Why can't I do the same moves on a bigger pole?

Elle Rose started this discussion · 11/26/2014

Hey guys, I currently learn at a studio on 40mm poles but the pole I have at home is a 45mm. I can master the moves at the studio (except front hook) but then when I get home and try moves I can't do them. I know that I need to get used to the different size pole but it's been four weeks and I can't do the flirty fireman or bow and arrow! For some reason on the 45mm my inside leg/ankle doesn't hook properly and just falls down when trying flirty fireman and bow and arrow, even though I can do the normal fireman and the ankle attitude spin completely fine which (I think) requires my foot to do the same thing. I don't know if anyone can help?

5 replies

AllysonKendal · 11/26/2014
A 45mm may be harder for you... but is it possible you're just finding it hard to pole at home? When I was new to pole I started this post: https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/53109d58-2798-4a8c-b912-24db0a9aa0eb here are a few things I said (Im very long winded, so I wont make you read it all) So I went to a pole class on Wed. and I was doing great. Spins were just flowing....One into another. "Then when I got home I tried a few of the things I learned in class and it just wasn't working AT ALL. I thought maybe my arms were just tired. So I gave it a few days... and still... it's just a MESS. I'm smashing into the pole and nothing is working!!! Really easy things seem really hard." For me it was a mystery! But looking back it probably was that the pole wasn't warm enough, and I didn't have that extra adrenaline rush from being in class. And if you're talking about the same bow and arrow Im thinking of, thats a really hard move!
Veena · 11/26/2014
Allyson brings up a point many home polers forget. Warming up is so important, not only warming your body but the pole too. Cold poles are so frustrating to work with so take the time to warm the pole. I see you have the lessons, have you tried starting you pole sessions at home with the Warm up routine or any of the strength routines? Also some people enjoy having others around them, if that's not possible try recording yourself with the intention of posting the video. Sometimes I find I nail moves faster if I "feel" like someone will be watching the video later.
PolarGirl · 11/27/2014
I agree that there is a difference in how you pole when someone is watching vs. when you're alone. I had the same experience starting out. I could not do anything at home that caused pain, which is almost everything when you are first learning to pole! I could not figure out why the pain was so much more intense! At first I blamed the finish of the pole, but the poles at the studio are brass (which are grippier and so would be expected to cause MORE not less pain) and my home pole is TG. So it didn't add up. We are social creatures and so we unconsciously aim to please our teachers and to show everyone what we can do. We may even feel a friendly competitiveness with the other students. Li agree that you should try filming yourself and see if this helps at all. Humans just work harder when they're in community together, which is actually pretty cool. As for the size thing, I have a 50mm home pole. My studio also uses 50mm poles, so for me the size had nothing to do with it. I did take a private lesson recently and used a 45mm for the first time. Holy crap was everything much easier :) Size definitely does matter, but if the issue is not your hand grip, I'm not sure your issue is size related. I agree that posting a video of whatever you're struggling with might yield some great tips for comments.
Elle Rose · 11/27/2014
AllysonKendal – that is a possibility. It's a lot more motivational to be in a class where people are encouraging you. It's just so frustrating! I really do think it's because it's a bigger pole, it's like the back of my foot just slips off. Veena – I do use your warm ups and they do really warm me up haha but maybe it'll be beneficial for me to warm up a bit harder. The pole can be really cold as I have no control over when the heating is on in my accommodation and I do take breaks when I get dizzy so it does get cold. PolarGirl – I will take yours and Veena's advice on recording myself and (maybe) I'll upload a video showing me failing at home. Maybe I am doing something differently than to what I do in the studio – I do really believe my foot just hooks easier on the 40mm I don't really know, it's really frustrating but I will keep trying. I'm determined to not have to buy a 40mm pole. It's reassuring to know people go through the same thing, thanks for your advice :)
jbrint9658 · 11/27/2014
I have a 45 at home and my studio uses 50s. The 50 is so much harder to work with and I struggle with moves at the studio that are strong for me at home. On the up side when I get home from class it is so nice to be on my own pole again It is also important to warm up both yourself and the pole. Especially if you are feeling slippery or your pole is new If your pole room is a little cold run a space heater for 10 minutes before you start. It will make your pole nice and sticky. If you don't have a space heater you can run a hair dryer over the pole