[AllysonKendal]

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!!!

[AllysonKendal]

Thanks. That was extremely helpful. Glad to know I’m not alone!

[AllysonKendal]

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?

[AllysonKendal]

Ah, I’m so jealous. I’d love to go. I’m from NJ so it’s not far.

BUT…It’s 4th of July weekend and my mom’s birthday. Also, I’m very new to pole at the moment, and I’m not sure I’d be able to keep up.

BUT (again)… If, closer to the day, I can wiggle out of familial obligations and have progressed in my poling I will let you know!

Oh, and I’m weirdly obsessed with Rhode Island license plates. 🙂

[AllysonKendal]

My take on it is there really isn’t a “right” way. What Veena is saying (I think) is that she has her pole climb as more of an exercise for beginners to develop upper body strength.

Sometimes pole crunches and all the work with resistance bands gets dull… So using the pole, and pulling into a climb like Veena teaches can really get those muscles burning in a challenging but fun way…

It’s positioned where it is in the lessons to build arm and grip strength. The other method uses more leg strength.

I guess the bottom line is… Eventually you’re going to need both upper and lower body strength… So climb both ways and do exercises that strengthen both. And when you’re strong enough that doing both is a breeze.., then climb the way you like!

Now, having said all that… I’m still working on my strength. I’m just a novice to pole myself. But conceptually that’s what makes sense to me. Correct me if I’m wrong. 🙂

[AllysonKendal]

Obviously listen to everything Veena said. She is right about building strength first.

For me…I found this video really helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex7Bmd6P3Hk

(also hi everyone, I’m new here and I tend to just be a lurker…. but I wanted to say hi, this site is so helpful and supportive)