Do we really need to train both sides?
‘Dork side’/‘Weak side’/’Bad side’ – These are some terms I’ve heard during class where people imagine their ‘non-dominant’ side to be weak, feeble and unable to cope. You're not as unbalanced as you think! A lot can be said about our bodies seemingly leaning towards one side but we're not as binary as you think.
At the beginning, it won’t seem relevant – but it is truly key to progressing later on and will immensely reduce your risk of injury.
1) You’ll get stronger. Working one side does not mean the other side wastes away – but your chances of increasing strength dramatically improve if you can switch it up and learn to love the other side.
2) It increases your options: Building fluid and interesting combos and transitions isn’t necessarily about packing in as many tricks as you can – learn a trick both sides and you’ve doubled your repertoire for the same amount of time learning in class. E.G Cupid to cupid
3) Preventing injury: Relying on one side can cause imbalances, which can affect us in many different ways. One side can become overworked due to reduced recovery time and repetitive strain.
4) It does get easier. A lot of time it's our head getting in the way of the movement. Controlled repetition will allow you to build up muscle memory and before you know it you barely have to think about it.
Photograph by GMARK ARTHow to Improve:
Tip 1) Train your ‘Dork Side’ first
Tip 2) Make a short list of tricks to cover in training to keep you balanced
Tip 3) Combo tricks together that encourage you to use both sides, to make the process challenging but satisfying
Tip 4) Try exercises like the Turkish Get-up – See video below:
Whilst we all know strength and conditioning may not be as fun as pole dancing – the idea is to be able to pole for as long as possible! These exercises are designed not to take up your pole time – but to extend it in the long run.
My online programs all follow this principle – Train smart so you can play more!
