Sweaty but steady: how to keep your grip and your cool when the heat is on
Summer brings longer days, sunny vibes, and… a lot more sweating. While we love the energy this season brings to the studio, it also comes with new challenges, especially when it comes to grip. Slippery hands, sweaty legs, or butt slides mid-sit? We’ve all been there. The good news is that with a few smart adjustments, pole dancing during the warmer months can actually be a great opportunity to grow your practice in new ways.
The Right Grip for the Season
When the temperatures rise, the grip you used all winter might not cut it anymore. At Gravity Arts, we offer Better Grip and Monkey Hands, two grip aids that are perfect for tackling summer sweat. Better Grip is a great choice for drying sweaty palms and works best when applied before warm-up. Monkey Hands, available in various formulas, enables you to select the ideal consistency based on your skin type and the area where you sweat most. Some students prefer a tacky version for inner thighs, while others stick to drier formulas for their hands or knees. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask your instructor which one suits your body and training style best.
Dress to Stick - and Stay Comfortable
Contrary to what you might think, summer doesn’t always mean wearing less. In fact, wearing more can actually help your grip. Light shirts and biker shorts are perfect for training in hot weather. The extra fabric helps absorb sweat from your body, preventing it from ending up on the pole – or the floor. And while we provide cotton towels for cleaning poles, we recommend bringing a personal towel to wipe yourself off during class. Sweat control is key not only for safety, but for getting the most out of every movement.
Make It a Flow Season
Instead of battling with risky aerial tricks when your hands just won’t stay dry, consider shifting your focus for the season. Summer is the perfect time to work on low flow, grounded transitions, and tricks you’ve always wanted to master but maybe never prioritized. Think floorwork, such as body rolls, kips, shoulder stands, and creative spin combos that keep you close to the ground and connected to the music. Not only are these moves beautiful and expressive, they’re also safer to train when your grip isn’t at 100%.
Modify and Adapt—Smart Training = Safe Training
Hot weather is no reason to skip class or stop pushing yourself, but it is a reason to adapt. If you’re slipping in a certain trick, ask yourself: Where is my grip failing? Some students sweat most in their hands, others on their thighs, and yes, some of us slide down from a good old pole sit because of butt sweat. That’s totally normal. What matters is how you respond. Try adding more contact points, choosing variations that allow for leg-based holds, or simply staying lower on the pole when training new material. And don’t forget: legs are often your best grip tool in summer, so let them do the work!
Final Thoughts
Summer pole can be frustrating at first, but it’s also a chance to become more aware of your body, refine your technique, and build safer habits. With the right grip aid, a well-thought-out outfit, and a shift in focus, you can keep dancing confidently through even the hottest weeks.
Got a favorite summer training trick or grip hack? Share it with us on Instagram and tag @gravityartsch – we love seeing how you adapt and thrive on the pole all year long.
