[Runemist34]

Is it bad that I laugh so hard at guys that say stuff like that? There’s this huge misconception among a certain group of men that, somehow, women ALL love that stuff (or should I say “their stuff”?).
I also found it super useful to know how to report, block, and hide comments, so thanks everyone 🙂 I’m still a bit of an instagram newb myself.

[Runemist34]

I agree with the others on the subject of twisted grip- it can be very dangerous. What you’re basically doing is twisting the shoulder around to maximum, and then trying to keep it in that way while applying weight. One moment of weakness, one tiny over-twist, and the entire shoulder is blown apart, tendons strained or ripped, and you’re out for months at the least.
When it comes to strength with these moves, you MAY have it- it might just be about technique. I know that, with split grip, there are a lot of smaller, less-used muscles being worked pretty hard in that grip. Jamilla, in The Art of Pole Dvd’s, teaches doing little toe-taps while keeping your upper body controlled and stable in split grip, until you learn to increase the time that you are able to hold yourself up. I’ve found this to be fairly useful.
Sometimes, there are moves that really are super simple, but take a lot of time and practice when it comes to really getting them. Squared shoulders, index finger pointing down on the bottom hand, and use of the lats are all things to think about… and can each be a challenge to get used to as you work into the move.
I previously struggled with a proper pole hold till I learned the proper techniques and alignment- now, I’m getting a lot stronger with it!

As for cup grip… I don’t think of this one as a beginner, or even intermediate grip, and depending on what you’re doing, it might be an incredibly hard thing to get- years and years of work. Things like elbow-grip, forearm-grip, and perhaps split grip will help you get there.

Just take it slow, be patient, and enjoy the journey!

[Runemist34]

Hey Lochesh!
Some of us have had hamstrings pulled too hard, or strained from impatient stretching. After a time (up to about six months), some gentle stretching can resume, and then later, actual flexibility training. It can be a long road, but the most important thing is to give it the time and care it requires to heal, and make sure to pay close attention, so as not to injure it again!

[Runemist34]

Possibly a silly question: How do I use that picture on my Instagram? I’m not sure exactly how to use the app fully yet, and I know I did it once but I no longer remember!

[Runemist34]

There are two things I would say about this…
First, is that we can injure ourselves perfectly well without pole dancing. I’ve heard of people breaking their ankles simply by getting out of bed, or paralyzing themselves by going down the same set of stairs they’d been traversing for years. Humans are perfectly capable of hurting themselves- we’re not exactly a perfectly-balanced bunch. You ever tried to breathe a muffin? Same sort of thing! We just have occasional problems. Our bodies are not machines, as much as we would like to think of them that way; machines are perfect, they do the same thing over and over without fail, and always the same. We’re not like that.

Secondly, having dealt with an anxiety disorder for most of my life, I know a thing or two about fear. I HAVE actually fallen out of a Cross Ankle Release, and I was completely terrified of snapping my neck when attempting a somersault.
The thing I’ve learned most recently is this: The more you avoid the thing you are afraid of, the more afraid you will be of it.
I tried a somersault a few years ago. On my bed, with my friend giving me pointers, in the safest and least embarrassing situation I could possibly have created. I did it! A few times! And, I am no longer afraid of them. They aren’t exactly part of my “regular movement,” but I no longer feel fear.
I have been working on the Cross Ankle Release for some time- again, in the safest ways I can create. I do it lifting up from the ground, and simply holding the grip. I’m teaching myself to get used to the hold, and I’m teaching myself about all the nuances of the hold. I’ll have rock-solid abs by the time I’m up to it, too 😉

It can be very difficult to face down fears, but it is best to do so right at the beginning, when you start to feel the fear in the first place. Tackling a nervous tension is far, far easier than taking down a full-blown phobia. I’m currently doing a very slow, controlled and quite terrifying practice of exposure training to get rid of my phobia of driving. It built up after years of avoiding driving at all- and, some bad experiences with my Ex.

Push through, and remember that you may be fallible… but you can do your best to be present, to practice safely, and to be respectful of the danger.

[Runemist34]

Excited to give it a go!
I am away for the week of 12-19, as my birthday is the 11th and I’m being “treated” to a trip to Arizona to meet with family… but, I’ll be sure to make up the challenge videos when I come back!

[Runemist34]

Looks awesome! I agree, it’s easy to read, and it’s very nice to look at! I like the poses on it, too. I think they’re all good for beginners and those who are just working on their foundational pole work.

[Runemist34]

Hey there!
This is a great place for total beginners! Veena’s lessons (I can see you have a star indicating that you have them) are awesome, she is great at explaining things, and if you have any questions or concerns, she and the rest of us are here to give you a hand!
As for purchasing a pole, there are a lot of people who are “hardcore fans” of either Lil Mynx, or X-pole. Both are totally reputable brands, and both have their ups and downs!
I use a Lil Mynx, my former pole was their stationary stainless steel pole, which I found somewhat slippery, but quite reliable in general. I now have a powder-coated, spin/static pole that used to be for sale here on the website (sadly, the beautiful purple colour turned out to be a bit too expensive to continue making), and I absolutely love it. For me, it’s the perfect pole!
X-Pole is also extremely well-loved. Unlike Lil Mynx which comes as one solid piece, the X-pole can come apart and be packed away quite easily. Both are quickly erected. The X-pole also does not require a bolt through the ceiling (the Lil Mynx does), but you do need to find a stud to mount it against, as with ANY pole you get.
I know that both come in various sizes and finishes, and this can aid or hinder your grip possibilities. It’s often an “experiment” kind of thing, and sometimes you get lucky and find the absolutely perfect pole- and, sometimes, you just fight along till you can get a different one and try again 😉
Most poles run about $300.
I would also say to be very wary of any other brands (you can always ask or search the forums if you find one that looks good! There are many brands, and some are still up-and-coming), and be very careful about purchasing something second-hand or on Ebay. There are knockoff X-poles that falsely advertise to be real X-poles, and there are also pole brands (such as Peek-a-boo and Carmen Electra) that advertise being safe to dance on, and are REALLY NOT SAFE!

I hope that your pole journey is super fun, and I can’t wait to see you around the forums, and watch your videos, if you put any up!
Some of Veena’s conditioning videos you can actually start doing without a pole, as well- in some instances, a pole is completely unnecessary, and in other ways, you can use a wall or a doorway to help!

[Runemist34]

Well, the grip on the pole you’re describing is called “Split grip,” and used as a hold in the way you seem to indicate is… difficult to give a “name” to, as the pole community is pretty confusing when it comes to actually determining what is a separate moves, and the names of those moves.
However, I would call that the “Split Grip V,” and I learned that move in the studio as a “Flick kick.”

Just be careful with the split grip, as it can be quite hard on the wrists!

[Runemist34]

I deeply dislike that song, but I agree with SVbeautifulbasics or back2basicpole
Something that links us back to SV would be nice 🙂

[Runemist34]

Only time my first Lil mynx rattled or clanged was when I struck it from the side, or was too rough with it on a horizontal level.
If your pole is clanging or rattling when spinning, it may need some looking at? Perhaps the Lil Mynx people would know more (I know they creep around the forums a bit!)

[Runemist34]

I actually find spins to be FAR easier than any kind of elbow/head/hand stand!
For moves like those, you could have alternates for newbies of various skills.

[Runemist34]

Hey there!
Sounds like you’ve just started your pole journey, so I hope that you have fun with it!
Depending on how grueling your pole classes are, and also how expensive and how often they run, it’s best to leave at least one day in between when you’re starting out. Some people, however, can pole dance five days a week… but they are generally very athletic to begin with! The day of rest is for your muscles to repair themselves, so it’s very important.
The range, usually, is between once a week and five times a week… but definitely no more than that!

As for holding yourself up on the pole, it does sort of depend on which move you’re doing… but for a basic pole hold (facing the pole, just using your arms), it can take a long time to really feel strong at it. It’s best to make sure your form is correct, and that you’re engaging the correct muscles! That can make all the difference!

[Runemist34]

Ooh yes, much bigger arms on me!
I find that most women’s clothing isn’t made for larger shoulders or arms, and I have a large bust and tiny waist to top that off, so… shirts are difficult.
Most of mine stretch, so I can get my beefy guns in them 😛 ahah

[Runemist34]

Probably best to talk to a doctor about it! As much as we might not thing the coccyx bone is particularly useful for things, it can (as you’ve found) be extremely painful.
If you did talk to a doctor about it, did they give you a timeframe? Any follow-up appointments? Have they checked you out since, so that you know the bone had healed?
I’m really sorry to hear that you’ve had such a long time in healing, and I hope that it gets figured out, and you find a way to heal quickly! Either that, or perhaps, for a while, certain pole moves would be best avoided till you’re completely healed.

[Runemist34]

Hi Luna!
I hope that your uncomfortable experiences fade with time, and that you enjoy your pole journey from now on! Sometimes it can be painful, or you might have to face down some demons (such as fear of inversions, or those things that make us feel like our bodies are “less than we think they should be”), but for me, the support and strength of the community here has been more than enough to get me through!
Looking forward to seeing you post around, and seeing your videos, if you post them!

[Runemist34]

I agree with Veena- I’ve had to search for a long, long time to really get a sense of things in the fitness industry. So many people have so many different reactions to things, and our bodies can vary quite widely, so for some people one thing will work, and for others, the opposite. This means that the world of fitness has more than enough opinions to have your head spinning, just on a topic like how to stretch, what to stretch, how long to hold it for… And, in many instances, it’s advertised as being “expert advice,” or the like.
This is why I like Veena’s lessons so well. I’m very scientifically minded when it comes to this stuff- if it’s not based in science, I don’t want to hear about it! And, Veena has clearly gotten into the science of things, and she doesnt’ push it to one extreme or the other. I prefer the middle road, so it all works out well for everyone involved.

On the Splits challenge, I’m hoping to post my progress for each month! I’m thinking maybe the 1st of the month. Probably have to get the boyfriend involved to get some actually good pictures! I’m excited to work on it with everyone!

[Runemist34]

Hello, Fcolace!
It sounds like you’ve been doing lots with pole dancing- things like Ayesha’s and Handsprings are pretty advanced, and your back, shoulders and arms are really going to feel it! A lot about pole dancing can be very upper-body focused, so seeing changes there isn’t surprising.
As you said, you carry more of your weight in your lower body, and you feel that it’s a “problem.” Working the muscles in that area, however, is not likely to change the weight you carry there. “Spot reduction” of fat on a person’s body is a myth, and it’s unfortunate that it’s still perpetuated.
In order to reduce the fat on one’s body, you need to burn it. Muscle increase, strength training, is going to “tone your muscles,” but they live underneath the fat.
The ONLY way for a human body to burn fat is in the presence of oxygen and heat- in other words, a cardio-oriented workout, which you do for at LEAST 20 minutes. Scientifically speaking, at the 20 minute mark, most people have increased their internal heat enough, and introduced enough oxygen into their bodies, that they can now access the fat they carry, and burn it.

So, a good cardio workout, done frequently, should help you see the results you want! Running or cycling can definitely do the job, and also works the legs! I’ve found running to be excellent for my muscles, as well as burning off some fat, all over my body.

Hope that helps!

[Runemist34]

Oakmama, that’s a good question! What I’ve heard is that a stretch is most effective, at maximum stretchiness, when held between 30 second and one full minute. Lots of people disagree and agree about this- I’ve heard everything from an hour to 10 seconds. But, I’ve found that the 30-60 seconds range is best for me, it prevents me from getting bored and doing something stupid, and it gives me results!

[Runemist34]

Well, for flexibility training (which is what we’re talking about, technically), it should be done ONLY when you are super warm. So, after a good workout, or after a really hot shower! Some people prefer to stretch every day, and some only when they work out (I’m more in the latter camp).
It’s not entirely about how often you stretch, but HOW you stretch that is the difference between injury and health. Making sure you know the difference between “feeling a bit of a stretch” and actual pain is key. Not pushing yourself immediately to full-on, hardcore, as far as you can possibly get is important. Usually, I’ll go until I feel the tension in my muscles, wait a bit, focus on relaxing, and once the tension passes, go a bit further (sometimes this means as little as a few centimeters, or even just tensing one muscle) till I feel tension, and continue in that way till the feeling doesn’t pass anymore.
Stretching should NEVER be actually painful. That’s how you injure something.
Also, remember to drink lots of water, and if you’re sore from stretching, maybe ease off a bit. We are technically doing damage that is similar to what we do when we do strength training.

Just be gentle with yourself, and remember you gotta be super warm, and not push it to the point of actual pain. 😉

[Runemist34]

Epsilonte, I just want to mention that… sometimes pulled muscles and such can take a really long time to heal. My hamstring (after I pulled on it too much, somewhat repeatedly), took months to heal, and then yet more months to actually respond to stretching in a way that wasn’t hugely painful, and was actually showing result.
Please take it easy, everyone! A year is a LONG time, so it’s important not to push yourself too far, too fast. Injuries can sometimes set you back by years.

[Runemist34]

I agree with IchigoMewMew- I could see something was off right at the beginning! The way her body sort of… wiggled, forward and back, very minutely… and her muscles weren’t properly engaged enough! There was a clear difference between her muscle engagement when “demonstrating,” and when she did the lift.

[Runemist34]

I know how you feel when it comes to scents; I’m allergic to perfume, it makes me immediately ill to smell, and if it doesn’t pass quickly, I’ll end up near passing out. I’ve not yet lost full consciousness, but it’s pretty clear that it IS the perfume, because it happens immediately when I smell it… and passes as soon as I don’t.
For Lush products, if you’re wanting to avoid super-sweet smells, I’d say go for anything in the Dirty product line. And, often they have descriptions about the smells and stuff.
If all else fails, you can always ask me to go smell something for you, and I’ll report back 😉 hehe

[Runemist34]

I know that Lush has a lot of presence in the UK as well, and I’m not totally sure about the US… I think there are some stores.
I would HATE to have all that happen to me as a customer! Ugh! The staff in town here are really nice, they ask and then if you don’t want them to bother you, they leave you alone. No inappropriate touching, no following. They’re all super happy, super friendly, and I love going in there to chat with the people I know there. They often offer me hand massages and stuff, which I am perfectly free to decline.
I’m sorry to hear that your local store is so… pushy :/ I’d probably get really upset if they started putting things on my hands without permission. Touching is a big boundary for me, when it comes to strangers.

[Runemist34]

Ooh, talk of body products!
I am a HUGE fan of Lush- everything they make is basically gold to me, I love it. However, they do put out a lot of stuff that is very sweet-scented, and it can be too much for me. I love my sugar, but when I’m covered in the smell, suddenly I just can’t anymore.
So, their Dirty product line has been excellent for me. The scent is soft, sometimes minty. I use the hair cream (excellent for curly hair, it’s literally the only product I use), the shaving cream (I go through it really quickly, though, and it can be expensive- smells good!), and their body wash (spearmint! I love it!!). Other Lush products are things like their face wash, Ultrabland, which smells like nothing and makes my skin happier than it has EVER been.
But, the most important of all of these… two products: Turkish Delight, which is a soap-thing (more like a whipped cream) that’s basically the greatest smell in the whole world, and Ro’s Argan, which is what I use to moisturize and comes a close second to the smell of Turkish.
Lush is also the most expensive I’ve ever used for products like this- things are expensive, so I tend to look for cheap and effective. Seriously, with no Lush, I use the Walmart Special body wash, and just try to get along. I have definitely been spoiled by them.

Have you figured out what the scent was that your husband likes so much?