[Devika]

I'd also like to hear responses from others who are experienced.  I just started a couple of weeks ago and I (and my friends) are already noticing big changes in my muscle tone and strength.  I never had such amazing results at the gym or with any other exercise program.  I have not exercised much for about a year due to an injury, so I'm going from basically sedentary (except for dancing).  I am also finding that I am craving more protein.  I agree with ShonaLancs that the body is in shock … and responding.  I'm loving it!

[Devika]

Thanks for sharing!  He is sooooo talented and adorable!  I want to take him home:https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Devika]

I am not shy about telling anyone, including dates or prospective dates, that I have a pole at home and am learning.   If I get weird reactions, I tell them to imagine an exercise bar in say, a ballet studio, and this is essentially the same thing … it just happens to be vertical instead of horizontal.    I'm a little older, so maybe I feel like I don't have time to waste on men who will not accept me as I am or respect that which is important to me.  Family, of course, is different. 

[Devika]

I actually have a question … I have a tile floor in my pole room.  Is that bad?  I have no idea.  I'm completely new to poling.  It seems a bit slippery at times, which can be good or bad.  Is a hardwood floor the "best" for pole? 

[Devika]

I am in the process of turning a guest bedroom into a pole room.  Walls are a soft "Mesa Sand" color; the door, closets and trim is white.  My pole 50 mm xpole is in the middle – had to remove the ceiling light/fan fixture to put it there on the joist so I will have to get a portable tall fan when the temps get over 100 degrees.  I have a small table in one corner for my laptop, a floor lamp with 3 adjustable lights in another corner, a table lamp, a chair (for lap dance practice) and a lightweight chaise for anyone who wants to watch to sit on … lol.   I still need to get mirror(s) which will go on one wall and frame my new Divine Goddess Kuan Yin posters which will go on another wall.  And, put in 1-2 palms.  Will post some pics when I have it all (or mostly done).  I am having a great time with this project!

[Devika]

Welcome!  I am brand new to pole and also have an xpole set up at home.  I just started Veena lessons and highly recommend them!  Everyone here is so very nice and supportive of one another ~ I am so thrilled to be here!  Again, a warm welcome!

[Devika]

I was hoping we would hear from one of the guys on this topic!  Thanks for sharing Frowning!

[Devika]

Well, I am 49 and just starting poling and I have told everyone (my family, friends, even strangers) with a smile and a giggle.  Some of them looked a little shocked and/or uncomfortable for an instant, but most were very curious, asked a lot of questions and were/are very supportive or at least acted like it.   So … that was good because then I informed everyone that I was also taking stripping classes … ha ha.  Obviously, not taking those to be a stripper at my age … its just for fun, exercise and to enhance confidence and self-esteem.

Although I've had a positive experience so far, I'm sure I will run into judgmental people.  But, I am not in this life to please others or to live by their standards.  And, I know I will never make everyone else happy so I am hell-bent on making myself happy because when I feel good about myself … then I am a better daughter, mother, friend.

I am just so thrilled that the opportunity to pole is here for women of all ages & sizes and that we can each make it what we want it to be.  And, its really great for all of us that it is gaining in popularity!

[Devika]

I have also created an album and called it Flexy Challenge.  Have posted the first pics today.  I have not really stretched for 20+ years!  Well, the pics speak for themselves as to where I'm at !  But, I'm happy we have this challenge going & will be starting my Veena lessons tonight or tomorrow! 

[Devika]

What a great idea!  I'm just starting pole and my flexibility is non-existent.  This would be very motivational.   Accountability is a huge help to keep working at it.

[Devika]

What a great thread!  I enjoyed reading everyone's response.

I love my long legs, proportions and bone structure.  I also love the way I move … especially when I'm working out / dancing …. my confidence about my physical self soars and I  feel like I'm 49 going on 20 … LOL …

Thanks for the reminder that we are all uniquely beautiful inside and out !

[Devika]

Thank you for sharing this information!  It makes sense because many ancient spiritual practices incorporate cold baths/showers (or the idea of conditioning the body to cold temps and doing so on a regular basis) as an integral part of a healthy mind-body-spirit.  I will look into it some more.

[Devika]

Hi All ~

Thanks so much for the tips.  I just went ahead and ordered a small HD video camera on Amazon.  It was really discounted, so I don't have too much invested in it.  I'll see how it works or doesn't.   I really can see the value in taping at least some if not all practice sessions and it was time for me to get a video camera for other purposes too.  Thanks again! 

[Devika]

Its gorgeous!  I would wear it if I could ('though I wear some pretty outrageous things for "my age") and the most important thing is that you love it and that you will feel good wearing it!

[Devika]

Hi All ~~

Thank you so much for all of the welcomes and suggestions.  Yes, I will definitely put up pics of my pole room.  Got the pole and installed it … its sooooo beautiful, I want to sleep next to it … LOL

I know this is going to be quite the journey as I did a physical self-assessment and have a lot of work to do in the flexibility/strength areas.  I bought tons of Epsom Salt because I know I will be soaking away plenty of soreness:))  But, I am up for the challenge and so thrilled to have found this site.

Thank you again for being here and for being so supportive!