new and need some advice from the pros :)

kimber23 started this discussion · 5/2/2009

So I got my x-pole about a month ago now. I have got the simple spins down like the fireman, butterfly etc. I am trying to learn how to sit on the pole, I have the arm strength but it hurts way too much on my thighs...any advice. I want to learn all the inverts, what is the best way to do so. I am 27 and a mom of four and I love dancing and love my pole, I am just getting frustrated not getting anything right. And also my hands slip a lot,what can I put on my hands and pole for a better grip??? And I have been getting pain in my right wrist, my dominant hand...is that normal for a beginner?? Any advice at all would be great and appreciated, I want to be really great on my pole!!:) Hopefully I can post a video soon to show you all so I can get better advice. And I have been using rubber alcohol on my pole, is that the best? Thanks a bunch, Kimber from massachussetts.

5 replies

untamedshrew · 5/2/2009
Kimber- welcome! I'm no pro; I've been poling since last fall- but I know a few things. First things first: it's gonna hurt and you're gonna get bruises. Both will lessen as you improve. Repeat after me: "Bruises are SEXY!" I would recomend taking lessons so you can learn the proper techiniques. Veena's lessons have really helped me, she breaks down the moves real well. I got frustrated with slow progess when I started; it takes time to learn. Alcohol is good, so is washing hands with hot water and using no lotions. As for the wrist pain, hmm... how bad does it hurt? You may have sprained it or maybe overworked it. Take it easy awile and let it heal. I like to alternate days working hard to learn new things and days focusing on technique, transitions and the "dancy" stuff. Welcome to poling; I hope you enjoy it here at SV; everyone's so supportive. Peace. 🌸
Rouge_LAmour · 5/2/2009
build up your pole sit. Start with 30 seconds, when you get there, jump off, rest for a minute, then get back on the pole and try like crazy for 45 seconds. Keep improving the length. Once 45 seconds is easy, start at 60 seconds. Keep increasing in 15 second increments until you hit 5 minutes. Once the lower time is easy, go up 15 - -30 seconds. We use this in our studio, it will hurt. Lots and then some. There is no way around this, however, the technique works. The skin gets used to the drag and your muscles build up the strength. As to your wrist pain, if its not normal pain and it hurts to pick up light stuff, go see your GP, NOW!! take some down time to rest it just in case it's mild over use.
FridaSiren · 5/2/2009
rouge, that is such great advice!!! thank-you! 🌸 frida 🌸
adamseve · 5/3/2009
Welcome Kimber...I too suffer from wrist pain, but it has gotten better over these last few months. Here are some of the things that I do to help strengthen my wrist: 1. Wrist exercises - Veena has then on YouTube I believe. I simply usea 3 lb weight and exercise my wrists and forearms to strengthen them. I used to do them daily, but now I do them maybe once or twice a week when I think about it. 2. Pole dance with wrist supports. 3. Sleep with a wrist a support that is for carpel tunnel for several nights to give the wrists a rest. Only my right wrist bothered me so that's the only one I need the support for. 4. Wrist stretching. I purchased a book called Stretching Anatomy and it goes over several stretching exercisesfor the wrists. They are awesome. Hope this help! Hugs & Kisses
Veena · 5/3/2009
Here are some exercises I recamend.... 🌸 https://www.studioveena.com/video/gallery/Wrist-exercises https://www.studioveena.com/video/gallery/medium-2009-02-23