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I’m a Pole Virgin!
Hi! I’m Karley, I’m fixing to be 25 soon and I’ve always wanted to get into pole fitness/dancing. I’m a navy veteran, I used to be in great shape, I eat well (better than when i was 18 and active duty in the navy) and somehow about 25 lbs has creeped up on me, which needs to GO!!! I’m a chunkier build, size 14, about 5’5” and I have no idea where to start. I’m originally from Tampa Bay, Florida, I now live in rural SW Oklahoma. The closest place that offers any type of pole class is 2 hours away in OKC, so I guess I need to get a decent pole to use in my home, and some DVDs or something like that. Any advice is appreciated! Mainly, I want to get my self confidence back, and get in better shape and tone up. I have horses, I’m pretty strong, but this weight needs to go. I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and not feel horrible about myself and the 25 or so pounds I have sitting on my legs and tummy. Anyway, any advice would be very appreciated!! I’m on a budget so I don’t have $$$ to spend on an expensive pole, I know you get what you pay for, so what is what, and what do I need?
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21 Replies
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Hello!
I recommend Veena’s lesson sub on here – much, much better value and much more detailed than any DVD. Plus a lovely supportive community who will help you if you post questions and vids. You can pay monthly or yearly and there is a free 3 day trial to explore site content.Pole wise, the basic x pole sport is perfect for beginners, or the Lil Mynx if you are not going to be moving home (x pole is adjustable to 9 feet but Lil Mynx is cut to size).
I would NOT buy a cheap pole; potential for expensive injury and damage to home makes cheap a false economy. Look on Craig’s list for used and ask forum advice here before purchase to be sure you’re buying the real deal.
Enjoy your pole journey!
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thank you!! i was looking at the X Pole.and the Mi Pole 360, Id like something I could potentially move since we have an older home and we will be remodeling in the future, and id like a static and spin mode. those brands seem to be the only 2 that i see a lot of online. im open to used as well, im a bargain hunter!! thank you for the advice
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I’d keep an eye out on craigslist or similar for a used x-pole. I saw one recently go for $100, but it was snapped up lightening fast. Usually I see about $200-250, which is still a deal, especially if you don’t have to pay for shipping the massive thing. I had a mipole and a male friend played on it one time and broke it…save yourself the extra cost and go for a reputable brand pole right off the bat, bc you’ll be buying one anyway, if you decide this is the sport for you. Have fun hunting!:)
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Hey there!
For poles, I have found that the Lil’ Mynx works really well for me- I currently have the Veena pole, and I find it to be everything I want in a pole for dancing on! It has static and spin mode, adjusts to my ceiling height, and is a fantastic shade of purple. It can be a little over-sticky, but I consider that to be more of a “me” problem. Rarely, if ever, does anyone complain about a pole being “too grippy,” most of us have issues gaining any grip at all sometimes!
I do know, though, that there are a lot of users of X-pole here, and a few who use Platinum Stages. They, as well as the Lil Mynx, are the “three big ones” in the pole manufacturing world. I haven’t heard a lot from PS for a while, though. Most people are very “married to their brand,” and can extol the virtues with great excitement… so, whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have something to say about it, too!
Be very, very wary of fake poles (there are a lot of very dangerous fake X-poles out there), as well as poles that are quite cheap. Things like the Peek-a-boo pole, and the Carmen Electra pole, advertise being safe for inverted moves and advanced dancers, but are definitely NOT safe!!
We’re trusting our body weight, our momentum, and in many ways, our safety and our health to these poles. So, keep that in mind!
As for lessons, I highly recommend the lessons here. Veena has an excellent way of explaining moves, and she’s even here on the website and forums, if you have any questions! Also, I’ve found Jamilla DeVille’s Art of Pole DVD set to be quite excellent. Her strength routines tend to kick my rear, but she does a fantastic job of explaining and demonstrating moves.I also wanted to speak about your “extra 25 pounds.” It sounds like you’re being very harsh, and very judgmental about how you look, and that’s not going to help you at all! Many of the ladies here on this site have discovered that it is not WEIGHT that determines how you look, either. Quite a few have started dancing, done really well, and discovered that the scale says they are heavier than they ever were before… but they are much smaller than they were, too! I’ve certainly found this to be true.
You sound like you lead an active life, having horses and having been in the Navy. I don’t think this extra size is nearly as bad as you think it is!
Also, things (such as our metabolism) tends to change as we get older. I’ve had to make changes to my eating habits, as well as sleeping and working out, due to getting older (I’m creeping my way toward 29) and the changes we go through. This may simply be a change in how your body feels that it needs to work. It may be that it’s preparing for a time when you may have children (whether you plan to, or not), and that extra fat is very necessary!I hope that you have fun with Pole dancing, and find yourself very happy with the way you look!
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i know im tough on myself! i also know i want to be more toned. i think this will make me feel good about myself again. i found a nice used X Pole static/spinning a couple hours from where I live, the lady is ASKING 300 but is flexible on price and offered to meet up with me, im gonna try to work a deal with her. id like to find a lil mynx too and see if thats the route for me. not sure what the price point is. i dont want a crap pole, but im on a tight budget. im a firm believer in you get what you pay for
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Hi Karley! Xpole and Lil mynx are great options, investing in a quality pole will save you money because if you buy a cheap pole you’ll end up needing to buy a new one anyway!
You’ll find tons of helpful info for beginner here in the lessons. I’ve got a 30 day take off program that will guide you in building strength, flexibility and technique needed to progress! You will also find that all lessons are place in order so there is no guessing as to what you should be working on. The lessons can be viewed on your computer and most tablets and smart phones!
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thank you for the reply Veena!! the woman who has the 50mm X Pole for sale a couple hours from where i live is asking $225 (she dropped the price once i said it was out of my budget) ironically her daughter rides english like me, so were working a deal on trading some horse equipment and maybe a little cash. hopefully she responds…i want it!!!
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Welcome! So glad you are seeking out advice on the site, it really is the best tool and outlet for home and studio polers alike. I would have quit pole a long time ago if it werent for Veena and this site.
Just my two sense, I would personally recommend powder coat lil mynx rotator (The Veena Pole)
I wish I would have bought it as my first pole when starting out. A lot of polers sweat a lot when first starting out and the powder coat is the best grip for that.
Also, if you have smaller to medium sized hands, you may regret a 50mm in the long run..
45mm are becoming the standard now, and due to your background with being fit in the past, you will probably progress a fair rate.
i hope to see videos from you. Good luck 😉 -
Let us know if you get the pole!!!
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if i can get this pole for an even trade, i cant beat that deal!! i think the 50mm will be ok, if not, and i end up with this pole, i bet i could sell it easily and get a 45 mm
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well, for an even trade of some of my horse tack, ill get the pole!! ill meet up with the lady this weekend and i cant wait!!!
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Wow, girl you made that happen quick! It was meant to be!! Congrats on your new pole!!
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yep!! now as long as she doesnt back out of the deal haha! i even offered to drive the 2.5 hours to her house thats how bad i want this pole! she will meet half way and wants a nice MK purse i have, and some horse stuff for her daughter. small world that her daughter rides (english) out here in rural oklahoma
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im assuming ill need some grip, what do yall recommend? im completely new to poling, i have absolutely no idea where to start, besides here. im a clean slate, so what does everyone recommend?ni just want to do this for fun/hobby/fitness/ confidence builder. i am very serious about sticking with it and progressing. what do i need and what dont i need? im getting a 50mm X Pole X Pert this weekend (a trade) i know some have said 45mm is popular. but i cant argue with an X Pole that didnt really cost me $…so for now, ill keep it.
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Wait and see how the pole feels to you before you go buying a grip aid, i went and bought the bigger tub of iTac2 Extra Strength grip aid and it works, but it works waaay too well! Lol it’s like I glued my hands to the pole, but I’m kinda stuck with it. I find I actually don’t need a grip aid very often unless I’m practicing a newer move I’m not 100% confident on and want some extra support. Maybe try iTac2 Regular Strenght if you want something general that is good quality. This also depends on the finish of your pole as well, do you know if it’s chrome/stainless steel or something else maybe? Different finishes will affect your grip as well
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