Newbie with painful hands & thighs

pinkpony72 started this discussion · 7/6/2015

Hi! Just started using my pole and wanted to know if my palms and thighs should be hurting/sticking bad to the pole. It's so bad that I can't spin (basic stuff). After a minute my palms/thighs are burning from rubbing against the pole. I watch videos and everyone looks like they are gliding on the pole, I look like I was glued to it 😂 Should I be using any products? I apologize if this was asked already..I tried searching but there are so many things in the forum that I end up getting caught up learning about other stuff in other discussions! Thank you!!

8 replies

Catsanctuary177663 · 7/6/2015
What kind of pole do you have? I rub mine down with alcohol.
pinkpony72 · 7/6/2015
It's the "45mm Chrome Fitness Dance Stripper Pole Exotic Exercise Dancing X Party Spinning"...I bought it on EBay last year. It was only $110 but because I was just starting, I wasn't sure exactly what to buy.
Pinkie Pip · 7/6/2015
I'm not sure what your pole is made of but I would be concerned about its safety, not being branded.
poleisnewtome · 7/6/2015
It will take some time for your skin to get used to the pole. In the beginning it hurts like hell!
dustbunny · 7/6/2015
I recommend you sign up for Veena's lessons. Many spins are not beginner stuff. It's hard to stay confident and motivated when you may be working on things that are inappropriate for your strength/level. Veena will take you safely through strength training and basic pole work that will build you up through progressions to spins and more advanced work. Her lessons are MORE than worth the money!
Runemist34 · 7/6/2015
I agree with Dustbunny- and with Pinki! Your pole looks like it is likely an X-pole knockoff. They can be quite dangerous, and as you progress in pole dancing, I would suggest looking into a properly branded pole. Without a pole that has appropriate support and strength, you could be seriously injured! As for doing spins... well, no, they aren't "beginner stuff." Spins place a lot of strain on your shoulders and arms, and without the appropriate strength and engagement, you can end up pulling something, injured, and very sadly unable to pole dance for a while! Starting slowly, and being careful to train for strength and learn how to engage your muscles correctly, can make all the difference! As for sticking too much to the pole, well... do you know if the people on Youtube are on a spinning pole, or a static pole? Sticking can be extremely helpful on a spinning pole, but on a static pole, it can be difficult. Otherwise, how long have those people been pole dancing? There's something we call "newbie grip," which is often where you'll grip too hard on the pole, because of a variety of factors- your grip strength may be lacking so you overcompensate, and you may not know exactly how to grip so you may also overcompensate. Pole dancing is difficult, and gripping too hard is fairly common in the beginning! And a lot of those pole dancers you see on Youtube have been doing those spins for ages- months or years! Of course they'll be gliding gracefully after so much practice. You've only just begun! Warming up the pole is something people do in order to make it more grippy- usually, using the pole will warm it, so the metal will become stickier. This is often desired for the winter, and in certain climates, and with certain finishes. However, over-stickiness can also be a problem ;) I would suggest just practicing carefully, and being gentle and accepting with yourself.
Veena · 7/6/2015
As you can see, it's normal, but yes, most spins are not beginner work. Take some time to work on strength and conditioning, doing so will also improve your grip and allow your skin to adjust. 💜
Tamenrud8523 · 7/7/2015
I am fairly new to this too, 7 months in. I was in pretty good shape when I started and was looking for something different than what I had been doing for years so I thought I'd give it a try. Wow was I surprised at how difficult it is. I tried to keep cost down too and just used Youtube videos to help me learn it. I was making little progress. Then I happened to go into a studio during one of my business trips and they recommend Veena. I love it and and it really increased my progress doing it in the right steps. This is hard work and takes time and definitely patience. All those that have been doing it for years make it look SOOOOO easy!