When I teach certain moves or combinations in class, I know that some of the moves will send a groan around the room.

It’s usually the hard ones, burny ones or all round painful ones. For example the Shoulder Mount or the Allegra aren’t always the group favourites!

But some people love them, and I know that people tend to dislike moves they haven’t yet nailed – or at least I know I do 😉

I know it’s frustrating not to be able to get moves as well or as quickly as others.

So I’ve come to a conclusion that I’m pretty sure I knew all along…

It’s Okay Not To Love Some Pole Moves

Everyone is different.

We learn in different ways and at different speeds. We also all have moves that we’re each naturally better at than others.

For me I know I’m not great at drops. They look great and aren’t always the most technical to master (some are of course) but for some reason they don’t sit well with me.

I have to spend a lot of time building up my confidence to give these a go.

When it comes to class, I know certain people have moves they don’t like, whether it’s an Outside or Inside Leg Hang, an Ankle Hold or a Chair Spin. We all have moves that we don’t like or can’t yet do – and that’s okay.

I guess having structured classes makes us think in terms of progression.

First I learn A, then B and then C.

But you know what? Sometimes it’s okay to skip a step.

I know my limitations when I do workshops and there’s plenty of times where I’ve thought “this move is not for me just yet.”

I practise what I can, knowing that one day if I want to give it a go again, I can and I will.

You ask any poler what their least favourite move is, and they’ll be able to tell you straight away. We all have one and we are all aware of it.

So don’t beat yourself up when you find yours.

I know plenty of instructors who won’t teach a Knee Hold (you know the one with immediate pain to the front of the knee) because they say it’s too painful and not worth it.

I do weigh up moves when I teach and think if it’s worth it. There are some moves that I will teach over and over like a Shoulder Mount as I know there are so many great moves and transitions to use it with.

I also have moves that I teach as stand-alone moves, knowing that if people don’t like it, it doesn’t matter.

Not Getting That Move

I know that when you can’t get a move it seems like the end of the world – especially when you look around and see what you perceive to be everyone else nailing it.

I’ll tell you something…

I’ve been polling for years, and there are moves that have taken me years to master. Not in the “I tried it once three years ago and will try again now” way but in the week in, week out, constant training way.

People see the move but don’t see the work that has gone into it – whether it’s the years of gymnastics or strength training in the gym or hours spent on the pole.

We definitely have an “I want it all, now” thing going on, and I have it too.

But then I have to remind myself how long it’s taken me to get this far. I’m not naturally strong or flexible and certainly don’t pick things up quickly. Every move has been a struggle but I know that every move will be worth it in the end.

I’m also pretty happy knowing that if I don’t like a move, I don’t ever have to do it again.

Pole is my love and I want to keep it as fun as I can 😀

[Featured Image by @TheImageCella]
[Costume by @FiBourkeDesign]