Challenges On The Pole - Spins

Juliet started this discussion · 6/10/2009

Hi everyone, ok so I'm a newbie. I had my bf install a homemade pole for me (still can't afford a real one) and I'm finding it so difficult to swing/spin around the pole. His little niece can swing herself around like a professional but when I do it my hand doesn't want to turn and I only make it around once or twice then stop. I feel like I am holding on too tight because I'm afraid I'll fall but then I don't know how to swing without holding it tight. With that said, I'm getting blisters on both hands and it now hurts like crazy. Is it normal to blister and also, does it take very long to build upper body/arm strength? I think part of why I can't spin around too long is because my weak arms give out on me. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

2 replies

nikki_christie · 6/10/2009
Its all about momentum, you really gotta swing into the moves 😀 Don't worry you will get it! I blistered too and found my strenght improved after only a few classes! Good luck!
Trena · 6/10/2009
It is totally normal to blister. Your hands will eventually get used to the spins and you wont blister anymore. The same can be said about grip. The more you practice the less you'll grip like your life depends on it!! Its all about practice practice. But the great thing about it too is the fact that you'll feel like a million bucks when you nail spins and tricks. Thats what so addictive about pole dance! Unfortunatley its impossible to put a time on how long it takes to build upper body strength. It varies from person to person and depends on a lot of factors, i.e. how often and how long you practice for, genes, etc. One piece of advice that I wish had been given to me from the very start (and which I learned here at Studio Veena) is to make sure you do the spins on both sides. This speeds up process of strengthening your upper body and it also ensures that you're muscle tone is 'balanced' on both sides...