[MommaBear]

This seems like an older thread, but I guess I will add my Ohio status as well.

Hello, I am from crappy Ohio too – Cleveland area.

[MommaBear]

NO, NO, NO!!!!! (((Stomping my feet and pouting)))

I have airline tickets to leave for Florida with the kids on the 18th, go figure https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

Guess I’ll have to live vicariously through the second hand stories of what an amazing night I will have missed.

[MommaBear]

Don’t know if this is the right era, but a few songs came to mind. Pulling this from my memory bank from 10 years ago, so not sure on artists/song titles either.

Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker
Those Shoes – Eagles
Red House – Hendrix
House of the Rising Sun – Animals
She’s So Heavy- Beatles

Just pulling the instrumental beginning portion of Floyd’s Time would be so bada$$ – I’ve always had that one in the back of my head of one I want to conquer once I have the skills in place.

Sounds like it is going to be a fun class https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[MommaBear]

Ditto on your idea Voodoo. So glad you posted this Mancandy!!

We are taking a trip to Florida, which is HUGE. I haven’t left my little safety zone in years because of panic attacks. I’m hoping they are under control enough to allow me an enjoyable vacation. I’m working on visualizing a panic free plane ride and vacation – hopefully my stupid brain will fall for it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

This trip will take me full circle to the incident that I think started all this madness. During our last vacation I watched a young girl pulled from the pool, they tried CPR, but she was gone. This was such a defining moment and I think the incident which started my anxiety/panic attacks. Who knew that the love you have for your children could work against you in such a negative way. I haven’t been the same since. I hope by doing this I can re-face the issue that brought me this place and find peace and closure and move on with my life.

Off to deep breathe and visualize, just speaking about it stills up the feelings of anxiety and panic https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif Hubby is going to have to be my psychiatrist for the moment, maybe just getting this off my chest and out in the open will help. I deserve a good cry.

Thanks again for posting this ManCandy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[MommaBear]

Seems like that one would get your core muscles too?

[MommaBear]

Oh, I thought wrist burn was something that you were supposed to get, like calluses. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

I was trying to adjust my grip to see how wrist burn would happen, and I couldn’t even get it intentionally https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

Thanks for clarifying! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[MommaBear]

Oh my, had I known the excitement this was going to invoke in my husband, I might have kept it to myself https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif He LOVES to work out – I HATE IT!! It is almost cute and child-like how excited he is to show me what a lunge and dead lift are and how to work those muscles. He wants me to go to the gym with him so he can guide me through the right work out for what I want and to help compliment poling. It’s really sweet, but he may just be a few steps ahead of himself. I really, really don’t want to go the gym!! (((Banging my head against a wall))). Ugh, now if I don’t go along with it, his feelings are going to be hurt. Me and my big mouth!!!

Anyway, I did try a few of the exercises last night and DAMN, I feel it today!!! I didn’t get to do any of the ball ones because I still have to find a ball (and then find a good hiding place to keep it out of my kids hands). I found another exercise called a frog squat – that one is pretty cool too and seems a bit easier on the knees.

Thinking I will take today off so I don’t look like I am walking with something stuck up my butt https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[MommaBear]

Thanks Everybody! Now, if I can stick with this, I will have some killer back thighs!

(((Sigh))) . . . I really should just get off my lazy ass and go for the whole work-out, exercise, get-fit deal, but I guess baby steps are better than none.

I worry about the legs because I ran cross country for like one whole year in Jr. High and whenever I start getting active and burning fat, those front leg muscles are the first to pop out and strengthen up (but none of the other want to follow it’s lead so I look like a half-muscular, man thigh weirdo) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif

Dizzi – yup, they are still bothering me! Not anywhere near what they were – I think initially I was over doing it and that was a contributing factor. Now I can’t even find a spare 10 minute window to get pole time in, so I haven’t been as active as I’d like. When I do find time though, the pain flares back up. I’ve also noticed it is happening in my elbows too. I’m hoping these are just beginner kinks that will work themselves out over time https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[MommaBear]

Oh, I like those ones – cause I can do them at home while I am watching TV or something. No sweating, heavy breathing or passing out in front of other people to worry about! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif Thanks!

[MommaBear]

I’ve been finding lately that as I am using pole for a work-out type thing (and a way to challenge myself) that it has sucked all the sexiness right out. I don’t see it as a stripper pole anymore. I see it as my personal mountain to conquer. I’ve been thinking about giving my hubby a little dance, but I’m finding it hard now to equate my pole with sexy and dirty stuff. Just my recent personal revelation out loud.

[MommaBear]

Ouch! and Scary! Hope your feeling better today. (((searching for a band-aid smiley)))

This is my biggest fear – falling during inverts. The fact that most of them put you in a position to fall straight down on your head is absolutely terrifying. We don’t have health insurance, so on top of the fact that it would just plain suck, it could also be expensive. Thanks for sharing – I’m putting looking for some baby mattresses at garage sales at the top of my list for this Thursday.

Note to self: stop watching pole accident videos on youtube https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pale.gif

[MommaBear]

That is pretty cool! Sounds like you had fun . . any pics that may come back to haunt you? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[MommaBear]

If they are buff, and tatted would be a bonus, have them work out shirtless or in those white wife beaters and post a video https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[MommaBear]

I have nothing valuable to offer in terms of getting ready for a competition, but I wanted to tell you best of luck and think positive! I’m sure you’ll do awesome!!

[MommaBear]

I started to get a blister on my right hand, middle finger (like where you would press down to get a fingerprint). Mine has started to turn to a mini callus. I had asked about that as well, because I thought it was an odd spot. I dunno if it is supposed to be there, but at least I am not the one and only.

I am thinking that as I gain more strength and start using my body strength accurately that some of the stress will be relieved from my hands and that may go away. I dunno. The good news though is that once it callused, it didn’t hurt like a blister anymore https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

Can’t offer much in terms of grip and sweaty hands – so far I haven’t hit that wall to severely. I have noticed that with the increased heat and humidity where I am, I do loose grip – I haven’t been able to hold the CKR since the first time because I just slide down the pole – but not so badly that I can’t still hang on and spin.

Don’t let one bad day get you down https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[MommaBear]

Ughhh, I sooooo feel your pain – my pole is evil https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif and always seeming to find ways to disappoint me.

What was the deal with your X-Joint – did it have the flush or in-set circle things?

My X-Joint between poles A & B was bad, so I swapped it out with the longer X-Joint that was supposed to be used with the longer ceiling extension (since I wasn’t using it anyway, my ceilings are only 8 ft., so I use the shorter extensions).

Sorry to hear about your bum part – but on the other hand, also a bit relieve that I am not the ONLY one with bum parts.

[MommaBear]

he still doesnt understand that me sweating and bruising myself and pushing myself to the max does not inspire feelings of lust in me https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif So true! My hubby gets on my nerves with that – he’ll come in while I am practicing with a shit!y grin on his face and harass me – I’m all like, I stink, I have pole rash, and I am working here!! Get out!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif He spotted me once and can’t control himself – thinks it’s funny to pinch my nips or poke me in the butt while I am upside down and hanging on for dear life https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif Boys!!

He likes to tease me and say, I didn’t buy you a pole so you could exercise on it, I bought it for me, so do something. So far I haven’t had to turn my fitness pole into a cheap sex object, but it’s only a matter of time. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[MommaBear]

Congrats and Happy Birthday! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

You’ve accomplished more than I had at 22 for sure!! Best of luck and change is always good, so they say https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[MommaBear]

It really is a great feeling! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif All at once it just kinda "clicks" and your body does what it is supposed to do and it is awesome when it just suddenly comes together and works! Congratulations! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

[MommaBear]

I have had a ton of issues with mine, but considering how many they have probably sold, I think poles like mine are far and few between.

Also, if you do run into any issues, X-Pole has gone above and beyond with helping me. Troubleshooting with me over the phone, sending replacement parts and even more replacement parts. Their end goal is for me to have a perfectly functioning pole and if they can’t get me there with the replacement parts, they are going to replace the entire thing.

I don’t think you can go wrong with them – I hate to think what the customer service aspect would have been had I ordered a pole somewhere else and had problems – I don’t think any other company would be as cooperative and responsive as X-Pole.

Who knows, maybe the FedEx guy dropped mine or something? I do think that my problems are somewhat of a fluke and you should be just fine ordering from them – and rest assured that if you do have any issues – they are exceptional when it comes to customer service.

Best of luck in your decision, I hope this helps.

[MommaBear]

I’d throw in my two cents, but these gals have covered all the bases and I would likely just be pulling quotes from everyone elses replies https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[MommaBear]

Thanks Guys (or should I say Gals) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

I was attempting to edit last night and my husband walked past with a snide little remark of "Nice to see you have time for that shit". https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif Jackass! Well somebody just lost out on a nakie dance that I had planned. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif

Nice to know I can come here and share my news, since no one here at home appreciates it. Although, I haven’t showed the kids yet and they get a kick out of my "pole tricks" https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[MommaBear]

Okay, awhile back I switched out the X-Joint between Pole A & Pole B with the X-Joint that is meant to be used with the longer extension. That fixed my issues of a bent pole, as well as the winding/unwinding thing. So, it appeared to have resolved the issues I was having. I guess there was an issue with the X-Joints – if those circular things that stick out just a bit aren’t sticking out a bit or are flush with the joint, that is a defective joint – my old joint had one circular thing that was flush with the joint.

Fast forward to yesterday. I left the pole up because I ran out of time to take it down and had to pick the kids up from school. So, when we got home, of course they wanted to play on it. And of course, in spin mode. I set it up for spin and gave each of the kids 10 min. a piece. While my 6 year old was whipping around at lightening speed the pole comes to a DEAD STOP and just flings him off!!!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif I was SO heated (even though my little man thought it was funny) and called X-Pole and told them I don’t want this pole, I just want my money back!

After cooling off a bit and speaking with Heydi and Kimora, X-Pole is sending me a new micro-base and bottom part (that last 5 inch or so section of pole with the adjuster sleeve). So, at this point I will have replaced just about every piece of the pole that moves.

I’m still kinda bothered that X-Pole can’t seem to tell me specifically why the heck this would happen and what caused it, but it is probably hard to figure out specifics over the phone and without actually having the pole in hand. Additionally, there are so many pieces that rely on other pieces and if something is just a millimeter off, it can throw off the whole pole. Sensitive little gals these poles are https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

In any case, they have been great about troubleshooting all of my issues and sending out new pieces and parts. Hopefully this will finally solve the myriad of issues that have come about with my pole.

I just wanted to keep this updated in case anyone else with problems comes across this post.

Over the course of my trouble shooting, X-Pole had me check for some of the known defects they have found. Here is a little "summary" of some of the defects that have come up with the new X-Pert:

1. Microbase – flat faces (where the screws hold it in stationary) are not aligned with the X’s etched on the plate.

2. X-Joint – Circular things that are supposed to stick out a bit are either flush with joint or in-set in the joint.

3. Issue with Bottom Thing – This is a tough one to explain, but there is that small section of the pole (maybe a two inch section) where the two screws are that hold the pole in stationary – directly above that, there will be a "seam" the whole way around. If it is not just a seam and actually a complete break away from the rest of the pole this is a defect.

[MommaBear]

When my anxiety attacks initially started, I would use songs as a distraction technique. I never had any one specific song, just whatever came to mind at the moment. It could be super specific, like a certain set of lyrics that I find a soothing, comforting message in. I could be the background music (no lyrics) that give a feeling of badassness and empowerment. It could be something as silly as the SpongeBob SquarePants theme music to ease the seriousness and create a light mood. As it was always so random, I can’t even think of the specific songs I’ve thought of in the past, with the exception of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

As far as an overall theme song, hmmm, I don’t know that I have one!

One aspect of taking up pole dancing that I have really enjoyed is finding all this new music, that I otherwise wouldn’t seek out. The newest of which that I am in love with are:

1. Blue Foundation – Eyes of Fire
2. La Roux – Going in for the Kill
3. Perfect Circle – Counting Bodies Like Sheep
4. Uh oh, I can’t remember, maybe Deftones – House of Flies
5. Disturbed – Tearing Away

Fun post, I’m interested to see what others replies will be https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[MommaBear]

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif I would be an ideal candidate, all I have to is drop my arms down and my veins plump up and stick out – they never have a problem getting my blood.

Why is it though that some kind poke you and you never feel a thing and then others poke you and it stings like a mother? When I get a bad nurse who hurts me I feel like giving her a swift kick in the shin – whoops, sorry ’bout that – involuntary muscle spasm https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif

On the topic of blood and needles – my hubby stood proud through the births of our children and never once got woozy, until the nurse came into do an IV. She did her thing and left. I starting to get this feeling like I had peed myself because my bed got all warm and liquidy – nah, no pee – just tons of my blood everywhere – soaked into my bed, dripped onto the floor – it looked like a crime scene https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif She forgot to cap off the other end or something and my IV turned into a blood squirting contraption. I never saw my husband so ghostly white in all my life!! Ah, childbirth, what lovely memories.