yogabeachbabe
Forum Replies Created
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I think I posted this a while back, so please forgive me if I’m repeating myself.
I, too, have carpet in my rental and I despise it. If I wear shoes I trip–not very sexy, is it? So when I’m practicing just dancing, I wear these half sock thingies, that have cut-outs where your toes go. I got them in a dance supply store. There is a small pad for under the ball of the foot for smoother turns (or if you don’t want to rip off callouses in a modern dance class), but it’s not a platform or anything. They work really well. -
That’s great! It’s so nice to hear!
Enjoy these getting-to-know-you days. They’re so awesome. -
This morning, I was telling my husband how incredible this site was and how the members really trust one another with very personal issues. I don’t post very regularly and I’m never able to chat on Fridays, but I do feel like I know you guys and that you’d all be there for me if I needed an online hug. I’m really blown away by the huge amount of support that gets shown on this forum. I’m so glad we’ve got each other.
Another thing is that whenever anyone posts a vid, people’s responses have been so enormously positive and encouraging. I don’t think a single negative comment has ever been said. This has actually made me want to make a vid myself (still working on the courage, though), knowing that I’ll get constructive criticism rather than getting raked over the coals.
I’m really proud to be a member here.
Thank you so much, each and every one of us. And especially to Veena.Sasha (Yogabeachbabe)
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I’ll be 41 in October (Libra) and I’ve got 1 son who is 3, as well as 3 dogs.
I am one of those sticks–105lbs (not sure anymore, but haven’t changed much in years), but I’ve developed a nice layer of FAT on my belly in the past few months. I’ve been quite lazy. I’ve got no boobs, waist, or hips, so when I started getting flabby, it didn’t really show very much. Now that the weather has gotten nicer…well, let’s put it this way: my husband is STRONGLY encouraging me to run on the treadmill…
I USED to have a lot of muscle, but not anymore!
I think I’m on my way back to caring about how I look and feel. I lost some self-esteem last year and I think it all ties in together. It doesn’t matter too much if I "look" strong, but I miss having the ability (and youth!) to do certain tricks on the pole. I don’t yet have the stamina like some of the other ladies to dance/practice for hours. I think that I’m going to try to get in a 60 minute practice twice a week. I’d be really happy with that! -
Yeah, I agree with FoxyRei. It sounds like you’ve got the "death grip" going on. It’s really common when you first start poling. Any sort of grip aid will stick you even more to the pole. One good way to condition your hands (for strength) is to belly up to the pole, take a baseball grip right at eye level, take both feet off the floor, and then loosen your grip to slowly slide down the pole to your knees. The point is to control the descent. Then do it again with the other hand on top. Also, make sure you stretch out your arms before and after poling!
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Oh Cali, so sorry you’re going through this.
I agree with what everyone’s been saying. If he is an addict, there’s not much you can do about it except enable him to continue to be that way. He’s got to be the one to clean himself up and he’s got to do it for reasons that are strong enough to carry him through to sobriety. And you deserve to be adored and to be treated better than what he’s been dishing out. And your children deserve more, too, much more.
We’re all here to listen and support you. -
You may be much stronger than you think! This is a new form of movement for you so please try give yourself a break. Your abs might very well be strong but they might not be sure how to work together with other muscles to pull yourself up to sit on the pole (or any other move, for that matter). Pole dancing is really unlike other forms of exercise. You WILL get it when you get it! And when you do, muscle memory takes over and you’ll find yourself dancing and stringing together different spins, climbs, inverts and floor moves. Confidence is also a muscle that needs exercise.
Try to think about it like your child learning something new. You wouldn’t expect him/her to become an expert immediately! You would keep encouraging them to stick to it and praise them for trying during each practice.
Here’s on old saying: it’s the journey, not the destination. Enjoy your trip!
ps. I’m 40 and I know how you feel!
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I know. Wish it was more affordable. I really like how they stress teaching/learning safely. It’s something that many teachers out there (Veena excluded, of course) really need to know.
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Happy Belated Birthday!
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Aliira, I’m sorry. My thoughts are with you.
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I, too, am a fellow twig–pretty much straight up and down, with no boobs, waist, hips, or bum. I guess I’m what they call an ectomorph. My body hasn’t changed dramatically since my son, but I am definitely aware of my pooch. I’m so glad those super-low waisted jeans aren’t all the rage anymore, because they would emphasize my saggy belly! I will be 41 in October and I’ve come to grudgingly accept the "looseness". Before my son was born, I was hard as a rock. As I mentioned previously, I had a disciplined yoga practice and because I was teaching so much, I hardly ever got time to eat, so I was too skinny. Actually, in my first trimester, I had gained what I thought was a bunch of weight but really I was just reaching a "normal" weight and was finally getting some attention from the boys. Ha. Now when I cuddle with my son, I’m pretty happy because I think that it wouldn’t be so much fun for him to snuggle up to a rock…again, that’s me accepting that changes are inevitable and trying to flow with them instead of constantly fighting them. Fighting takes up too much energy. Loving acceptance only creates more space in my heart. Gee, I should make that my mantra, shouldn’t I?
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I like Journey!
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Congratulations on both your newly discovered love of poling, as well as your good news.
Here’s my two cents worth: from a yoga point of view, during the first trimester, it’s important to allow baby to "take root". We don’t encourage anything too strenuous (unless you are seriously conditioned by a daily rigorous practice and have been practicing this way for many years). We don’t work on any inversions unless it’s Viparita Karani (legs up the wall). We do emphasize building strength and endurance through standing postures. And of course, breathwork and meditation. Your body is going through a lot right now. I know that I was very tired most of the time, even though I was a dedicated Astangi. But my circumstances were very different: I was teaching and practicing Astanga and Vinyasa yoga, extremely active and always on the go. I discovered I was very pregnant (9 1/2 weeks!) and then promptly got into a big scooter accident. The baby was fine, but I was a road-rashed mess. It forced me to slow down, which was probably something I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I practiced and taught pre & post natal yoga as well as Vinyasa yoga throughout the rest of my pregnancy and wound up having my baby at home on the bed with my husband and midwife. It was cosmically important that I changed my lifestyle. I had to transform from who I was to who I was going to be. And I probably wouldn’t have been able to do this without the universe helping me along (albeit slightly violently). Yes, you certainly should be working on getting stronger but remember to ask yourself if it’s for ego, or for the baby and your relationship with him/her.
Not trying to lecture but only wanted to share my own experience. Good luck with everything! -
I think what really helps is to cut out unnecessary starch. I say unnecessary because you body needs SOME sugars, but not white breads or refined sugars (even though they’re often the most tasty!). Americans are in the habit of eating "meat and potatoes". The starch, in combination with the protein, actually slows down the digestive process because your body can only digest 1 food group at a time. So therefore the protein sits in your intestines and basically "rots" there until you process it. Veggies, on the other hand, can be combined with either protein or starch without slowing anything down. For example, whole wheat pasta with broccoli is well combined, whereas pasta with beef will digest much slower. If you’re a meat eater, continue with that, but substitute the rice/potatoes with vegetables. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, my hat goes off to you. It’s truly a committed lifestyle. You can read Fit For Life (can’t remember the author) if you’re interested in food combining.
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The thing that really helped me in the chair spin was to use my outside leg as the "gas pedal" (as my teacher, Trixie, calls it.). Control that outside leg to come around as if you’re going into a fireman or ankle spin. THEN bring your legs into a chair pose. You’ll get much more momentum than if you were only tucking your legs under you. It felt kind of awkward at first, but once you practice it, it gets much smoother.
I know what you mean about some days sticking on the pole and other days sliding right off. This has stalled many of the inverted moves I’ve been working on. Oh well, it’s always good to get back to the basics…
It sounds like you’re doing really well. Be proud!
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WOW! OK, aside from all the obvious comments, I LOVE how his socks are pulled all properly up to his calves!
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Amcut: very well said! I’m inspired by your eloquence and insight.
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Glad to hear that you’re ok! You may want to try Dry-Hands or some other kind of grip aid JUST for that move. When I know I’m going to have a short practice, I’ll save the Iguana mount for the end (as long as I’m not too tired) so I can use a little Dry-Hands. Make sure you let it dry completely before poling. Some girls use grip stuff all throughout their practice but I found out that it was too sticky for me and tore up my palms. So I’ll practice spins and climbs, then inverts and then Iguana. Good luck!
ps. I think it’s a great idea to ask your husband to spot you. I’m sure he’d love it! -
I’m not sure that putting anything under your pole is a good idea–unless it’s that rubber thing designed specifically for Lil Mynx poles. I think it might be dangerous because your pole might slide and you wouldn’t have a solid foundation. What if you were to cut a hole in the middle for your pole and build a little linoleum dancefloor around it? I’ve seen girls do that with children’s playmats. But I totally understand about the carpeting. I rent a house that is almost entirely carpeted and I hate it. I hardly ever wear shoes when I’m practicing at home (but will put them on the minute I get into the studio!) and usually wear these half sock things made for modern dancers because I hate the way the carpet feels on my feet. And, like Trena, I hardly ever go down to my knees.
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Welcome! Glad you came out of the shadows. You say that’s there isn’t much more interesting about you, but your life sounds pretty exciting to me. Pole and music, what a great combination!
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Wow, Shelly. I think I understood most of what you were saying, and all I can say is:
Honey, you are one tough broad!
You know, I think that all the members here are tough and strong and beautiful and EMPOWERED. And Jungle and Joel, bless you both for being real/true/sincere/good men.
Happy Spring, everyone!
Love,
sasha -
You could say that the shoes really help exercize the calf muscle…but I’d have to admit that the light up ones really do scream out "STRIPPER"!
Good luck with your parents. -
Congratulations! That’s really awesome. What a challenging move. A while back, I tried to learn it but got so discouraged that I had to forget about it. I’ll get back to it one day! But I want to see your’s and get inspired!
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And an especially happy st. patrick’s day to you, too, Trena!
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Holy crap!!!! How are some of those things physically possible?????? I am totally amazed. Thank you for sharing this. Wow.
