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Beginner’s Blues?
I'm just going to start by saying this is going to be a long and possibly whiney post…you were forewarned https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif
So I very recently started pole fitness classes, literally last week. I have taken 3 classes so far, only 4 hrs of practice. Idk if this sounds crazy but I'm already really into it. I've had to fight my urges to go to the studio more due to being sore and bruised. I even tore skin on my palm my last session. Not complaining, I've loved every minute of it. Yet, here's my dilemma. I find myself getting more frustated and discouraged by what I can't do than just enjoying the newness of pole. I have done yoga, pilates, zumba and other physical stuff in the past, but never really stuck to it. Upto recently, I haven't been very physical at all. I try to eat well and I get bursts of energy where I want to work out, I will for hours sometimes, then I'll just go inactive with lack of motivation for days, even weeks. So basically, I consider myself to be pretty "unfit." I am curious if anyone else started pole without being active initially and found success?
At first, I just did a drop in pole class half-heartedly, I had a different view of it being a goofy, sexy booty dance fest with my girlfriend that we could laugh about. It ended up being something that I was awestruck by, totally exceeding all expectations. Now, I want so badly to be good at it. I decided to get a membership because I think pole would be good for me, I tend to quit things I'm not instantly good at or get discouraged because I'm afraid I'll never add up. If you met me, you'd never guess this about me. But internally, I beat myself up. So I hoped an $80 30-day membership would atleast motivate me to get my money's worth.
I'm not looking for any kind of horn tooting here, I just honestly want to know if my discouragement is old habits/self-esteem issues sneaking up or if I'm genuinely unprepared for pole. So here is the lowdown, after all the other rambling. Can I be successful at pole even though currently I can't lift my own weight to climb? I can't do a pole sit? When I spin, I can spin but have no real muscle control and just sloppily speed down the pole? I don't eat great, I eat healthy foods but I think more than one should. I'm 155 lbs at 5'7. And I guess I'd be considered inactive to a certain extent.
Anyone else ever felt or is feeling this way? Anyone else start out this way?
I really am appreciative of any feedback, even just thankful for anyone who takes the time to read this.
-Arielle -
20 Replies
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Hi ArryFerrari! Welcome!
Give it a go for the 30 days and see how you feel about it. We all start at different backgrounds and levels of fitness. With enough blood, sweat and tears (literally) you can work towards your goals.
I feel like to stay consistent with something we should love it. If you find something you love and keeps you going, do it! Focus on what you can do now and if you can't do exactly what you want (yet)… focus on how you're gonna get there.
Veena's lessons are great too by the way.
Let us know how things go.
: )
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Hi 🙂 I started pole about 5 months ago. I started 12 weeks after the birth of my 3rd child and I had put on heaps of weight, and lost pretty much ALL the muscle I used to have!
I am not very active either. And like you, I can never stick to activities!
I was a little discouraged when I started because I thought it would be easier than it is!!!
The more you pole the stronger you will get. I must say though, I don’t pole half as much as I should and I don’t do any other strength or cardio training (even though I should) because the kids take up all my time!
Since I started, I have built heaps of muscle and lost about 15 kgs and I don’t eat as well as I should either!
Don’t be disheartened! You WILL get stronger, don’t beat yourself up over what you can’t do because it will come to you in time!
Make sure you have rest days so your body can recover because that’s when the muscle will form.
Hope this has helped and made you feel better 🙂Ps. I am now able to pull off moves I never thought possible in my wildest dreams! Lol. Just give yourself time 🙂 x
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Yep….totally normal. The good news—Your muscles are smart! Let me explain…
Whatever you put your muscles through, they will adapt. They don’t like to get hurt, so being as smart as they are, they will make adaptations to make sure they don’t get hurt.
Very few can climb the pole, pole sit or lift their own body weight when we begin. As we keep at it, the muscles will get stronger(they’re smart) and adapt to the demands we are placing on them.
The same happens over time with pole burn, pole bruising etc….It all gets better.
Try not to think of it as "I spent the $80 for this 30days, I must use it every day to get my value" That is going to lead to injuries that will ensure, you won't get near a pole for a long time.
Slow and steady progress is important. Rest days are not optional! The body needs rest to heal and adapt.
My suggestions…..hunny~~slow down. I know how thrilling and addictive pole is. For muscles to recover, they need 48-72 hrs rest depending on the activity.
Let your hand heal first off…..
then, pole one day, rest the next. Try a different type of training of some form on alternate days….Instead of working on tricks, work on floorwork or dancey stuff…..work on flexibility another day…….
Mix it up.
This is a wonderful way to have fun, stay fit and empower yourself…………but if you go too fast and hard tp soon~~~you will seriously hurt yourself.
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Just out of curiosity—-Where are you that a studio would sell you an unlimited 30 day pass?
That is kinda scary from an injury point of view……
Are they regulating what you learn each time? Changing the muscle groups focused on each class?
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Thanks to all of you! I guess I was just in need of a little reassurance. I see all these amazing bodies and tricks and women and sometimes feel like it's unattainable for regular old me. You all seem so nice and down to earth, you all seem like you have had your own journeys and that really gives me hope. I do love pole, at least what I know of it so far and I think that alone should be enough. I just need to stop being such a perfectionist, which I swear can be a blessing as much as a burden in certain situations. I'm glad to hear that needing a few days of recovery time is not only normal but beneficial! Makes me feel better about not going every day like I've been feeling like I would need in order to gain anything or as Reenie implied because I have an unlimited membership. Maybe someday I will try Veena's lesson, if I get a pole that is. I'm sure if they are as great as you ladies and this site, they will be worth while.
Butterflies, I am truly in awe that you are a mother of 3. I looked at your pictures and you look absolutely amazing! Your response was what I was looking for, someone who could relate to where I am starting from!
Reenie, I really like a lot of the girls/instructors at my studio but I too worry that maybe I'm kinda taking the plunge blindly here. I'm in NC, btw. And the pass is indeed unlimited. They go from intro-beginner-intermediate/advanced plus some other chair and such classes. But no, they don't really regulate. The second class I took, I had only done intro once and went right into a beginners. A little ambitious of me. They are pretty good at coming over and explaining things one on one but a few people I've spoken to have been a little surprised what I've already been attempting in class. I guess maybe I've jumped the gun there a little too unknowingly, maybe that's a factor too in my intimidation?
Well either way, I thank all of you ladies for the https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif and encouragement! I'm glad to have this resource, I can see it coming in handy in my own journey! -
Awww thanks *blushes* Glad I could help make you feel better 🙂
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You don't look out of shape by your pic. I was heavy when I started. and have had to do other things to get there, BUT to a degree that is almost everyone starting from square one. You can see tons of videos of people of all sizes and levels of fitness doing some pretty awesome tricks. I think what tends to hold people back most it their heads. When we watch videos of such cool things it is easy to compare and dream and be left frustrated with our own progress. Maybe during those times it could be best to keep practicing and going to classes or at home without watching videos except for what you are currently working with at your level. I get very frustrated. In my classes I've had to stay behind levels while everyone else went ahead and I've taken several breaks and focused on cardio and weight lifting instead. It is sooo hard to not watch videos everyday!
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I have 2 fairly new students that both have been amazed how quickly they have built strength from poling. Both could not even hold a pole hold 3 weeks ago and now can. One of the biggest questions I get is "do I have to be in shape to do this"…that answer is NO.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that they are going to be a Karol or Alethea within a few months of poling. unless you have been doing gymnastics of some sort of aerial art that is just not going to happen. I cannot help you with your inner competitive nature but seeing as you already recognize this in yourself already you just need to learn the steps to take to stop beating yourself up.
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Hey hon! Welcome to the forums!
You sound a lot like me- I've never been physical AT ALL till recently, and Pole for me has been something of a struggle, but also a labour of love. It's taken me about 3 years to get the Basic invert, and I'm still trying to make it look even vaguely pretty! But, I'm getting there. Really!
I beat myself up about it, yes. I think I should do more, stronger, better. I should work on it more often, I should this, I should that! But, the truth is, I'm getting there. It's a process, and sometimes you can do all those "shoulds," and sometimes you can't. I know that I often expect too much from myself…honestly, how can a person fit work, school, husband-time, writing, drawing, sewing, baking, pole, staff spinning, hooping, and making jewellery all into one's life? It's near-impossible, especially if you also consider sleeping, eating, and possible "down time" to allow the brain to relax! So, be gentle with yourself, and remember, you're doing great right now!
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You ladies are right, we all have to start somewhere! Honestly, you guys have no idea how much all these little pep talks have been reassuring me! Today I went to another class and I told myself I was going to have fun and stop worrying so much about comparing and expectations of myself. Tonight some of the girls from the studio I go to are competing at a pole fit expo, one of these ladies came in to practice and we watched her routine before class. She did awesome and the most amazing part was she only had one foot! She had kind of a base of a foot at the end of her ankle but that was it and she was up there looking so strong and graceful and I thought to myself I bet she doesn't sit around and beat herself up about how quickly she advanced. After that, I put on my new booty shorts (something I was so scared to wear in front of other people) and I rocked it! I mean I know I looked like a rookie up there but I just felt it and it felt amazing! Thank you all so much for all your advice and kind words! I think pole is going to be more for me than a way to stay in shape 😀
PS I have been trying to add a lot of you as a friend but I can't figure it out, do I have to be paying for a membership to add friends?! -
When I started pole dance and fitness almost 2 years ago I had never done any kinds of sports or activity since childhood and was in a bad shape. I remember one od my instructors saying to me once that when I began I was like a skinny fat girl and talked about how far I had come(she said that about a year after I started). I have most of the time been practicing about twice to 3 times a week with periods in between where I train more often. You dont need to practice everyday. I feel that when I have tried to train too much I kind of burn out and don't enjoy it as much.
You can do it. Just remember to enjoy the journey 🙂
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Nope….you don't have to have a paid membership for anything other than the lessons….
To add a friend–
Go to the persons profile…….click the +friend………
That will send a request off to them……..
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3 months ago I could barely hold myself up, pole sit was way beyond me, and I "hung" in my spins. I am nowhere near some of these girls, but have gained enormous strength and a bunch of tricks. If you get a home pole def get Veena's lessons. Have someone video you at the studio and you can still post without the membership. I like having a record of my short but ever growing experience. This place is amazing and you will not find a more amazing community to join. Learn at your own pace and welcom to you addiction!
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I don't have much else to add except – Welcome https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif ! I found pole to be very challenging, much harder than anything I have tried to do before. but with determination, I believe anyone in any shape or size can learn and progress. I've seen it here!! Just start with alot of warmup, stretching, beginner lessons, and have fun dancing!
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I started 4 yrs ago and at the time was very active with workout, aerobics, power flex weight training, etc. Believe me, when I started a 4 wk pole class, none of what I had done physically prepared me for what pole required! It was like starting from nothing. I could not do a pole hold, climb, basic spin or anything. It took time to build strength for each new thing we worked on. Some of what I do now has taken me 3 years to develop strength and confidence. And for me, each new spin or trick requires building the strength for each one.
I had to realize patience is the key, taking time to learn and practice, As well as what I learn will not look like someone else's, but I'm happy with what my brain and body will allow me to do. I tried to do too much in the beginning and it became frustrating and no fun. Then I decided to enjoy what I can do, get a good workout when practicing and let the rest come when it was time.
My encouragement is to have the fun that pole has to offer and be patient. We've all been there, believe me (and I still am!)
Welcome to sv!!!
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