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Help: Seriously Challenged Newby Here
Hi! I’m a complete newbie with very little experience. I’ve been wanting to start practicing pole dancing for about 3-4 years, but finally started taking classes at a studio only about a month ago. I got a pole for my house just over a week ago, and I’m currently on day 7 of Veena’s 30-day challenge. I’m on the heavy side (187 lbs – already lost over 10 lbs to my surprise), and I’ve got a lot of weight to lose before it gets easier.
I’m having a lot of trouble holding myself up on the pole; nothing fancy, literally just holding my own weight off of the floor. I’m not very strong in the arms and add the weight – not a great mix.
I was wondering if anyone has any tips for me in order to get better faster at holding up my own weight. I’m looking for people who had the same difficulty and tried something that made a huge difference in their performance. I know it’s not gonna happen overnight, but there has to be something I can practice specifically that will tone my muscles to get used to this beginner move quicker.
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7 Replies
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Hey VerticalVenus!
Holding yourself up on the pole is a very difficult thing, and something that a lot of people struggle to do, especially within (I would think) the first year or so.
Something that has helped me quite a lot is reviewing the placement for hands and arms in Veena’s pole hold video, as well as the side pole hold video. The placement is something that really improved my ability to hold myself up.
Another big thing is keeping your scapula (shoulder-blades) in the right place- neutral, so that you don’t strain anything, and so that you can use the correct muscles.
Don’t push yourself too hard- knowing your limits is part of the game when it comes to pole, and working out in general!
If you take a look at Veena’s lessons, she’s set them out in a way that is safe for progression, and will help engage the correct muscles, so that you can move up easier!
I’m not sure how your studio is teaching, but having your own pole at home, and doing some strength training (within reason!) and dancing on your own will really help! -
Hi Runemist!
Thanks for the advice. My studio takes it really slow, and I like that because I don’t feel like I’m falling behind. I never realized that it would take a year to get comfortable with that; I thought it would be something like 3-5 months or so. That makes me feel a little less bad about the speed of my progression.I’ll double check the pole hold video and focus on my scapula and arm positioning.
Thanks again!
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Hey!!! I grew up in ND where are you from? I lived on a farm outside of Wilton, that’s a small town near Budmarck!
Anyway, give yourself time, your only on day 7 and many dancers are surprised st their progress by day 30! 💜
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Budmarck lol auto correct Bismarck!!
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Hi Veena!
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post! I wasn’t expecting that :-). I actually moved to Fargo last February after taking an offer straight out of college. I was living and pretty much grew up in metro-Atlanta, but I was actually born in Quebec.
I’m doing this as a surprise to my fiancé (still living in Atlanta), and so I guess I’m a little antsy to get some cool moves under my belt before February when I fly down. I promise not to rush things to much and take it slow.
Thanks again for the response! I appreciate it!
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Are you taking classes at Total Woman? If not you should check them not, Pam is great! Stay warm in Fargo â„ï¸â›„ï¸
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I am! I was very pleasantly surprised to find out there was a pole fitness studio in Fargo. And yes, Pam IS awesome! I love the pace at which she teaches.
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