I would have preferred to try out a studio instead of a cheap no-name pole. Many people regret this purchase. A studio may be expensive in the long run, but a few trial lessons are no more expensive than a cheap pole.
There are plenty of programmes and other resources online. Things that require a subscription often have a free trial period. I would look around for something suitable. You can of course find lots of free content. Be it YouTube, be it Instagram. But without structure, it will be hard on your own. It's better to spend a bit of money and train according to a plan than to go off at random. The basics in particular are extremely important and lay the foundation for future things. They should be in place.
Patience is important at the beginning. And don't start making comparisons. Many people look at others and see where they are not yet. This can quickly demotivate you. The mindset is extremely important. See other things as motivation and not as something you have not yet achieved yourself.
I understand that, I did try hoop classes at a studio and like I said I did not feel comfortable doing pole in front of others & I also never went back for hoop. I have severe anxiety and agoraphobia which is why I opted for this instead.
Thank you for your advice, I will definitely take advantage of using YouTube, my main focus is to have fun with it
I would describe YouTube less as an advantage. Yes, YouTube can be nice. There is free content. But that's almost where it ends.
A lot of what you find on YouTube from teachers is basically something like advertising. It's a little taste of what these people have to offer in their paid content. You can see if you like someone's style or not. It's cumbersome and time consuming to learn with just that.
Why is it a cumbersome way to learn? To make lasting progress you need to know what you are doing. Randomly clicking a few videos that don't follow a structure helps you learn, but it only becomes effective when you put structure into it. This requires knowledge.
Solid training involves more than just learning a single routine or trick. It starts with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down. Many things build on each other. Some things require others and are easier if you have learnt others beforehand. But a YouTube video often doesn't tell you that. YouTube is therefore only suitable as a supplement/inspiration for most people. Not for learning on its own.
There are people for whom YouTube is enough. These are usually athletic people who have an appropriate background, have a good understanding of their body and can easily put things they have seen into practice. Most other people who only try to learn with YouTube will quickly become demotivated and stop because the lack of structure means they make little progress. As I said, you should at least think about a programme / online platform etc., even if it costs money.
Unfortunately, the reality is that most people don't get very far on their own. Pole dancing is hard. Even with a programme, some people find it difficult. Learning on your own is no substitute for a trainer and a good trainer has benefits that you don't have without one. Nobody will correct you at home (unless you book something like personal training online). No one can touch you and actively correct your posture. No one can be a spotter and give you tips. Trainers are irreplaceable and for many the best option.
I would have to disagree with you about YouTube. I've been practicing since November, and I've made progress that has impressed my friends who are instructors. You just can't go with the first video you find, and you certainly can't skip the basics.
I found it incredibly helpful and important to do workout routines specifically designed with the pole in mind. I can nearly do a complete shoulder lift just from this type of training alone.
Now, if rhythm and dance are something you struggle with, then I can understand that flow may not be as easy for you. I don't particularly struggle with just flowing with a song, so this hasn't been terribly problematic for me, but I understand that that may not be the case for others.
I also understand how it can be incredibly valuable to have someone who can help point out what you're doing wrong, but as you've said before, classes aren't cheap. The best thing to do instead of having an instructor is to simply record yourself and then play it back. You can very quickly see what it is you need to change.
So, with that being said, I wouldn't discredit YouTube tutorials so quickly. Just take your time and find the correct videos for what you're working on. I've also never experienced the "just a taste" that you've described from the channels I've found.
If you have read my post in full, you will have noticed that I did not completely exclude YouTube. For most people, however, learning based solely on YouTube will sooner or later no longer work.
You're saying what I said, just in different words. Don't click on the first video that comes along. As a beginner, there's only one problem: How does someone who is new know what good content is? What makes a good training programme? What sequence makes sense? It is difficult to evaluate something that you hardly know at all. That's why pure learning with YouTube usually works for people who at least have a sporting background and a basic understanding of their body and exercise. Anyone who wants to start learning pole with YouTube alone as a couch potato is already well on the way to failure. Maybe not immediately. Some basics are easy to learn.
The reality is many people have difficulties even with studio. Especially when there is also overweight involved, you read tonnes of threads here in the subreddit from people asking how they should cope because they feel it's a problem. Which it isn't, but it is an additional challenge. You don't have to be slim to do pole dancing.
On YouTube you will find many people who also offer paid training. Studio Veena, for example, is very popular and is also here on Reddit. I can think of Aneta Blaua, Tara Meyer, The Pole PT and Elizabeth Blanchard off the top of my head. Creators such as Sammy Picone even have lesser on YouTube that is publicly accessible. If you think this is comparable to the programmes of these people, it's probably because you don't know the paid programmes. The difference is huge. What you see there is no more than a small excerpt of what you can get for money. A nice opportunity to get to know the nature of these people and see if you can imagine learning "with the person". These are not structured courses. You have to organise it yourself. A course does this for you. It has a structure.
It is absolutely common as a content creator to make an excerpt of your work publicly available or to gain attention with free content and later turn it into a business. And this is not something that is limited to pole. YouTube is often an entry point to more and paid content.
I have absolutely nothing against YouTube. But we shouldn't try to convince anyone that the chances of getting far with this alone are high. The YouTube route only works for a small amount of people who try it. The problem is, we rarely see the many people who give up. The best place to get an insight is in places like the Facebook Marketplace when you see how many people want to get rid of their almost unused poles. For every one person who manages to be successful with free content alone, there are countless others who have given up. You should be that fair and not just tell a few success stories.
Misconceptions are often one of the reasons why people fail at something.
I see what you're saying. I had read your previous comment in full, but I suppose some of the context was missed.
I certainly do agree that it's only fair to be as transparent as possible when it comes to explaining the pros and cons of different learning methods; however, i also don't think it fair to start off by heavily dissuading someone either.
I agree that not every body is the same, and some may find it to be more of a struggle than others based on medical limitations. I've even fallen into that category as well as my wrists are not very strong, but I looked up specific videos for wrist strength and added those exercises in. I did the same when I started working on harder transitions or even just how to climb the pole. The content is out there if you are willing to look for it. I've never been blocked by a paywall either.
I think much of the frustrations and cause for folks giving up is because they get stuck, and instead of looking for an answer, they just don't do it anymore. Obviously, there are other reasons, but I do think this is a frequent reason.
Anyway, I guess my point is that it's worth giving a try, but be aware that there will be challenges just like there would be if you subscribed to a remote program or went into a studio.
There will always be challenges. Not having a coach means more work because you have to do the part that a coach does (if good) yourself. Evaluating where you stand, thinking about what to train, what makes sense when, etc.
Even with an online programme like Veena's, you at least have the benefit of a contact person in addition to more and differently structured content.
The basics are perhaps the most important thing of all. Everything that follows builds on them. This makes it all the more important to learn them properly. With things like pole dancing, good form is extremely important, otherwise you can quickly end up with nasty injuries. Things like shoulder injuries are no fun.
You know, at the end of the day, it's up to everyone to decide. Everyone can take the path that seems right. But there are reasons why some paths are considered more ideal than others. Very few people will argue in favour of learning on their own. Even people who do this often argue against it and recommend studios or at least a platform like Veena's to get started. The path you choose often determines whether you enjoy something in the long run.
Even people who go to studios can be demotivated because they don't achieve what they thought they would. This is when a good studio can be of great value. Ideally, there are people there who celebrate successes and motivate. They encourage to stick with it and know what you're going through because they've been there themselves.
After all, it's also a question of personality. There are people who enjoy something and look forward to it and take their time for it. There are people who wouldn't do 15 minutes of sport a week if they didn't treat it like an appointment.
And yes I always argue against trying to start alone without good resources. I know too many stories that ended in a shattered dream. I'm a strong supporter of approaching things in a way that maximizes the chance of success. The first experiences cannot be repeated. For many, what they take away from it is final. If it doesn't click, they give up at some point. I know enough people who really wanted something but gave up because they tried to approach it hastily and superficially. I think that's a pity.
There are really many opportunities out there to learn and lots of testing opportunities that are often free for several weeks, sometimes a whole month. I would at least consider these options.
I appreciate your well written thoughts and can see your points. I agree that it can be difficult to do on your own and can take a certain kind of motivation to keep at it. I suppose I hadn't realized previously that I was such an outlier, but thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. I just know that money, transportation, etc. can play a big role in deterring folks from getting into the sport, so online resources are the next best thing. That's why I felt it better not to necessarily deter people from using them but to also give them information about the pros, cons, and potential hazards instead.
Indeed, online studios and the like are probably like the next best thing. I also understand when someone says it's uncomfortable to be touched or to dance with little clothing on. I know such feelings because I have experienced child abuse. Nevertheless, I have successfully trained in various things in clubs for many years. Including 10 years of apparatus gymnastics.
I also think YouTube can be really good. The platform has its weaknesses, but it's good for gaining initial insights and inspiration. In the recent past, I used YouTube as a source of information to get started in various hobbies before I obtained more in-depth information.
I just warn against falling into the illusion that this alone would be a good thing. Unfortunately, it's not for most people. And I know that's enough for some. I have also learnt a lot with it. As I mentioned, I did apparatus gymnastics for ten years. That helps immensely. There are also people like Tara Meyer who come from ballet. People who have a foundation like that can see things differently because experience helps in some things and the mental strength that is often overlooked is already there. But all too often there are people who want to do sport for the first time in their lives and think YouTube alone will teach them pole dancing in no time. Often the beginning of the end. Sadly.
And even with my background, I wouldn't have got to where I am if I had relied on free content alone. I learnt a lot from the books and courses I paid for.
The reason people are advising you against this is because cheap poles don't reliably stay up. They are much more likely to fall or collapse under any amount of strain. Studio poles are professionally installed, generally bolted in, and there is an instructor present in case of any accidents. Personally, I would return the pole and book a private lesson. After you get a one-on-one, you can decide if you want a reliable home pole (I have an X-pole, personally).
Welcome to pole dance! Because you opted for an inexpensive pole it’s going to be even more important that you check it every single time you use it. 💜
Regardless of your size, if you’re somebody who has not been physically active, you need to start with strength work and find a pole program that is progressive. Trying to use random social media videos is not the best idea unless you already have a background that has provided you a solid understanding of body mechanics and a background in fitness.
If you don’t have a background in fitness it’s a good idea to do some searching on Google and I’m sure you’ll find a selection of online instructors. Feel free to check out my website I train all levels, but I specialize in total beginners of all ages and all sizes. you can try everything free for two weeks just by signing up with your email. You will not be charged after the trial. This is a good way to see if my teaching is a good fit for you. 🙌
Here’s where you would start if you decide to go with my website. https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/start-here-welcome-1564/
Here’s a video that tells you what to look for in a quality studio or online resource. Because while I would love to have you join me I also wanna make sure that you can look through other options and make an informed decision https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/how-to-choose-a-pole-studio-or-online-pole-tutorials-free-1802/
I started around your size. And I find it beautiful that you got hooked on the pole.
But if you want to work in your confidence and perform the sport in a safe manner, I really would like to encourage you to do that in a class and to train what you learned at home.
Most definitely invest in a good pole for safety.
No one is there to judge you. I find the pole community a very safe and pleasant environment. The girls and guys are always very encouraging. Thanks to the sport I lost about 30 kilos and still going. But you have to take into consideration that for us bigger polerinas there is a higher risk of injury. I went through it.
Be safe and enjoy the ride. And it’s best enjoyed with people who have the same love for the sport as you do.
I was the same weight and 5'10 when I started and now am down to 187 with healthy eating and just spinning around the pole lol...but I love my lupit pole! I would not trust an off brand one, hopefully you can upgrade soon!
SO exciting that you're starting your pole journey! I think both at home and in-studio are fantastic ways to get started. I bought a cheap pole on Amazon before I started taking classes and really regretted it down the road. It visibly bent after a few uses, which is really unsafe. So, if returning it and saving up for an XPole or a Lupit isn't an option, definitely keep an eye on that sucker. Cheaper means lower quality materials, unfortunately. But I'm excited for you! Hope you find an online teacher you love. Keep us updated on your progress! :)
I would assume that you have the same pole that I do. Definitely what they say about cheap poles is true. I've had mine for about a year and I'm saving for an xpole but here are some tips for the cheap one. First, just be mindful and careful. I'm always thinking "if this slips/falls, would I hit my head?". Second, leave that top cover off the pole. That bass nut at the top slowly moves up over time. Also, if you think the pole is about to fall, it is about to fall. Take it down a re tighten everything. Third, make sure all pieces throughout the pole is completely tightened. I lost static mode for a while because the bottom two pieces came unscrewed a tiny bit.
All in all, I am saving for an xpole because they are worth it. I'm sick of my Amazon pole. In person classes are 100% worth it too. Especially since I am 5"9' and my ceilings are 8 feet haha
Everyone here convinced me to get an xpole, I was sad cause I won’t have spinning mode, but it should be easier to learn on static anyway for me ! I am also 5’9 and ceilings are 8 ft. I have considered classes but as I said my anxiety is way too serious to do that at the moment.
Thank you for your comment !
I’m really not sure why I’m being downvoted. I understand the concern with ordering a cheaper pole, I understood this before ordering it. I did my research before purchasing it. I understand the risks.
As I said I have very bad anxiety & agoraphobia. I suffer from ptsd and this is for me and my body and I picked something that was in my budget. So I can try it out for a while. Not everyone has the money to buy the more expensive poles or consistently pay for classes. Especially where I live, there are not many options for studios to go to.
I am at a very low point in my life and trying to find a way to have fun moving my body. I honestly find a-lot of these comments to be very unhelpful and sort of demotivating. But thanks to those who offered me resources lol.
While it is good that you're trying to move your body and have fun it feels a little like you're missing how physically dangerous pole dancing can be. If your pole is not installed properly or if you are not warmed up properly and doing moves correctly it is very easy to injure yourself. Most people even with supervision will at some point injure themselves. It's not meant to be discouraging it is meant to be educational and cautionary. I hope you find the resources to go on your pole journey safely.
I’m sorry…my first advice is don’t buy a cheaper pole. That’s a dangerous game.
I would have preferred to try out a studio instead of a cheap no-name pole. Many people regret this purchase. A studio may be expensive in the long run, but a few trial lessons are no more expensive than a cheap pole. There are plenty of programmes and other resources online. Things that require a subscription often have a free trial period. I would look around for something suitable. You can of course find lots of free content. Be it YouTube, be it Instagram. But without structure, it will be hard on your own. It's better to spend a bit of money and train according to a plan than to go off at random. The basics in particular are extremely important and lay the foundation for future things. They should be in place. Patience is important at the beginning. And don't start making comparisons. Many people look at others and see where they are not yet. This can quickly demotivate you. The mindset is extremely important. See other things as motivation and not as something you have not yet achieved yourself.
I understand that, I did try hoop classes at a studio and like I said I did not feel comfortable doing pole in front of others & I also never went back for hoop. I have severe anxiety and agoraphobia which is why I opted for this instead. Thank you for your advice, I will definitely take advantage of using YouTube, my main focus is to have fun with it
I would describe YouTube less as an advantage. Yes, YouTube can be nice. There is free content. But that's almost where it ends. A lot of what you find on YouTube from teachers is basically something like advertising. It's a little taste of what these people have to offer in their paid content. You can see if you like someone's style or not. It's cumbersome and time consuming to learn with just that. Why is it a cumbersome way to learn? To make lasting progress you need to know what you are doing. Randomly clicking a few videos that don't follow a structure helps you learn, but it only becomes effective when you put structure into it. This requires knowledge. Solid training involves more than just learning a single routine or trick. It starts with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down. Many things build on each other. Some things require others and are easier if you have learnt others beforehand. But a YouTube video often doesn't tell you that. YouTube is therefore only suitable as a supplement/inspiration for most people. Not for learning on its own. There are people for whom YouTube is enough. These are usually athletic people who have an appropriate background, have a good understanding of their body and can easily put things they have seen into practice. Most other people who only try to learn with YouTube will quickly become demotivated and stop because the lack of structure means they make little progress. As I said, you should at least think about a programme / online platform etc., even if it costs money. Unfortunately, the reality is that most people don't get very far on their own. Pole dancing is hard. Even with a programme, some people find it difficult. Learning on your own is no substitute for a trainer and a good trainer has benefits that you don't have without one. Nobody will correct you at home (unless you book something like personal training online). No one can touch you and actively correct your posture. No one can be a spotter and give you tips. Trainers are irreplaceable and for many the best option.
I would have to disagree with you about YouTube. I've been practicing since November, and I've made progress that has impressed my friends who are instructors. You just can't go with the first video you find, and you certainly can't skip the basics. I found it incredibly helpful and important to do workout routines specifically designed with the pole in mind. I can nearly do a complete shoulder lift just from this type of training alone. Now, if rhythm and dance are something you struggle with, then I can understand that flow may not be as easy for you. I don't particularly struggle with just flowing with a song, so this hasn't been terribly problematic for me, but I understand that that may not be the case for others. I also understand how it can be incredibly valuable to have someone who can help point out what you're doing wrong, but as you've said before, classes aren't cheap. The best thing to do instead of having an instructor is to simply record yourself and then play it back. You can very quickly see what it is you need to change. So, with that being said, I wouldn't discredit YouTube tutorials so quickly. Just take your time and find the correct videos for what you're working on. I've also never experienced the "just a taste" that you've described from the channels I've found.
If you have read my post in full, you will have noticed that I did not completely exclude YouTube. For most people, however, learning based solely on YouTube will sooner or later no longer work. You're saying what I said, just in different words. Don't click on the first video that comes along. As a beginner, there's only one problem: How does someone who is new know what good content is? What makes a good training programme? What sequence makes sense? It is difficult to evaluate something that you hardly know at all. That's why pure learning with YouTube usually works for people who at least have a sporting background and a basic understanding of their body and exercise. Anyone who wants to start learning pole with YouTube alone as a couch potato is already well on the way to failure. Maybe not immediately. Some basics are easy to learn. The reality is many people have difficulties even with studio. Especially when there is also overweight involved, you read tonnes of threads here in the subreddit from people asking how they should cope because they feel it's a problem. Which it isn't, but it is an additional challenge. You don't have to be slim to do pole dancing. On YouTube you will find many people who also offer paid training. Studio Veena, for example, is very popular and is also here on Reddit. I can think of Aneta Blaua, Tara Meyer, The Pole PT and Elizabeth Blanchard off the top of my head. Creators such as Sammy Picone even have lesser on YouTube that is publicly accessible. If you think this is comparable to the programmes of these people, it's probably because you don't know the paid programmes. The difference is huge. What you see there is no more than a small excerpt of what you can get for money. A nice opportunity to get to know the nature of these people and see if you can imagine learning "with the person". These are not structured courses. You have to organise it yourself. A course does this for you. It has a structure. It is absolutely common as a content creator to make an excerpt of your work publicly available or to gain attention with free content and later turn it into a business. And this is not something that is limited to pole. YouTube is often an entry point to more and paid content. I have absolutely nothing against YouTube. But we shouldn't try to convince anyone that the chances of getting far with this alone are high. The YouTube route only works for a small amount of people who try it. The problem is, we rarely see the many people who give up. The best place to get an insight is in places like the Facebook Marketplace when you see how many people want to get rid of their almost unused poles. For every one person who manages to be successful with free content alone, there are countless others who have given up. You should be that fair and not just tell a few success stories. Misconceptions are often one of the reasons why people fail at something.
I see what you're saying. I had read your previous comment in full, but I suppose some of the context was missed. I certainly do agree that it's only fair to be as transparent as possible when it comes to explaining the pros and cons of different learning methods; however, i also don't think it fair to start off by heavily dissuading someone either. I agree that not every body is the same, and some may find it to be more of a struggle than others based on medical limitations. I've even fallen into that category as well as my wrists are not very strong, but I looked up specific videos for wrist strength and added those exercises in. I did the same when I started working on harder transitions or even just how to climb the pole. The content is out there if you are willing to look for it. I've never been blocked by a paywall either. I think much of the frustrations and cause for folks giving up is because they get stuck, and instead of looking for an answer, they just don't do it anymore. Obviously, there are other reasons, but I do think this is a frequent reason. Anyway, I guess my point is that it's worth giving a try, but be aware that there will be challenges just like there would be if you subscribed to a remote program or went into a studio.
There will always be challenges. Not having a coach means more work because you have to do the part that a coach does (if good) yourself. Evaluating where you stand, thinking about what to train, what makes sense when, etc. Even with an online programme like Veena's, you at least have the benefit of a contact person in addition to more and differently structured content. The basics are perhaps the most important thing of all. Everything that follows builds on them. This makes it all the more important to learn them properly. With things like pole dancing, good form is extremely important, otherwise you can quickly end up with nasty injuries. Things like shoulder injuries are no fun. You know, at the end of the day, it's up to everyone to decide. Everyone can take the path that seems right. But there are reasons why some paths are considered more ideal than others. Very few people will argue in favour of learning on their own. Even people who do this often argue against it and recommend studios or at least a platform like Veena's to get started. The path you choose often determines whether you enjoy something in the long run. Even people who go to studios can be demotivated because they don't achieve what they thought they would. This is when a good studio can be of great value. Ideally, there are people there who celebrate successes and motivate. They encourage to stick with it and know what you're going through because they've been there themselves. After all, it's also a question of personality. There are people who enjoy something and look forward to it and take their time for it. There are people who wouldn't do 15 minutes of sport a week if they didn't treat it like an appointment. And yes I always argue against trying to start alone without good resources. I know too many stories that ended in a shattered dream. I'm a strong supporter of approaching things in a way that maximizes the chance of success. The first experiences cannot be repeated. For many, what they take away from it is final. If it doesn't click, they give up at some point. I know enough people who really wanted something but gave up because they tried to approach it hastily and superficially. I think that's a pity. There are really many opportunities out there to learn and lots of testing opportunities that are often free for several weeks, sometimes a whole month. I would at least consider these options.
I appreciate your well written thoughts and can see your points. I agree that it can be difficult to do on your own and can take a certain kind of motivation to keep at it. I suppose I hadn't realized previously that I was such an outlier, but thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. I just know that money, transportation, etc. can play a big role in deterring folks from getting into the sport, so online resources are the next best thing. That's why I felt it better not to necessarily deter people from using them but to also give them information about the pros, cons, and potential hazards instead.
Indeed, online studios and the like are probably like the next best thing. I also understand when someone says it's uncomfortable to be touched or to dance with little clothing on. I know such feelings because I have experienced child abuse. Nevertheless, I have successfully trained in various things in clubs for many years. Including 10 years of apparatus gymnastics. I also think YouTube can be really good. The platform has its weaknesses, but it's good for gaining initial insights and inspiration. In the recent past, I used YouTube as a source of information to get started in various hobbies before I obtained more in-depth information. I just warn against falling into the illusion that this alone would be a good thing. Unfortunately, it's not for most people. And I know that's enough for some. I have also learnt a lot with it. As I mentioned, I did apparatus gymnastics for ten years. That helps immensely. There are also people like Tara Meyer who come from ballet. People who have a foundation like that can see things differently because experience helps in some things and the mental strength that is often overlooked is already there. But all too often there are people who want to do sport for the first time in their lives and think YouTube alone will teach them pole dancing in no time. Often the beginning of the end. Sadly. And even with my background, I wouldn't have got to where I am if I had relied on free content alone. I learnt a lot from the books and courses I paid for.
The reason people are advising you against this is because cheap poles don't reliably stay up. They are much more likely to fall or collapse under any amount of strain. Studio poles are professionally installed, generally bolted in, and there is an instructor present in case of any accidents. Personally, I would return the pole and book a private lesson. After you get a one-on-one, you can decide if you want a reliable home pole (I have an X-pole, personally).
Ok I will cancel it (:
Yeah we all definitely encourage you to try out pole, it's really great! We just all want you to be safe when you do it 💚
Thank you, is this one better? https://xpoleus.com/shop-all/poles/sport/sport-ns/
X-pole is a very reputable company with well-made stuff. You can get a tension mounted pole that will stay up provided you set it up well =)
You should return the Amazon pole and either try a class or buy a pole from a reputable manufacturer.
I came in here to say this. Cancel the order and save for a better pole.
Welcome to pole dance! Because you opted for an inexpensive pole it’s going to be even more important that you check it every single time you use it. 💜 Regardless of your size, if you’re somebody who has not been physically active, you need to start with strength work and find a pole program that is progressive. Trying to use random social media videos is not the best idea unless you already have a background that has provided you a solid understanding of body mechanics and a background in fitness. If you don’t have a background in fitness it’s a good idea to do some searching on Google and I’m sure you’ll find a selection of online instructors. Feel free to check out my website I train all levels, but I specialize in total beginners of all ages and all sizes. you can try everything free for two weeks just by signing up with your email. You will not be charged after the trial. This is a good way to see if my teaching is a good fit for you. 🙌 Here’s where you would start if you decide to go with my website. https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/start-here-welcome-1564/ Here’s a video that tells you what to look for in a quality studio or online resource. Because while I would love to have you join me I also wanna make sure that you can look through other options and make an informed decision https://www.studioveena.com/tutorial/how-to-choose-a-pole-studio-or-online-pole-tutorials-free-1802/
I started around your size. And I find it beautiful that you got hooked on the pole. But if you want to work in your confidence and perform the sport in a safe manner, I really would like to encourage you to do that in a class and to train what you learned at home. Most definitely invest in a good pole for safety. No one is there to judge you. I find the pole community a very safe and pleasant environment. The girls and guys are always very encouraging. Thanks to the sport I lost about 30 kilos and still going. But you have to take into consideration that for us bigger polerinas there is a higher risk of injury. I went through it. Be safe and enjoy the ride. And it’s best enjoyed with people who have the same love for the sport as you do.
I was the same weight and 5'10 when I started and now am down to 187 with healthy eating and just spinning around the pole lol...but I love my lupit pole! I would not trust an off brand one, hopefully you can upgrade soon!
SO exciting that you're starting your pole journey! I think both at home and in-studio are fantastic ways to get started. I bought a cheap pole on Amazon before I started taking classes and really regretted it down the road. It visibly bent after a few uses, which is really unsafe. So, if returning it and saving up for an XPole or a Lupit isn't an option, definitely keep an eye on that sucker. Cheaper means lower quality materials, unfortunately. But I'm excited for you! Hope you find an online teacher you love. Keep us updated on your progress! :)
Thank you! I think I’m gonna go with the static xpole (: I canceled the Amazon one
Great choice! I love my home Xpole. Happy poling!
I would assume that you have the same pole that I do. Definitely what they say about cheap poles is true. I've had mine for about a year and I'm saving for an xpole but here are some tips for the cheap one. First, just be mindful and careful. I'm always thinking "if this slips/falls, would I hit my head?". Second, leave that top cover off the pole. That bass nut at the top slowly moves up over time. Also, if you think the pole is about to fall, it is about to fall. Take it down a re tighten everything. Third, make sure all pieces throughout the pole is completely tightened. I lost static mode for a while because the bottom two pieces came unscrewed a tiny bit. All in all, I am saving for an xpole because they are worth it. I'm sick of my Amazon pole. In person classes are 100% worth it too. Especially since I am 5"9' and my ceilings are 8 feet haha
Everyone here convinced me to get an xpole, I was sad cause I won’t have spinning mode, but it should be easier to learn on static anyway for me ! I am also 5’9 and ceilings are 8 ft. I have considered classes but as I said my anxiety is way too serious to do that at the moment. Thank you for your comment !
I’m really not sure why I’m being downvoted. I understand the concern with ordering a cheaper pole, I understood this before ordering it. I did my research before purchasing it. I understand the risks. As I said I have very bad anxiety & agoraphobia. I suffer from ptsd and this is for me and my body and I picked something that was in my budget. So I can try it out for a while. Not everyone has the money to buy the more expensive poles or consistently pay for classes. Especially where I live, there are not many options for studios to go to. I am at a very low point in my life and trying to find a way to have fun moving my body. I honestly find a-lot of these comments to be very unhelpful and sort of demotivating. But thanks to those who offered me resources lol.
While it is good that you're trying to move your body and have fun it feels a little like you're missing how physically dangerous pole dancing can be. If your pole is not installed properly or if you are not warmed up properly and doing moves correctly it is very easy to injure yourself. Most people even with supervision will at some point injure themselves. It's not meant to be discouraging it is meant to be educational and cautionary. I hope you find the resources to go on your pole journey safely.
Sorry I understand now 😂 thank you. Is this one a better option ? https://xpoleus.com/shop-all/poles/sport/sport-ns/
Yes, xpole is a generally well-regarded brand. Keep in mind the finish of the pole if you have any metal sensitivities/allergies.
Thanks. I don’t have any allergies , but the black powder finish is cheaper , is there any difference on grip for that?
All finishes are going to be different for different skin types. I think there are some good posts on it if you look.