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Home sweet home?
This is half vent, half asking for advice. Sorry in advance for the length.
Background: I just started poling mid Jan, So it’s been a little over a month. My lessons are actually at my instructors home. She has 2 poles. 1 is a 45mm Gold/Titanium and one is a 50mm Chrome. Both are Xpole Xperts.
I can only attend class once a week and realized I needed to buy my own pole to progress and build strength. I really did not want to spend too much because I was new to pole, and who knows if I’ll really be dedicated enough to keep it up. So I ended up buying my pole on Craigslist. After searching for a while… I found a great deal on an authentic 45mm Chrome Xpole Sport from a sweet college girl who didn’t have room for it in her new place… and was too busy with school. (Point is, its not some sketchy reseller… she had the paperwork and everything).
I had tried out both poles in class, and 45mm was a better fit for me than the 50mm. However, in class I always end up on the 50mm Chrome (just because of where I usually lay my mat in class, and other girls usually like the G/T). Which is fine, and I have never had an issues with the chrome. So 45mm Chrome seemed great. I’m a newbie so stationary works for me.
I told myself if I stick with it, I can treat myself to a brand new pole of whatever material I want.
ANYWAY, that’s just my backstory….
So I went to a pole class on Wed. and I was doing great. Spins were just flowing….One into another.
Then when I got home I tried a few of the things I learned in class and it just wasn’t working AT ALL.
I thought maybe my arms were just tired. So I gave it a few days… and still… it’s just a MESS. I’m smashing into the pole and nothing is working!!! Really easy things seem really hard.My only thoughts are this could be because in he studio I have more space, and I’m not extending my long legs at home… I’m a little more cautious of smashing into a wall. It’s possible that I’m also being cautious because the larger base on the Xpole Sport has given me a number of bruises. But I went into my spare bedroom and threw all caution to the wind, and still… a mess. WAHHHH. (but I didn’t hit anything, so thats a plus). I’m still happy to have my own pole to do strength exercises on. Those seem to be working just fine.
BOTTOMLINE: Things that work in the studio don’t work at home. 🙁 WHY?
Anyone else feel like this? -
12 Replies
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I guess I’m asking if there is something I’m not thinking of… Did I not warm up the poor enough? Or did I not clean the pole enough, or too much? Or do you think maybe I really don’t have enough space. (I’ve heard beginners need more space) though I try and time things out in the directions where I do have space.
Any other ideas?
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I always would do better in class than home. I think having other people around makes you try a little harder because you don’t want to look stupid. haha! atleast for me I think that’s part of it. When my instructor tells me to do something I think I have a little bit of adrenaline that helps me out. I had to force myself to get used to poling at home.everythings different at home. temperature, humidity, space, music, you name it. I was so sad when I finally got my pole and I couldn’t do CRAP on it. Also, you need to make sure you are really warmed up before you pole. we tend to skip that at home. write down the things you are gonna work on. this will make your time more productive. You just got to make friends with your pole. I think everybody has this issue with their home pole at first. If I’ve been going to the studio a lot it is hard for me to pole at home. I usually have to force myself to pole at home more and less at the studio. when I’m friends with my pole again, I will find that I prefer my home pole. my advice, just keep poling at home. the first few practices may be shit, but it WILL get better. 🙂
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Thanks. That was extremely helpful. Glad to know I’m not alone!
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Hi Allyson, have you tried using the lessons here to guide you through your home practice?
Lilredrobinhood is right about all the things that can affect a pole session. One of the biggest issues is not warming up enough and just not having a plan. 🙂
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I agree lilredrobinhood. I didnt have the same problems you are having AllysonKendal but a substantial part of poling is (for me anyway) having the strong motivation to pole. I know when i am in the studio with other women its the adrenaline rush that pushes me. At home its a whole different vibe than being in the studio, but I just have to push myself instesd of my instructior pushing me. It will get better.
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Veena, no I don’t have the lessons… Yet.
I’m sure they help tremendously.Right now I just bought a pole, some heels, mirrors, grip aid, studio lessons… I think my husband will shoot me if I spend another cent right now… Especially when everything I try and show him at home looks so bad! I’m bummed I missed the Vday sale… but I’m going to work really hard and maybe he’ll get me them for my birthday in a month!!!
I do need to dedicate more time to pole practice. I often pop in the room and do a set or two of pole crunches, pole pull ups, etc… And I do find my strength improving. I’ve also been trying to stretch. So I haven’t spent too much time on moves/spins at home…
I’m still semi convinced it has something to do with a little more than an adrenaline rush. But I’m sure that’s part of it.
For example my instructor showed me how to do a front hook into back hook spin. First time out of the gate I did it at her studio. But at home I’m smashing to the floor before I can flip direction. The more I think about it the more I think it’s an issue of momentum. I must be holding back… (Even when I’m trying not to)…
1. For fear of smashing into a bookshelf/wall/bed
2. For fear of coming down half on the base. (That really hurts, so many times I’ve stepped on that darn thing in the wrong way, or stubbed my toe on it. Ouch.)So the advice from everyone is really valid. I do think I should probably warm up more just in general… But I need to become more familiar with my space and my pole. Once I am more comfortable I hope I can maximize my space and be less cautious.
Ok I’m making a promise to myself to do more… And hopefully I’ll be able to get on the SV lesson train real soon!!!
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If you’re having so much trouble with landing on the base, you could put some cushioning on it.
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Yep, you could get a yoga mat and cut a circle big enough to fit around the base maybe?
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Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but is your pole warm and conditioned, not just you…? When I got my new-to-me pole, I put grip aid all over it, then wiped it all down. It felt great. Is your house/room warm? Maybe warmer at studio? Maybe their poles are more broken in with use, so they are grippier? Just something else to consider.
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Thanks AnnVan. I wasn’t sure it was grip really because I was always fine with my pull ups and such… but for some reason my spins would just slip. I was falling, and tripping over myself… it just wasn’t pretty.
But whatever it is/was…. I cleaned my pole and turned the heat way up in my space and warmed my body up. I can’t say exactly what did it but I had a MUCH more productive pole session yesterday. 🙂
Whew! -
AllysonKendal, Can you please take a picture of your xpole and send it to me? I purchase alot of poles and I can tell you based on your photos if it is you or your pole. Get about 10 inches or so and shine a light on it (also daylight/sunshine work well) and take a picture. Turn it half way around and do the same thing. Also, do that at t different height as well. What you are looking for is reflection of your light, yourself taking the photo (in the pole) and the finish. You are welcome to send them to my inbox if you would like.
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If it is not your pole, you can also send me a video of what you are doing that is not working and I can help with your technique… since I train instructors I have to be able to spot issues that will be a problem with more advanced moves.
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