Making The Most of Your Pole Time
Over the course of a month I teach a lot of classes and then of course have to pole for myself outside of this time as well. I know that somedays I have a lot more time and desire to pole, than on others.
Every time I get on the pole I try to make the most out of each session. Even if I only do the bare minimum, at least I’ll be proud that I did that. Something is always better than nothing!
So, I’ve tried to figure out how to make the most out of each session, so that even if I’m not really up for the session, I still get something out of it.
Of course there are days when we definitely all need a break, so make sure you listen to your body and allow for at least one rest day a week. If you’re ill, of course rest.
Start With One Move
On the days where I really don’t feel like poling (more from laziness than anything else!) I warm up and do a few basic spins – which I do at the beginning of every session.
From there I pick one move that I want to do – usually something where I can keep my leggings on.
I usually go for a pole handstand, phoenix or deadlift – all of which I’m working on and not perfect at. Wanting to nail them makes me want to work on them.
I make sure that I do each move 5 times on each side. Even if I can’t do the move, (and there are plenty of them) I still try it.
By the time I’ve got to this point, I’m usually warmer, happier and ready to move onto other moves. I go through a list of moves that I keep on a white board or moves I’ve saved from social media posts (again there are plenty!) 😀
I like working in this unstructured way, especially on days where I’m happy just to be doing anything on the pole.
This really works well if you can add in structured sessions as well!
If I can’t think of any moves that I want to try, I just aim to work on my strength. So I’ll do pole climbs, pole pull ups, multiple aerial V Inverts and holding planks or planches in multiple grips. The options are endless!
It’s also okay on the odd occasion to not want to pole.
We put so much pressure on ourselves that because we love pole, we should therefore always want to pole, but in reality that’s just not true.
There are many days where the last thing I want to do is pole, and sometimes not poling is the answer.
Making The Most of Class Time
If you’re in class, try to make the most out of the time you have on the pole. If you want to talk do it before or after class, or even during moves if you have to – as long as the pole is being used by someone!
I always say that empty poles are sad poles 😉
Both Sides
Again, another one I always go on-and-on about is to do everything on both sides. I know that most people don’t like to or want to do one particular side, but it really is the best thing for you.
You don’t want to end up with amazing muscles on one side, and lacking on the other. Muscle imbalances are not fun. Doing both sides also gives you a bit of a break on one side so you’ll probably be able to pole for longer. And spread out the pain too 😉
If you need more motivation to do both sides, know that if you train both sides, it opens up so many more transitions and combinations for you 
Rest
I know there will be some days where you just don’t want to go to class, and I’ve had that too.
If you can, make yourself go along even just to watch. Of course take along your pole gear because as soon as you get to the studio I’m sure you’ll want to get on the pole. And if you don’t, that’s fine too.
Pole is so much fun but make sure you don’t over do it and take rest days too.
When you think you can’t or don’t want to pole, but you actually manage to, it’s such a great feeling.
Other days, don’t punish yourself for not poling… We are all allowed to rest 😀
What tips do you have to get the most from your time on the pole?
