Shirts vs. skins ...

Last week was the first time, ever, I had taken my shirt off for a full class session. Yes! I've been poling for one year, and eight months, and this is the first time!

Okay, so I wanted to start this off with that awkward opening because it really is an issue for class: shirts vs. skins. I can understand the feeling of not wanting to take off my shirt, I have always been self conscious about my body. I was quite the chubster when I was younger, and all throughout my twenties I had a soft midsection. When I first started taking pole classes, I would wear a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off. That was fine for a month or so, but it did eventually get in the way, with all the loose parts of clothing. Eventually, I moved on to ribbed tank tops, which was a drastic improvement. Everything seemed to be form-fitted and no loose clothing got in the way.

So this goes on for a months, and months, and months, until I finally start taking spinning pole classes. Oh man, talk about a completely different ball game. First off, you definitely need more strength on a spinning pole, than you would on a static one. Well, last week, I am in class working on an amazing little combo and I just kept sliding. Part of me knew that if I was going to get this, I would have to go at it bare chested. I flung off my shirt, and wouldn't you know, it worked! All this time, I had been struggling with moves, but was always so hesitant to release the one thing that was hindering me from succeeding.

I guess my point to the story is that I had battled with this inner demon of showing my midsection, and it took me so long to discover that my self consciousness was only holding me back. I still see other people dealing with it in class also, but not that many. It seems like I was the only one who kept holding myself back.

This "epiphany" has taught me a few things:

1. Pole is about discovering your body and your mind.
2. No one is watching your stomach (or love handles in my case).
3. The more skin, the  better- you will stick easier!
4. You'll have a less sweaty shirt at the end of class.

In conclusion: A word of advice, get over yourself, and just take off the damn shirt. It will make pole life easier.

Patrick