[PixiePole]

Ouch =S protein! Protein and calcium. When I broke my legs they practically made me live off milk in hospital lol, you definitely need the calcium. And vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin supplements that do both, maybe those would help a little. But if you get back on the pole too soon you’ll ruin it again ><

I’m quite liking this site for beginner moves http://www.poledancecommunity.co.uk/syllabus.html I can’t remember who but somebody posted it up here not long ago and it’s really good https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif I’m going to be combining it with Veena’s strength & beginner lessons. But I definitely agree that levels are subjective – if you go to that link, apart from the fact that some of the moves are on levels 1, 2 and 3 https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif, there are some that are supposedly intermediate that I’m pretty sure I could do now, and I’ve never really poled before. I guess we’ll find out if that’s true or not when my pole gets here lol but different people will have to start at different levels. I’m guessing those things about myself because I’ve already been doing DDR and contortion and my strength seems to be building up quickly from a few conditioning exercises, so I think maybe the beginner stuff might be aimed at someone who’s spent their life sitting at a computer desk and has only just decided to do something about it. Depends really https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PixiePole]

I’m wondering the same thing https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif perhaps where your family’s concerned you should strip it of its sexiness, at least at first. I don’t really know what your parents are like but that would at least remove that part of it, lol. Go for the athletic/artistic angle and just say it’s not about being sexy. They don’t have to know you enjoy that bit as well https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif as for everyone else – the only problem I’m having with it is telling people I poledance and being seen as ‘easy’ https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif I’ve not really started yet so I’ve only told a few friends that I’m thinking of trying it, but I’ve had a similar problem with telling people I’m bisexual. I’m a pretty open person so I don’t really keep secrets (especially considering that pretty much my entire circle of friends is gay, bisexual or at least bicurious) but I found that it seemed to attract a lot of guys… and obviously for the wrong reasons. I’m guessing it could be similar with poledancing; guys everywhere will think that means I’ll give them free naked lapdances and stuff ha. People have such predetermined ideas about everything >< bah.

So yeah I guess I haven’t quite figured out how to deal with the general public yet https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif apart from just keeping it secret somewhere being judged might have a direct effect on you (like at work or something – if it’s gonna cause you problems there’s not much point in saying it) and not caring what people think anywhere else lol. Or again, talk about all the competitions and things, all the strength and flexibility you need for standing on a vertical pole (which I certainly never thought was possible until I looked into pole properly) and all the naked ass-shaking that doesn’t get done https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif then when people are interested you can go into the little sexy added bits, but even then it’s still on top of all the athleticism and gymnastics.

[PixiePole]

I read through the first one earlier… couldn’t get much relief from it unfortunately https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif as for the second one…

"A friend of mine who built her own home says these old houses were built so far beyond code, that they can take much more that newer homes."

Haha, and I live in a flat that’s younger than me. And I’ve yet to turn 20 =P either way, 400mm is roughly 16in, so I’m guessing there isn’t much difference between US and UK beams after all…? Or is that just in Victorian homes -_- hurm. I did get up there again a minute ago and while I was trying to rub all the pencil marks off my ceiling I noticed it made a slightly different sound when I scraped two different places. But there definitely wasn’t 16in/400mm in the middle… more like a foot. I’m guessing that’s plausible? Gonna check it again tomorrow, I might have changed my mind by then ha. But at this rate I’m just gonna end up putting it up wherever I think there could possibly maybe conceivably be a beam, hoping the building doesn’t explode and checking it in a week to see if anything’s broken…

[PixiePole]

…Salt. I have salt on everything <D I neeeeed salt lol I tried cutting back on it a little once (and then again, and again…) and gave it a month or two and I still couldn’t get used to the taste of things with less salt! Which is weird cause I made myself switch to low fat foods and artificial sweeteners pretty easily, just made myself eat them for a while and eventually I got used to it, but salt I seem to really have a problem with https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif and I crave cheese… a lot. I don’t eat it all the time but sometimes I just crave it and then everything I eat for the next week has to have cheese in it. Arg… I really do need to sort out my diet, but I didn’t know it could affect sweating as well https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif

[PixiePole]

I’m pretty easy to find by name on Facebook – Tamora Cross, I’m the only one lol. Not a lot of pole on there yet, but watch this space https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif

[PixiePole]

Blue is a nice clean colour I guess, I mean if it was brown you’d associate it with dirtiness and probably wouldn’t wanna use it!

[PixiePole]

I just got a TG X-Pert last night https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif not delivered yet, but that’s what I’m getting. It looks nice, and it says it’s grippier than chrome, so I’ll definitely at least try it and then if I think I need something different I’ll know whether I want it grippier or not etc.

I get your point about relying on grip – I’m like that, I like to learn things the hardest way possible so that if for any reason I don’t have the extra help, I can still do it. That, and when you learn it the hard way, the feeling when you try it the easy way for the first time is amazing!! I got some MightyGrip (also not delivered yet) too so I guess I’ll try it. Maybe I’ll just use that on days I feel my grip is worse than usual? Hmm…

[PixiePole]

Lol kinda embarrassed to say this on a forum like this but I’ve never actually been on a pole! I’ve messed around at one they used to have at a club near here but that was when I’d just turned 18, decided to go out for the night and just by chance there was a pole at the side of the dancefloor. So needless to say, I wasn’t exactly doing real pole ha.

Showering beforehand is something I could try… for now I really only have other things to compare it to where I’ve done the same, just no poles involved. I find that if I shower before exercise I definitely feel cleaner, but not really any less sweaty. I’m guessing the sweat you do produce after a shower is more watery and less slick, so less slipping? (lol that’s disgusting) Normally I just have to make sure I have wristbands on so I have something to wipe with https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

Having too much grip could also be a problem for me, as I have pretty delicate skin and scar easily (if I burn, I scar https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif so definitely want to avoid that where possible), but for now I intend to moisturise like crazy after practice and try not to be too enthusiastic with my spins until I know for sure what the damage is. This is why I’m thinking of getting one with a spinning option – at least that way if I want to just play around and do the moves, I can get a grippy one and put it on spin, even if that feels like cheating for my actual progress haha. Then when I’ve got burns I can still practise without making them worse.

katana – I think I’m a little past the point of it being shimmery, glistening or sexy lol I’m not a model, but I’m not Quasimodo either, however there are a few things about myself I really hate in the way of attractiveness and my sweating is one of them =[ I actually sweat if I’m too cold. If I’m REALLY cold, like freezing and shivering, I won’t, but anything else and I will. In summer my tops get drenched, in winter I sweat under my coats, it’s really not nice =\ I like the feel of it, it lets me know I’m getting a good workout (if I am working out anyway) but in any other situation it’s just horrific >< and I wish I could say I was well hydrated… unfortunately my body just sweats everything out! Though I’m working on training it not to, and I now drink just over a litre a day instead of just under a litre haha. Working my way up to 2l! But poledancing is supposed to look good, you know? Even if it’s not meant to impress a guy, it can still be beautiful, like any other dance form, and sweat sort of ruins that. Even if I don’t go on about appearances there’s the stupid slipping issue!

So I guess in short… shower beforehand and see if it makes a difference (cba to shower twice if I don’t have to, and I’m definitely going to have to shower afterwards either way haha), use something to enhance the grip on my hands (I found some Mighty Grip powder around here I could get hold of?), get one of the super antiperspirants to reduce sweating in general, and be sure to keep some alcohol handy for wiping down regularly?

[PixiePole]

Yeah that’s what I thought… I’d really like to get an XPole TG but I’m never sure how much money I’m going to have so cheaper is better. Except where quality’s concerned anyway, I don’t wanna pay less than I would for something trusted and then get something that’s gonna fall apart – safety isn’t really worth compromising on… hmm.

[PixiePole]

I would have the one ceiling type it could damage… T_T bah!! Screw the landlady, I’ll just pay to have it repainted when I move out https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif I’m going to be taking mine apart a lot anyway lol. Can’t believe people don’t know about WD40, round here (or in my family anyway lol) it’s a household necessity!! For cars and sewing machines, 2 things I couldn’t do without https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif But then I don’t have the slightest clue what Windex is… that’s localities for you lol

[PixiePole]

It’s Perspirex, though I did only try it for about a week (which is what it says it should take) so maybe I should try it for longer? I think I will, and then switch if it doesn’t make any difference. The problem of my hands (and inner thighs) still remains though… I guess I’ll wait til I find an underarm antiperspirant that works then see if they have a lotion I can use everywhere else?

This is also going to have an effect on what pole I get. I’m thinking an X-Pert (X-Pole seems to be well recommended, and I figured I’d want one with a spinning option at some point so I might as well get the X-Pert now instead of X-Sport then an X-Pert too, saves money in the long run) and I’d quite like a gold one, but the gold one is titanium and the silver one is chrome. Veena says her TG45 is really grippy, but we know Veena sweats like a lady… ie not much lol. Now I’m not really sure whether to go for the grippiest grippy grippole possible or what >.< gurrr! I wish there was a shop I could go to and try them all out lol

[PixiePole]

…I’M BOOKED!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif on the beginner & intermediate classes at Polenastics Milton Keynes! I had to ask if it was okay to take both classes considering I won’t have had much training beforehand but apparently she says it’s okay so I am all innnnnn! 8D can’t wait hehe

[PixiePole]

Lol wow, totally didn’t know that! And I love 50s stuff too so that’s extra amazing for me!

[PixiePole]

I was just thinking that ^^ you can be eating 200kcal a day and not be losing any weight, if your metabolism is used to it. Theoretically, (I can’t remember the exact statistic but I read something somewhere that basically said this) if you eat one less apple per week, you’ll lose 2lbs in a year. Well that’s complete crap, because the body isn’t a calculator – other factors come into it. In fact eating one more apple a week might help you lose weight because of the way they’re digested. Even if you decided to cut out 2 chocolate bars a week, it’d be a healthy cut, and you might lose a pound or two, but it’d be in the first month and then it’d stop the metabolism adapts.

I’m 5′ 5", weigh 133 and want to weigh 115… it told me that if I eat 1300kcal a day, I’ll lose 1lb a week with no exercise. If only lol. I’m not most people but I’m a recovered/recovering bulimic (with digestive problems as well) and I normally eat 800-1200kcal a day. So according to this I should be losing 1-2lbs a week. Not so… I maintain, because my metabolism has got used to it and learned how to make it last. Restrictive diets definitely ruin your metabolism in the long run https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif If you’ve already been on a particular diet for a while, it’ll be different. If you were eating 3000kcal a day, you could lose weight by reducing it to 2000kcal a day without any exercise, and you’d lose it fast. It all depends. But I think that site would be good for someone who doesn’t make a particular effort to exercise and eats about 2000kcal a day.

Or (because I’m a grammar school girl lol) you could turn it into a mathematical equation. I’ll use my numbers as an example:

a = current calories according to the link (ie 2000kcal, will be the same for everyone)
b = goal calories for losing 1lb a week with no exercise (eg 1300kcal, whatever your results page says)
c = actual current calories (eg 1100kcal)
x = actual goal calories for losing 1lb a week with no exercise

So. Here’s your equation:

c /(a/b) = x

1100/(2000/1300) = 715.

So, I’d have to be eating 715kcal a day. Which I knew, because if I eat 800kcal a day I lose half a pound to a pound every day for a few days to a week =P see how it’s not always accurate though? Either way, try my equation for an estimate of what’ll at least help you lose weight =] and SparkPeople is definitely helpful for general healthy eating too!

[PixiePole]

I’m English and people round here seem to think that the only people who use protein powder are bodybuilders, too =\ but it’s actually really useful – I used to have an eating disorder and needed to make sure I got enough nutrients, so when I was recovering I decided to try to have protein shakes. It’s a really easy way to get more protein in your diet, and it won’t make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PixiePole]

Oooooh jealous!! I want a TG X-Pole so bad! I’m thinking if I get any money for xmas I might have to buy myself a late present ;D I didn’t know 45mm was easier to grip though…?

[PixiePole]

I gotta admit, I don’t entirely get how it works! But it’d be great if it really could help you get more flexible https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PixiePole]

Protein powder is amazing! It doesn’t make you gain muscle unless you specifically exercise to gain muscle AND take the protein powder – I don’t know what you have in France, but look at http://www.maxitone.com&quot; onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for ideas on what to use

I used to use soya protein – http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=228&prodid=249, but there are other kinds like whey protein – http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=744&prodid=797. And they come flavoured! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif – http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=548&prodid=2357

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif White fish is also good, like cod etc, and if you don’t want to eat meat you can get vegetarian meat substitutes. They’re made from wheat or soya and taste pretty good! Plus they’re much lower in fat, and high protein https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif Apart from that, drink lots of water and make sure to get enough vitamins & minerals from fruit, vegetables, supplements etc and you should do fine! Good luck! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PixiePole]

Lol! I’m like that on the underground, I just kinda hang off it and when it slows down I can spin and be all ‘I didn’t do anything, I just slipped cause the train slowed down!’

Can’t think of anything new to add to this thread but I love it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[PixiePole]

Another great one is Crazy by Kidney Thieves https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PixiePole]

I WISH I had no torso! I’m made of torso, my torso even extends past the top of my thighs https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif as for weight, gah, I used to be 168, I’ve been down to 126, and presently I’m 135lbs lol. But ‘can’t YET’ is a really good way to look at it ;D

[PixiePole]

I’m guessing ye olde pushups? Weights?

[PixiePole]

You should still be able to sell it – just say it was unopened and that you need a pole for vertical fitness, but that it’d make a great bedroom accessory for someone just looking to put on a little show for their SO https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PixiePole]

Thank you! I’m doing bits of strength training without a pole also – I’m impatient, I know as soon as I get a pole I’ll want to jump right into it so I’m going to build up first https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif I did get a proper membership, so I’m doing the exercises I can do without a pole (like lunges) and sort of substituting anything that does need a pole. Gotta admit, I hadn’t even thought of the concept of shoulder ‘stabilisation’ – just kinda figured you’d keep yourself upright and move them as you had to to get your arms around? I don’t know lol maybe I had the right idea but just not quite done properly, that always happens when I take up something new. Definitely gonna study those videos ;D

[PixiePole]

Lol, put it on eBay and buy yourself a decent one that looks like it – he probably wouldn’t know the difference!