yogabeachbabe
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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.