[Runemist34]

Poledanceromance, you and I have a similar issue… I just take it a bit more extreme 😛 I'll go some days without eating more than one meal, and perhaps a lot of drinks containing milk (which, by the way, I can't digest quickly, and tricks my body into thinking I'm "full"), and other days I'm doing better, like today when I actually had breakfast, and made myself some food!

JeHanne- I've actually found the strength part of my workout to be pretty awesome, but I could see how one would like stretching 😉 I might try splitting things up a bit more, taking my time, and see how it goes… maybe I'll like stretching, too!

But I'll take your advice and experiment 😉

[Runemist34]

Hey!

Jeez, thank you for the replies! Apparently I wasn't getting any e-mails, and I was all "Hmm, no one's replying?" But you totally are!

I used to use things like vaccuming as my "warmup," but unfortunately, that doesn't need to be done very often here… only one cat, he gets brushed often, and because I'm working and the Man is not (though technically he's still in Uni) he's insisting on doing the house chores 😛

I suppose part of my issue is my relationship with time, itself. I have literally NO sense of time. I look at the clock, think "I have an hour and a half till I need to leave for work," and immediately decide that this is no time at all, and I must be ready to leave immediately. Walking to the bus takes like, 2 minutes (I timed it), so I dunno what I'm on about. I think that I really need to look into this time issue 😉

Otherwise, I do sort of like the idea of splitting up strength and flexy training. Do you still stretch after doing strength training, though? How long does that take you?

I also am happy that I'm not the only one that just wants a 5 minute tango with the pole on my way by. Because, honestly, sometimes that's all I have energy for… but I keep telling myself "no" because I feel like I have to take the time to warm up and cool down, and that's a lot more than 5 minutes! But… maybe I'll try it. 🙂

Also, last question… what if you've just eaten? Like, say you just had a sandwich for breakfast, and then you wanna go dance? Is the "wait a while" thing just a myth? Should I wait a certain amount, and if so, how long?

[Runemist34]

Hmm… unless this was followed with "Here, try it this way and it might work better!" I would say the critique was not necessary or helpful. Telling a person that they have a particular body type is not particularly helpful unless you gave them some ideas about how to use that body type to their advantage, or how to work around it.

Also, saying "You're having a hard time with this because…" and ending in something that one cannot necessarily change, it's rather disheartening. For many people, it's indicating that you are unable to do something you want to do because of something you simply are. Thus, something about you is "wrong" somehow, or not to your advantage. I know that this is often how I interpret these kinds of comments… it's taken me a long time to actually realize this pattern in my own head.

Being in a dance class, taking pole dancing, is not necessarily something that only people with "thick skin" do. Those of us with a huge, scary self-critic take dance classes, too. Sometimes we even take those classes to try to get that ogre off our back… if only for an hour or so. Sometimes, it's because we feel so down about our bodies and ourselves that we see dancing as a way out of it. Particularly pole dancing, which is currently being marketed as a way for women to feel empowered and sexy… something we all want in our lives.

I've got big thighs. You know what? I don't mind. I know that my body keeps most of my fatty goodness in the middle areas. But I certainly don't want people pointing it out… and especially in the context of "You can't do something."

[Runemist34]

Hi!

While I don't currently have the funds to go shopping for your stuff (perhaps sometime soon!) I do have a question…

Is the built in bra optional?

I ask because I've had a really hard time with the things. My chest is a lot larger than mainstream fashion seems to think it "should" be, so anytime I go looking for anything like yoga or pole wear, I have to avoid them. Built in bras end up either cutting right across the girls, or pulling everything else (such as the neckline) down with it to fit over, so I'm not exactly decent.

[Runemist34]

Hey!

I'm working on my CKR, the Reverse grab spin, and my Basic invert.

I'm trying to prettify my Carousel spin, my side sit spin, my climbs and fan kick.

And I'm going to try to make myself a routine so I can learn to incorporate more of my repetoir into my dancing.

[Runemist34]

Makes sense 😉

I used to have Veena's lessons, before all the flexibility awesomeness (that'll probably be my next purchase… more Veena lessons!). From what I can see, they are comparable, but not quite the same. Felix has a LOT of different stretches. I'm pretty sure you can stretch from her DVD for like, 50 minutes or an hour or something? It's crazy. Like a whole day's worth of exercise for me, just in stretching!

Veena's are good, too, though! So I think it depends on what's the better option for YOU, like money, preference with teaching, etc. If you like Veena's style, I'd say go with her, but if you want some crazy amount of stretching, and want to try something new, then go with Felix! (Also, I'd say you could probably re-sell the Felix DVD's if you're finding them not to your liking!)

[Runemist34]

Hmm…

I don't know about Alethea's DVD's, though I have heard quite a few really good reviews. I've not had the money to give them a try!
I do, however, have all of Felix's DVDs! Her stretching one is VERY thorough, goes through like a million different stretches… it's a good one to follow along with, and there are stretches for pretty much every part of the body, and she also has more or less advanced ones, in case what she's doing isn't for you.

Her floorwork and transitions one is… good. I enjoyed the floor work part, and I found the rest informative, though not something I can use quite yet (for climbing and how to use various heights to make an interesting routine). I suppose it was more like an informative thing for me, than something I would follow along with. Some of her floor work is actually really good stuff, and new to me, so that might be worth a look.

Otherwise, I have the first two of Jamilla's DVD's, and they're both very good. I refer back to them very often! There is a lot of very good audio instruction, you can see her clearly, and she's very clear to explain safety tips, as well. My DVD's are just for beginners/intermediate, though, so you probably wouldn't find them very riveting 😉

[Runemist34]

I agree with both of you… I've had the "push harder!" approach, and it just freaks me out. I tense up, and don't get any stretch from it at all… just pain! It results in nothing. What could have been good flexibility training has just gone out the window.

As for the leg-flinging, perhaps it would be helpful to talk to your instructor? Ask about things like herniated disks… because you don't want to participate in something that is going to be harmful.

I'm a little confused, though…. how does such an exercise help to strengthen? It seems a bit weird… why would sudden tension of your muscles for a very brief moment of time to fight some momentum help your strength in those mucles? Just seems like a good way to damage something, if I'm honest.

But I'm pretty oldschool when it comes to strength training!

[Runemist34]

bmartin08 – You and me, both! I had my hair about that length. That's what I'd like back, too!

[Runemist34]

On the topic of hair washing… would you believe that I limit my actual washing of my hair to once a month or so?

Because of my hair being very curly, it also is very dry. If I wash it (and by this, I mean with shampoo and conditioner, or my usual habit of just conditioner) it goes all fluffy and frizzy, because it's stripped of all it's oils, and can't hold itself together! lol

I've noticed that I need not actually wash my hair… I just get it wet every morning to freshen up the curls- they get pretty destroyed when I sleep. Not washing it allows it to stay more healthy, because it's got the natural oils. Curly hair can be very picky about these things.

If I wash all the time, or even more than once a week, my hair starts to look pretty awful, and gets really dry very quickly (up to, and including, feeling like I've just bleached the ends like crazy when I haven't!).

So, unless you have crazy-oily hair that just won't stop unless you wash it, then I'd say… see how long you can last for! I didn't just jump into it… I tested it slowly. Might have happier hair, and less money spent on hair products, if you give it some time!

Also, I've heard this before: Lots of people say that they have VERY oily hair, when they actually have very dry hair. By over-washing, they cause their scalp to freak out, and it produces too much oil to compensate. It can be quite bothersome and damaging. So, I'd say… if your ends are super dry, but the hair close to your head is really oily, try giving the washing a break!

[Runemist34]

I totally understand your pain!

I cut all my hair off about a year and a half ago… got a trim back to that about 6 months ago, and now I'm like "I want it all back!"

I've got curly hair, so it's really hard to tell if it's actually growing or not. With it wet (or straight) it's about chin-length, and with it curly, it's around cheekbone length.

So yeah, I miss my big, swooshy hair that I could do fun stuff with…

But it'll grow back! We can be growing-our-hair-back buddies 🙂

[Runemist34]

Well, it's not a class that's immediate or even happening for sure… but I've found a place nearby that does Aerial Silk workshops. It's expensive, and I have to take a ferry, but I really want to do it! I want to give it a try, anyways. I'm planning for after I get my basic invert, and have some money saved up, so I can do it and have some strength to give it a try.

Otherwise… I'm kind of more excited for the "potential" for classes, rather than the actual classes! Getting a job, and then having money, and then getting classes, are exciting! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif I'm not even sure what other classes I might take… pole classes? Maybe some yoga? We'll have to see!

[Runemist34]

Yep! I'd love to be sent those poles… I know a bunch of girls around here that could give them a good workout and a good review! We could even do it as a group- you know, have discussions about what we like and why!

[Runemist34]

I'll also point out that, from the beginning, they're not being "unbiased" in either their wording or their imagery.

Putting the poles together, the one on PS was already spinning and doing tricks while the other was putting hers together. This tells people that you could be having more fun being awesome on the pole, sooner, than if you took your time to put the X stage together. That's not exactly a fair comparison.

And, did you see the wording while they were talking about the "good thing about the X stage" and it's stability legs? "No stability legs needed" under PS. The word "needed" implies that the X stage is less stable without them. Also, they say it's a good thing for the X stage to have, and then go through all the bad points, and why they don't use the legs at all!

Honestly, I found this review rather biased. There are a few things I would have liked them to look at, such as pole stability (I did notice the wobbling of the PS while they were on it), and power moves like a reverse grab or something.

To each their own, as always, but I always thought having a cold floor was nice, because it cooled me off https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Runemist34]

Well, this might seem like an odd suggestion but… did the weather change? Even that can effect the pole surface. I know that for me, when it's hot and humid out, I stick like crazy to my pole! But, when it's dry, it's slippery. Other people have had the opposite issue, too!

Otherwise, give the knee-squeezing a try 🙂

[Runemist34]

I understand why you're frustrated! You're not alone. I've been poling for about 4 years (possibly More?!) and haven't actually done a proper basic invert yet. I'm close, and that's exciting, but it's also frustrating to see everyone else progress so quickly to that, and I… well, I don't!

But, as many people here have told me, it's not a race or a contest! As long as YOU are having fun, why push yourself so hard? Inverts will come, and there's lots and lots of stuff you can do while grounded or spinning in the meantime!

I've not had pole lessons in a classroom for a very long time- a lack of money and available lessons means that I don't get them, like, ever. But, I've found Veena's lessons, when I can afford them, to be quite beneficial, and otherwise, you can always take a look at youtube or other places for moves, and inquire about issues here on the forum! It's been a great resource for me!

As for not having much room at home for your pole… Been there, too. I've had places where I was surprised I actually had enough room for the pole itself! But, you make it work. Sometimes you gotta move furniture, sometimes you can't and just have to not spin on one side for fear of kicking the couch or something… but it can work out. Practice your footwork, deal with other moves, till you can get back out to a studio!

You could even see if that studio would give you some time on the pole when they aren't running classes, like once a week, or even every couple of weeks or every month, so that you can just have a bit of space!

[Runemist34]

My goodness, darling, you seem to be having a little bit of technical issues! Rarely do I see so many posts of the same thing so many times!

To deal with your issue, perhaps a little clarification? Are you doing an inverted crucifix, or an upright one? Is your pole warm when you give it a try?

This move can be difficult at first…I have a little bit of a sliding issue, as well. I find the best advice was this: Try to turn your knees in toward each other. So, push your legs together, yes, but also twist them inwards, into the pole! It should aid in your grip.

[Runemist34]

I imagine that this website, Studio Veena, could help you out! And, also, Xpole usually have some to sell.

My understanding is that all of them are the same price, because they all come from Xpole themselves, or someone who is affiliated with them. Otherwise, you may be looking for a used one, which does come up once in a while…

[Runemist34]

It's really neat! I like it a lot! I also like the idea of having status updates… I always like spamming status updates! 😉 (kidding)

[Runemist34]

Did a bit of looking around for you, and what I found is that they haven't set an Official weight limit. I have seen a few people with X-poles at the same height comment on forums that they can get themselves and their friends/husbands on them, and they still stay strong… that's over 300lbs.

So, I think you're totally fine 😉

I've heard most good poles are around the 250lb mark, or higher!

[Runemist34]

PinkyPower- if you could do natural nail tutorials, I'd be so happy! I've got my natural nails, too, and I HATE fake nails… but rarely do I ever find anything more fun than, say, a french tip on some bland colour, or how to put one solid colour on your fingernails. Boooring!

Tips and tricks are always awesome when it comes to makeup! I always get muddled because people have such different face and eye shapes and colours, and I'm never sure if certain things would look good on me… so, perhaps you could talk about that, too? How to adapt things to your own face/eye shape, and knowing what looks best? I know much of it is trail and error, but it would be nice to have some guidelines 🙂

Thank you so much! You're really generous to offer 🙂

[Runemist34]

I heartily agree with the fingernail painting spinoff- I LOVE painting my nails, but it is often quite boring!

Otherwise, probably a good idea to go into what's necessary for stage makeup, and the differences between regular makeup and stage makeup. Many of the people here like to do competitions and performances, and I would think that knowing what you're doing with your makeup for such events really helps one look professional!

[Runemist34]

I have unbalanced muscles as well. This is where my knee-troubles come from! It's quite painful, and can sometimes cripple me from bending for days.

However, if your Physical therapist is saying to take a break… I would likely listen to them. You could likely get your pole fix (please pass this by your Physical therapist, though!) by working on easy moves that don't bear any weight on your arms. Work on transitions, keep your feet on the ground, just swing your hips around and have a little fun! Pole dancing is not JUST about the climbs and upside down moves!

If you need to strengthen certain muscle groups in order for your muscles to be able to take the strain, you can also think of it as conditioning for your dancing. Like, by the time you're done, you'll be a lot healthier, and possibly more powerful, so you can do more things with pole!

Trust me, sometimes what we think is going on with our bodies really isn't what's going on. We do our best to stay balanced, but we're often not aware of every single muscle that is or is not engaged- it's more like "the area" of muscles, and sometimes we don't even think about that! That's how my knees got buggered 😉

[Runemist34]

Congrats on getting your pole!

I highly recommend Veena's lessons for the whole bit- there are some amazing strength and stretching routines, as well as for the dancing aspect of pole dancing!

From what I understand, the way to be toned without building bulk is to do more reps with less weight. This is usually my way of doing things, and I'm actually showing some improvement!

Otherwise, if you don't have the money for Veena's lessons, or for going to a studio, you can wander the internet for things like arm strength and core strength workouts that don't require weights. I've found a lot about stretching out there, too!

[Runemist34]

Hehe, Webby, thank you 😉 I know that sometimes I don't catch on to things! lol