ErinHClark007
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I started pole with absolutely no dance, gymnastic, or otherwise dance- and flexibility-related background. Really, I hadn’t done any physical fitness for about eight years. Furthermore, I have scoliosis, so my back and hamstrings can become very tight if I don’t do daily stretches. Since starting pole, I have so much more strength, especially upper body strength. I am also proud to say that I can now do the side splits, and am very close to attaining the front splits. I do pole strength/ conditioning every other day, with flexibility training in-between, so that’s probably why I’ve improved so rapidly. Everyone’s different, but so long as you’re not comparing yourself to anyone else, you’ll notice yourself improving.
Also, my fiance has confirmed that I am in better shape than he is. 🙂 Coming from someone who works out daily, runs during the summer, and used to play football, I’m quite tickled about that.
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I developed sesamoiditis about two and-a-half years ago, and it still bothers me every once-in-the-while. Usually it’s mild enough that I only have mild discomfort, but after playing some pick-up soccer several days ago, it started up again in almost full force. My twin has a fractured sesamoid, too, and from the sounds of it, it’s gotten much better over time.
From what I’ve read, it’s very difficult to fully heal the sesamoid, as it’s so actively used every day. Does cause you severe discomfort most of the time? My advice may not help, since I only have intermittent pain, but I’d say to make the most of the times it’s not hurting, and when it does hurt, do as much as you can given the amount of pain it’s causing. Try to get one of those inserts specifically for your sesamoid if you haven’t already, as I’ve heard they are fairly effective.
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I’ve been trying to convince my fiance to do this with me! I probably can’t, but at least I’ll keep putting the idea in his head. 🙂
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Any chance of making it to Chicago? Depending on when you’re there, I may be able to make it when you’re in Fargo or Minneapolis, but Chicago would be lovely!
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I’ve noticed that poling while I’m menstruating actually makes be feel better. It probably has something to do with the fact that I’m loosening up my muscles before 7:30 a.m., as early morning is the only time I have to pole and stretch. For me, getting nice and limber helps with the cramps, and especially with the lower back stiffness that comes from the cramping. Also, it helps with the first day back on the pill. I’m usually slightly to more-than-moderately nauseous when I start the pills again, but something about the combination of drinking lots of water and poling has helped me there, too.
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I must say, I second (third?) the idea of having it defined by skill rather than size. I think that skill is much easier to quantify than is body shape.
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I second what PoleB3auty says. Using plenty of lotion the night before tends to help me. My hands are constantly dry (even in the summer!), so I have to rely on using lotion the previous night, as well as once I’m done poling for the day. If your hands are particularly dry, I’d suggest using a lotion with lanolin in it. It’s a type of wax, so it will help trap in moisture. “Udder Balm” does wonders for me, but there are a number of other brands that use lanolin.
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I have a mild case of scoliosis which causes me to wake up every morning with very stiff hamstrings and lower back. Stretching is definitely a must in order to keep the stiffness at bay. Warm up the muscles first, though, or it won’t be effective. Along that vein, I find that heat helps, as it allows the muscles to loosen. I haven’t tried cold therapy, though, so I’d be curious to hear how that works.
If there’s pain, however, then I would take Kobajo84’s advice and talk to your doctor. Not only will your doctor have an idea of where to send you, but a doctor’s recommendation may mean that your insurance will cover some or all of the cost of a therapist.
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It never ceases to amaze me that polers are so diverse in their careers. I’m just finishing up my Master of Arts in Islamic Studies, and am currently waiting to hear back from PhD programs. Fingers crossed!
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I’ve just acquired my own pole, and am trying to set basic goals for myself:
1. Keep poling consistently. With grad school using up a lot of time, I have to get up pretty early to fit in a workout.
2. Improve flexibility. My lower back is very tight if I don’t stretch every morning, so flexibility and stretching is crucial.
3. Basic invert. Some consistency would be good.
4. Floorwork
5. Pole climb. I need to get the leg muscle back to do this well.
6. Grip. My skin is naturally dry, so I need to figure out how to stay on the pole when I climb and sit.
7. Gemini. I had just started learning this when I left for school, so I’m hoping I can master this by the end of the year. -
Thank you very much! My landlady’s husband is stopping by tomorrow to see if he can help, so I’ll mention the idea about taking down the overhead light to see if we can see anything. I’ll be getting an X-Pert pole, so no screws needed there, which makes the search for the joists a little trickier, as I’m trying not to create any new holes in the ceiling.