Getting to Grip with Grips
Today I went for a walk and got chatting with someone, and I heard a story I’ve heard time and time again:
“I tried pole before, but I wasn’t strong enough to grip”
This could not be more wrong! Over my teaching career I’ve met hundreds of students, and this is far from a new story. Many group classes don’t educate their students about grip aids at all, and some go as far as branding them cheating (madness, I know). So let’s put that right and get to grip with grip.
Grip isn’t just strength
Lots of people assume grip equals strength, so a lack of grip must mean a lack of strength. Not true. Think of grip as the doorway to unlocking your body’s strength. If the door is stuck, it doesn’t matter how strong you are on the other side.
Most people have plenty of grip strength from everyday life. Yes, as you progress, certain moves do demand a high level of grip strength. But for most beginners, it isn’t the strength side holding them back. It’s the tacky side.
Ok, well what affects my grip?
Quite a lot, as it turns out:
- The temperature of the room. Warm or cold, it all makes a difference.
- Your temperature. Cold hands and warm hands behave very differently.
- The temperature of the pole. (Looking at you, cold pole!)
- Your skin type. Dry, oily or somewhere in between.
- Moisturiser. This is why our welcome pack asks you not to moisturise for 24 hours before class. It saves you the slip and slide!
- Hormones. I see people’s grip change throughout the month as their cycle moves along.
So if your grip feels different from one week to the next, you’re not imagining it, and it isn’t a reflection of your ability.
So what can you do about it?
Lots! There are loads of grip aids on the market, and they all work slightly differently. That’s why I work with each of my students to find their own magic formula.
- Dry hands? Add moisture. It sounds counterintuitive, but when dryness is the reason you’re slipping, watch in amazement as you turn into a gecko!
- Too much moisture? Something to dry things out might be what you need.
- Need more tack? Tacky grips come in various strengths, from a little bit of help all the way to a glue-like hold between you and the pole, ideal for tricks where safety is paramount.
- Not just for hands. Body grip is available too, for legs, arms, back, or wherever you’re touching the pole and want some extra support.
Sensitive skin? Not a problem
There are eco-friendly and skin-friendly options out there too, so sensitive skin doesn’t need to be a barrier.
And if you don’t fancy the texture of grip products, you can get grippy clothing! Sticky leggings and jumpsuits are brilliant for cold-weather training, and for those moves where you want that extra bit of security.
In the studio, I provide a range of grips for you to try, and I’ll talk you through the reasons behind why grip changes, so you understand what’s going on with your own body.
So if “I wasn’t strong enough to grip” is a story you’ve told yourself, let’s rewrite it. You may be a lot closer than you think. 💜
Ready to start your pole journey without the pressure or judgment?
Pure Pole Fitness offers private 1-2-1 sessions tailored to your unique needs, pace, and goals. No comparison. No competition. Just you, the pole, and infinite possibility.
Book your first session today and discover the strength you already have.