My Personal Standstill
There was a time when my pole dance practice felt stuck in an endless roundabout – I was spinning, but not getting anywhere. Tricks that used to come easily suddenly felt like little mountains I had to climb, step by step. I was frustrated, sometimes even a little disappointed in myself. Do you know that feeling? That sense of being caught in between, when your body is tired, your mind is full of doubts, and your motivation seems to have gone into hiding?
For me, that was the moment I turned to yoga, not as a replacement, but as a gentle addition. And that’s what helped me return to the pole with more ease, joy, and clarity.
Why Do We Hit a Plateau?
A plateau is more than just “not making progress.” It’s a sign that something has slipped out of balance. Here are the most common reasons I’ve noticed in myself and other pole dancers:
1. Physical Causes
Our bodies are sensitive systems. When we ask them to do the same movements over and over, they can get tired, blocked, or even develop injuries. Flexibility, strength, and coordination can stall, and the joy of training starts to fade.
2. Mental Causes
Our minds have a huge impact on our progress. Self-doubt, fear of failure, or comparing ourselves to others can be paralyzing. When the inner critic gets too loud, it doesn’t just block your mind- it can hold your body back, too.
3. Organizational & External Factors
Sometimes it’s life outside the studio that slows us down: daily stress, lack of time, limited training space, or just an uninspiring environment. These things can throw us off rhythm and drain our motivation.
4. Emotional & Psychological Factors
Our emotional connection to dance is essential. If we lose our joy or start to feel overwhelmed, it immediately affects our performance and drive.
Finding a Way Out of the Plateau
Yoga has supported me through all of these moments. Here’s what I’ve learned, and how you can use yoga to gently find your way out of a plateau:
1. Physical Causes
When your body is tired or tense, it needs gentle movement and space to recover. Yoga offers just that:
- Gentle Mobility: Yoga opens up your joints and releases the tension that often builds up during pole practice.
- Mindful Breathing: Breathwork supports your muscles and helps you move with more flow and control.
- Recovery: Yin yoga or restorative poses give your body a chance to rest and recharge.
2. Mental Causes
Yoga isn’t just about movement- it’s training for your mind, too:
- Mindfulness: Yoga teaches you to be present and not let doubts take over.
- Self-Compassion: You learn to treat yourself with kindness, especially when things don’t go as planned.
- Focus: Breathing exercises help you build concentration and reduce anxiety about new challenges.
3. Organizational & External Factors
Even when life gets busy, yoga can help you find your center again:
- Little Breaks: Just a few minutes of yoga or breathwork can create space for relaxation and clarity.
- Rituals: Starting or ending your training with a bit of yoga can help you mentally tune in to dancing.
- Flexibility: Yoga helps you become more adaptable, not just in your body, but in how you handle whatever life throws your way.
4. Emotional & Psychological Factors
Yoga connects body, mind, and heart, and that can rekindle your joy in pole dance:
- Heart-Opening Poses: These help you open up emotionally and recharge your energy.
- Stress Relief: Yoga invites you to let go and reconnect with yourself.
- Playful Lightness: Yoga reminds you that dance is meant to be fun, no matter your level.
My Conclusion: A Plateau Isn’t the End- It’s an Invitation
If you’re stuck in a plateau right now, I want to encourage you to see it as an opportunity – an invitation to move through your journey with more awareness and kindness. Yoga can be a gentle companion, guiding you back into your flow.
Be patient with yourself, give yourself space and time, and trust that every step, even the small ones, will keep you moving forward.
I’d love to hear about your own experiences. Let’s keep growing together.
Namaste, and enjoy your journey,
Yours, Riva 🙂
