+ What pole do I use?

I've had two poles on my journey:

1. My first pole was a

   45mm Chrome Xpole

   This is typically the pole that I reccommend to most beginners (but we'll get futher into that later).

2. My second pole, and the pole that I use now, is a

   45mm Powder Coated Xpole

Both have been great to me for years.

+ What pole is best for beginners?

Below is my typical reccommendation for a beginner pole:

• DIAMETER/SIZE: 45mm

  This is the industry standard in the US, meaning the majority of pole studios, perforamance venues and competition venues will carry 45mm poles. I reccommend being well adjusted to this size especially if you plan to compete or perform somewhere down the line.

• MATERIAL: Chrome or Stainless Steel

  (assuming you are not allergic) Again these are the most common materials in studios and venues in the US, therefore I generally reccommend starting with a pole of one of these materials. Once you've built up the strength and grown accustomed to this then I say you're good to go ahead and begin experimenting with different materials!

• MODEL: XPOLE'S XPERT Pro Model

  This is the model that has a spin and and a static setting. While it is important to gain your basics on static as a beginner, it is also very important to then grow your spin pole wings!

+ Is installment easy? Do I need to drill into my cieling or floor?

Installment is VERY easy. You will recieve a hex key with your pole package - it will be your best friend and will help you to put the pieces together, to install the pole, and to take it down when you need to. ZERO drilling is required. These are tension based poles- meaning tension between the floor and ceiling is what holds them up. Poles must be installed where there is a joist in your ceiling and they must be level! Lastly TEST TEST TEST! ALWAYS test your pole before getting on it. Test it regularly, especially during weather changes. And that's it!

+ Will a pole damage my floors or ceilings?

As long as the pole is installed correctly a pole is unlikely to leave any damage to your home. I have never found any damage with my pole and I have had it up in 4 different apartments. So far so good.

+ Does the pole ever shift or fall?

Again, let me stress the importance of testing your pole regularly and installing it correctly. This ensures that the pole will not shift or fall while in use!

+ Powder coat or chrome? Which do I prefer?

Keep in mind this is a personal review. There is no clear winner for me here friends! However, here are a few observations about the two:

• CHROME: Grip level 6/10

  Chrome is not the grippiest of poles, however it's not the slipperiest of poles. This is probably why most of us start on a chrome pole, as it's important for us beginners to do the work to build strength and grip. Again, I reccommend this material to start your journey as long as you do not have a chrome allergy.

• POWDER COAT: Grip level 8/10

  Powder coat poles are very grippy. SO grippy that - after using powder coat for a few months - my return to a chrome pole was a struggle at first. This grip is super helpful, especially through the seasons during which grip is hard to come by. However, before you jump to buy a powder coated pole let me say: if you are a beginner you will thank yourself later if you put in the sometimes frustrating work to grow your strength and grip on a more standard pole material (ie. chrome)!! I only allowed myself to get comfortable with a more grippy pole once I had a good 4 years under my belt with my chrome pole.

+ My pole is too slippery to do any moves. Help!

Give it time and keep pushing! If you're somewhere in your first year of pole more than likely you will find yourself struggling with grip - some more than others. It's NORMAL. If I'm remembering correctly I struggled on and off with grip for at least 5-6 months. And I still have my bad days even 6 years in. With strength, stamina, and calluses you will find your grip.

+ Do you get blisters, sores or bruises on your body from pole?

Absolutely. Blisters/sores and bruises are MUCH more of a thing during your first year of pole. As we gain strength and as our body adjusts to the new demands we blister less (as they are usually replaced by calluses) and we bruise less.

+ How can I get started if I have no upper body strength?

You have a few options:

• PREPARE BY CONDITIONING: Some like to prepare by building strength before trying pole for the first time. If this is you go ahead and click on the "Workouts" tab here on my website. You will find 3 workouts filled with exercises designed to condition the body in preparation for pole dance. 2/3 of these require no pole. Completely new and don't know where to start? I reccommend my "Full Body Aerial Conditioning Workout."

• LEARN POLE ONLINE/ AT HOME: Purchase a pole and learn with the help of online tutorials. You can find tutorials options for all levels here on my website by clicking on the "Courses" or "Patreon Students" tabs.

• SIGN UP FOR A POLE CLASS: Lastly you can sign up for an Intro to Pole class at a studio near you.