cruwysie started this discussion ·
I find that I'm afraid to kind of push myself away from the pole when inverted. For example, last night I tried the Star, but I freaked out when I was far away. Maybe it's a comfort thing? How did you guys feel? I tried to get my fiancee to be near me and support me just in case but he just has no idea! lol
Sign in or create a free account to reply.
it took me a very long time to feel comfortable enough to push away in an invert. the best advise i can give you is work at your own pace. if you feel uncomfortable give youself a little more time & you will get it eventually. there is no shame in safety 😉
First time I did an inverted crucifix, I literally let go for less than half a second. I was terrified to take and keep my hands off the pole...but you should have seen the look on my face! For that half a second or so, I was a pole goddess. :) It is totally normal to feel fear in some positions, as Scandalicious said, just give yourself time. And in the meantime, use a spotter and crashmats (even couch cushions are better than nothing) when you practice.
I still don't feel comfortable with letting go (inverted crucifix). I've done it a grand total of once. I do have a bit of fear. I can't even bring myself to lay back in a CAR or CKR, not even with a spotter. I won't let go. I didn't continue with Level 4 (Level 3 is the first inverting level) because I didn't feel comfortable enough with my basic invert to do anything more intense than that. I'm fine with taking my time most days. Other times I really wish I could just get over it and press on. I'll get past it someday. My practice on it has been limited lately. Maybe it's because I'm avoiding it. Once I start working seriously, I'm sure I'll feel less fear over time.
Its always good to have a spotter/crash mat when you are practicing inverted moves. It takes practice to get the hang of the right body positioning and grip on contact points. Then there is the mental aspect of building confidence and mitigating fear. The mental part of pole is a biggie for me. When I am practicing moves that initmidate me I go through a mental checklist. I check that first I have enough physical strength to do the move with appropriate form. For me this is the most important, I make sure I am not too tired to enter/hold/exit the move safely. If I do not have the strength due to any reason, I stop right there. Then once I initate the move I make sure I have the right contact points on the pole for the position. If I do not have the right contact points I either adjust so I do or exit the move. Then I verify grip is intact on the contact point... then I go for it and finish the move. This little checklist in my head is quick but very essential for me. I rarely have a spotter and I have a vested interest to not break my face (or worse). Find what works for you and be safe. Pole can be a very dangerous activity, it is healthy to respect that.
I know what you mean, I get like that too. Just take your time, try to relax when attempting to execute it & take baby steps w/it & youll get it.
