The Power of Grip Aids
Simone Muscat
18th September 2024
The wonderful world of grip aids
Pole dancing is an exhilarating and physically demanding art form requiring a blend of strength, flexibility, and precision. However, one of the most common and frustrating challenges pole dancers face is maintaining a secure grip on the pole. Thankfully there are various grip aids now available that can help to improve your pole training experience by providing extra traction, reducing slippage, and boosting your confidence on the pole. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of grip aids, their benefits, and tips for incorporating them into your pole routine.
Understanding Grip Aids
Firstly, let’s make it clear that using grip when pole dancing isn’t cheating, it’s a key part of sticking to a pole. And because there are so many types of poles out there (diameter size, finish etc), and our bodies react differently, it’s important you get your grip just right. Figuring out what grip works best for you and your body is worth its weight in gold (literally). A good grip will not only improve your grip and reduce slippage, but it will also lead to improved confidence, sense of strength and extend your pole training sessions too.
Grip aids are products specifically designed to improve grip and friction between your skin and the pole. They come in various forms, including powders, creams, sprays, and clothing/gloves, each offering unique benefits and applications. So whether you struggle with sweaty hands, dry skin, or simply want to enhance your grip for challenging moves, there’s a grip aid out there to suit your needs.
Types of Grip Aids
Let’s talk through the different types of grip aids out there now:
- Anti-perspirant/Grip Powders: Grip powders, such as rosin or chalk, are popular among pole dancers for their ability to absorb moisture and increase friction on the pole. They provide a dry, tacky surface for better grip and can be easily applied to your hands, arms, or the pole itself. These grips are the first point of call for most pole dancers out there.
- Adhesives/Grip Sprays: Grip sprays are convenient, quick-drying formulas that provide instant grip enhancement. They typically contain alcohol-based ingredients that evaporate quickly, leaving behind a tacky residue for improved grip without residue build up. Whilst popular, these aren’t for everyone or every body part. Doing your research into these types of grips will pay off.
- Moisturisers/Grip Creams and Lotions: Sometimes polers need to moisturise between pole sessions to improve their grip. If you’re someone with dry skin, then this is for you, Grip creams and lotions are moisturising formulas infused with ingredients like silica or resin to improve grip without drying out your skin. They offer a smooth, non-sticky texture that enhances grip while nourishing and protecting your skin from abrasions.
- Grip Clothing/Gloves: Grip clothing is specialised clothing designed with tacky or textured surfaces to provide extra grip and protection for your body during pole sessions. They are a great alternative to liquid/spray grips, particularly in the winter months where the skin may feel drier and you are wanting to stay warm. A commonly used clothing item are grip gloves. They’re especially useful for pole dancers with sensitive skin, allergies or hand injuries.
What Grip Aid Should I Choose?
First of all it’s important to understand that a little bit of sweat is a good thing and can actually help us stick to the pole. But too much sweat or too little and we’re in trouble. So, when picking a grip you might want to first think about what the weather is like or what season you are in. You may find what grip you use and how much of it you use differs dependent on the season.
If you’re a sweaty betty all over the body then you might want to start using a pre-grip such as Tite-Grip 15 minutes before class or no-sweat anti-perspirants the night before a pole class. Then during class we’d recommend using an antiperspirant aka a drying liquid or chalk grip such as Dry hands, Griptinite, Enviro Grip, No-Sweat or Koala Grip. If nothing seems to work then you might want to chat to your doctor in more depth to determine if you have hyperhidrosis and whether you require medical intervention through means such as iontophoresis to improve your grip.
If your hands are a tad sweaty usually in class but the rest of you is dry then you may want to look at a mildly dry and tacky adhesive grip for stickiness such as Dancing Dust, Sticky Molly chalk or Girlie Grip for the hands. You may want to use Dew Point or Dancing Dust’s Dewy for the legs to allow for a bit of moisture and to avoid that dry slip.
If you are as dry as they get from head to toe then you need to moisturise that skin! Dry slip is a thing too. Look at Pole Physics moisturiser or aloe vera the day before a class and Dew Point or Dancing Dust’s Dewy during the class. Or if you’re on a brass pole, don’t be afraid to break out that shaving cream!
Tips for Using Grip Aids:
- Experiment with different products: Not all grip aids work the same for everyone, so it’s essential to experiment with different products to find what works best for you. Ask your studio if they have samples you can try out before you buy.
- Follow application instructions: Be sure to read and follow the application instructions provided with your chosen grip aid to achieve optimal results and avoid any adverse reactions.
- Use sparingly: A little goes a long way with grip aids, so use them sparingly to avoid excess build up or residue on the pole.
- Clean the pole regularly: On that note, keep your pole clean and free of residue build up by wiping it down with a pole cleaner or rubbing alcohol after each use. Don’t underestimate the power of a pole wipe between moves!
Grip aids are valuable tools for pole dancers looking to enhance their grip, reduce slippage, and boost their confidence on the pole. Whether you prefer powders, creams, sprays, or gloves, there’s a grip aid out there to suit your needs and preferences.
By incorporating grip aids into your pole routine and practicing proper grip technique, you and your students can enjoy safer, more enjoyable pole sessions and take your pole dancing to new heights.
To learn more about grip aids and so much more, join our 200-hour online pole dance teacher training program. Gain expert knowledge, refine your teaching skills, and become a certified instructor from the comfort of your home.
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