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Elbow stands – beginner move?
Went for my first ever pole lesson. Can’t lift my own bodyweight or anything yet. Instructor had us do what I’ve not realised it is an elbow stand against the pole. I’ve really hurt my back and feel like a total failure. Is it a beginner move?
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7 Replies
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I only started both elbow and handstands about 9 months in to my pole journey. Seems a bit much for a beginner in my opinion especially if you’ve now picked up an injury.
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While it is listed as beginner in my lesson line up here, the reality is this is by no means a great move for a first class! The lessons here are placed in ORDER in which to learn and if you go look, you’ll see the elbow stand is WAY down near the bottom. I have you working on other things to help you move up to that point! You need to have a few week of strength and conditioning along with just learning more about how your body and pole work together.
If you are working on elbow stand properly, regardless of your level, there should not be any injury! Because when taught with care these can be work on in steps only moving on to more advanced options as you grow stronger and develop the necessary technique. 🙂
You’ll find several lessons here that cover elbow stands, even a full length routine to help you build the strength for them!
Elbow stand with steps! https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/54b6ab93-39ec-49ff-8395-6d000a9aa0eb
Elbow stand routine https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/557fb444-6e60-4c80-ab79-67ca0a9aa0eb This routine is a great one for beginners to watch, even if you’re not yet ready to physically try it.
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I think there’s a difference between an instructor teaching a move in a beginner class and EXPECTING that everyone be able to do it. We practiced elbow stands in the beginner classes I took but we were not expected to be able to do them.
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I sort of baulked a bit at the idea of it and instructor was like ‘no go on, it’s easy’. I’m just so bloody British I did what I was told and then apologised for hurting myself and said it was my fault. 🙁
Thanks veena, soon as I’m over this injury ull get working on building up to it using your methods. Going back end of October (no other options for teachers), I’d quite like to prove I do have some backbone and do a stand with good form by then. I’m not going to push myself too much though. Instructor promised inverts in 6 weeks :s
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I’m sorry to hear that Mighty! As instructors it’s our job to make students feel they are in good hands, and that will have their best interest in mind. I hear of far to many story’s of instructors saying “just do it” or “it’s easy” and this can really turn someone off to their teaching or even hurt them! I do feel it’s important to be able to read students and push those who need it, but only when it’s appropriate. Any type of inversion the first day is not appropriate.
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Oh and 6 weeks to invert is never a reasonable goal for EVERYONE. Yes, some will be able, but many students my never invert and that’s OK!!
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When you are new to the pole and gymnastics as well there will be a lot of challenges for you to meet. Especially with younger instructors. Also there is a certain level of anxiety and expectation to do everything what’s required of you. If the instructors are smart and want their clients coming back they always know what is reasonable to work on within a time frame.
Remember, not every challenge is your challenge at that particular time. Everybody is different.
You can try within your reasonable physical efforts but do not do anything to hurt yourself. Pay attention to your body. If it doesn’t do it say to yourself: Very well, not at this time. Let’s revisit it in a few weeks or month. Also there is a great advantage to be a member here because you can reevaluate it against your instructions in class and you will see how different or similar it should be. Veena’s educational and if I can say almost clinical experience for every move keeps you in best hands ever.
Small steps are safer.
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