Frida Where do you learn iyengar yoga? I'd like to try it too - and yoga pole 😛
joni1 · 9/16/2010
I find aerial silk is a great compliment to poling . 🥂
Kobajo84 · 9/16/2010
I do Yoga Pole myself with my own workouts. I also incorporate the use of an exersice ball for certain stretches or ab workouts. Hooping has also benefited me with some cardio as a warmup or cool down. I try to change it up a bit to keep things from being boring or target certain areas of my body. ☀️
FridaSiren · 9/17/2010
hi pipa! i take the classes at a little private studio near principe real/escola politecnica you can try a class for free with no commitment. i usually do tues and thurs 18h-19.30h if you´d rather not go alone to try. i´ll see if i can find and forward the info the teacher sent me. beijinhos! 🌸 frida 🌸 ps: no yoga pole but i have been trying to convince the teacher to try poling! lol Hi Frida Where do you learn iyengar yoga? I'd like to try it too - and yoga pole 😛
MrsNaughtywed · 9/17/2010
Push-ups saved my life! I know push-ups sounds so old school and boring but seriously they are the best for building upper body strength. I finally don't have twiggy arms anymore and some nice triceps happening. I really think it's made me stronger to learn more pole moves.
Veena · 9/18/2010
Yes if we're talkin old school push up and pull ups or pole ups (using your pole) are incredibly helpful! 🥂
CaliPolePrincess · 9/20/2010
Cardio Barre!
Poleluver · 9/22/2010
I started doing pushups and tricep dips at work ( nightime shift) to get something done to help on the days I work 16 hrs. I was totally thinking about a barre type workout too, my legs are not really too strong and flexy My lift with or without heels is pretty sad when I do a v leg spin - I feel the weekness in my abs AND legs for that one. Maybe spin/cycling will help with that too. I am really pleased with all the responses and thanks for the help if anyone else tunes in I am grateful. There is so much I want to do and have a go at!
Svarri · 9/22/2010
This year I've taken up aerial apparatus training and yoga. The yoga has been great for my flexibility. The aerials have complemented pole by making me stronger (silks are so good for this). Plus, since I my pole instructor taught 'pole fitness' rather than dance, the circus training has taught me how to present moves, show them off, perform and be generally more polished.
PhillyPoleJess · 9/23/2010
I swear by bodyrock.tv p90x/insanity style workouts with video, tutorial, written explanation, beginners versions, and the incredibly hot zuzana. Her workouts are aggressive and hard. Sometimes I can complete them sometimes not. Either way I usually leave with one or more parts exhausted. Minimal equipment is needed if any. Also there is a whole backlog of workouts on her web.
minicoopergrl · 9/23/2010
I started hitting the gym in Jan on top of doing pole. Ive been focusing on cardio, abs and arms while im there. Ive been doing lots of push ups (reg and dips) and lots of lower abs. I also do about 12min of cardio and I push myself higher than what the elpitcal wants my heart rate. Its helped with my stamina during a performance. Yeah im tired but not wiped out.
Poleluver · 9/28/2010
I've been working on triceps and biceps a lot, core stuff, flexability. I was wondering with Cardio Barre. Do you use a chair or did you use the bar or a class???
MrsNaughtywed · 9/29/2010
I swear by bodyrock.tv p90x/insanity style workouts with video, tutorial, written explanation, beginners versions, and the incredibly hot zuzana. Her workouts are aggressive and hard. Sometimes I can complete them sometimes not. Either way I usually leave with one or more parts exhausted. Minimal equipment is needed if any. Also there is a whole backlog of workouts on her web. I freaken LOVE Zuzanna from Bodyrock! I forgot to mention her too. I follow some of her workouts. I love her different kind of push ups she does too.
JBStarryEyedGirl · 9/30/2010
While I really like yoga, I LOVE aerial yoga! Basically you sit in a "swing" and you can do yoga poses, and combine some cirque du soliel-esque moves. I just really love being able to invert! 😂 Anyways, I just posted a quick vid of my aerial yoga workouts.