[SadiraSimone]

Awww, wish I could have gone too! There's always next year!!

[SadiraSimone]

Oh wow! Those are awesome!!

[SadiraSimone]

I also recommend looking up videos of rope mallakhamb (using rope instead of wooden pole). Similar to aerial silks. Impressive!

Thanks for the suggestion! That’s pretty awesome too! And a lot like silks!

[SadiraSimone]

That’s great advice Veena! I’ve been trying to find a schedule that works for me and my body. I think that I’m adopting the 5 minute rule, I tend to push myself too hard for a while and then I end up having to take days or even a week off because my body is just too tired.
5 minute rule it is!!

[SadiraSimone]

Just a little note on the massage thing – epsom salts, eating well, enough sleep etc. will all help.
Since it sounds like you’re on a budget, but a massage here and there might help – see if there are any massage schools in your area that offer student clinics.
I’m a licensed massage therapist that works for a massage practice, but we also have a school. All of our students have to complete so many hours of massage under the supervision of the school before they can graduate (most schools are like this and I had to do the same.) Many times you can get a 60 minute massage in the "student massage clinic" for anywhere from $10-$30! Granted, most students don’t have the knowledge yet to be able to address specific issues, but those massages are great for just flushing the body and muscles out! I would look into it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif xoxo

[SadiraSimone]

AHHHH – MAAAAA -ZIIIIING!!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif

Thank you for sharing!!

[SadiraSimone]

This is a great one!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h-0nWFfOjk

Also fellow SV member Stephanie (known as SapphireCatzEye on youtube) has a few videos that show some stretches with the pole, I believe.

[SadiraSimone]

Thanks PDR and everyone who commented on this – I’m coming from a very similar place as you PDR and really needed to read all of these comments!

[SadiraSimone]

Ooooooh! good to know! Thanks!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[SadiraSimone]

I’ll be 30 this August 7th! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif

[SadiraSimone]

Welcome! Studio Veena is a great place to share thoughts, questions, and learn from other polers! You’re going to love it!
Good to find another NC girl on here (I’m in Greensboro!)
Hope your pole comes soon!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[SadiraSimone]

Awesome Veruca! Let us know what you think!

[SadiraSimone]

Yaaaaay! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Congratulations!!!

[SadiraSimone]

Yowwwwww Aoowwwww (Cat Calls)

Awesome photos! Totally Hot Veena!

[SadiraSimone]

I think Runemist is right. Make sure to stretch out your calves well. And many times foot pain and cramping can be resolved my massaging the muscles of the calves. I work with a lot of people who have plantar fasciitis (as a massage therapist) and they are often surprised to find that their pain is related to tightness and trigger points in their calves.
That is a different affliction of course, but yes when the toes are pointed the gastrocnemius potion of the calves is contracted and shortened, and like with any muscle that gets overused during the course of our day it can become knotted and tightened over time.
If you can massage the calves first, making sure to give some gentle attention to the achilles tendon that attaches those muscles to the heel of the foot, you can then stretch by pulling your toes up toward your knees. This will engage the other calf muscle – the soleus (a deeper muscle)
Think about this: Every muscle has a muscle that does the opposite action – so if you engage the soleus (which is the deeper muscle that flexes your foot toward the knee), then the gastrocnemius can rest and stretch out from a contracted state and it will also of course stretch your foot in the opposite direction.

With that said there are also tiny muscles within the foot and a tendonous sheet of fascia that can become overworked as well and the golfball massage that Mindy4pole suggested is perfect for that! A nice warm foot soak is always nice too. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif (Runemist my feet cramp up in the cold too – ouch!)

I didn’t intend to get all technical on you – but I hope that helps some https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif !!