[Kobajo84]

Azriel wears them all the time- she has some lovely pics and videos with them. 

[Kobajo84]

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gifHappy Anniversary! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif

[Kobajo84]

Loving it guys! Good job! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Kobajo84]

@savyhomeowner:

Another tip on the boomerang hold when I started it I actually used my arm to support my upper torso- the part of my arm that came in contact with my side was above the elbow- this helped to stabilize my body into the hold. With any move though as a warning- ABC (Always Be Careful). Don’t jam your elbow into your ribs or jump into the move. Just a simple lift from floor and down. Over time you will be able to increase the length of time of your hold. And stretch your wrists thoroughly before and after to prevent wrist strain. Listen to your body- if anything doesn’t feel right- STOP.

That’s great you’re using a video camera to review your progress. That really helps. I also use windex on my pole for grip and am constantly wiping my pole- just today I worked on transition pirouettes and I had to keep wiping my pole after every couple of pirouettes because my palms were sweating like crazy. There’s a ton of grip aides on the market, however its best to learn stuff without it first and leave the grip aides to performances or down the road when you’re learning more advanced moves that require extra stick to the pole. If you become dependent on grip aides it could keep your muscles from developing properly in the natural progression needed in order to conquer moves without injury.

Kudos to you for using a friend as a spotter. Also as you progress its good to always start a new move on the floor and just move your legs or body into position to get into the feel of how things are going to work as you move them onto the pole.

To post a video simply click "video" on the top menu bar and off to the right there will be a green button that says upload your video under the box that says lessons, newletters, member video…etc. Hope that helped. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Kobajo84]

When I first learned the Boomerang Hold- I was told the bottom arm placement was incorrect. Wrist up on your bottom arm can cause strain and result in injury when done repetitively. A lot of people will do this hold with wrist up because it helps them hold their body out from the pole. As an alternative you can use the thumb up position on the bottom arm- as in the video I’ve attached below…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=XzewLrYbtNU
OR as in the previous poster stated, the prayer slide hold of the bottom arm where you are using the pole against your body to hold yourself up:
https://www.studioveena.comhttp&#58://www.triagedesign.co.uk/wikipole/images/3/30/Prayerslide.jpg
Veena does not start teaching any of these moves until her Intermediate lessons. A lot of the spins you’ve already been doing aren’t considered as beginner but rather intermediate level. Levels are subjective though as there isn’t any set standards in pole dancing. You’ll find what works for you and what doesn’t as everyone progresses differently. I hope you do get the opportunity to take advantage of Veena’s lessons as it will help you from going through the trial and error phase on your own.

[Kobajo84]

I initially started my very basics with the expert village youtube video tutorials before I bought Veena’s lessons. You can also check into your local library for pole DVDs. I would recommend learning all those moves/spins you already know on the opposite side or your weaker side. Try doing everything on both sides to equal your strength. The bruises are normal. They’re even worse for self learners because as a self learner we don’t have someone there to instruct us properly in order to avoid those nasty bruises. You can also increase your upper body strength by sustaining a Boomerang hold in a stationary pose and holding it as long as you can. There’s a great online reference for any names of moves you aren’t quite sure of as everyone has a different name for one move- http://www.wikipole.org If you’re not sure what a Boomerang Hold is, I’ve attached the image below.
https://www.studioveena.comhttp&#58://www.triagedesign.co.uk/wikipole/images/0/08/Boomeranghold.jpg
One studio I went to as a warmup the instructor had her students pull their bodies up into this hold for 5 reps (up into pose and then feet back to floor) and then switch the hand placement and repeat for 5 more reps. Hope that helps. I found this move to be great for increasing my strength when I first started.

[Kobajo84]

After strenuous workouts I will eat something high in protein. It helps replenish energy reserves and is good for building muscles. Tuna is high in protein. I’ve attached an article with some good examples of proteins for your diet. I always like to stress the importance of feeding your muscles but you also want to make sure you hydrate them as well. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
http://www.ehow.com/facts_6937027_food-lean-muscle-building.html

[Kobajo84]

I agree with everyone else, Veena’s lessons are a great way to begin your pole journey. Start with just the basics so you’re not having to back track later. It’s also important to start with strength building and conditioning moves first so as not to injure yourself by trying to perform a move your body is not ready for yet. Everything in pole dancing takes time. Inverting can be very dangerous to attempt as your first moves. It’s fun to do but many studios will not teach inverting as a beginner move. It requires built up strength and awareness of your body to safely maneuver. Practicing this move before you’re ready can result in injury. I started with Veena’s lessons and am glad I had the opportunity to learn from her back when pole dancing was in it’s infantile state here in the U.S. over two years ago. There weren’t any studios in my area and since then there are currently 3 studios now close to my home. Pole fitness is an increasing popular trend. It’s important that you learn safely and properly to ensure you’ll be enjoying your new found hobby for many years to come. If you have an area studio close to you, you should check it out. There are also numerous dvds on the market that can teach you basics. It’s great to look at all avenues when learning. But for starters, I am still sticking by Veena’s lessons. They are affordable and instant access from your own home whenever you want them. Good luck and I’m sure I can speak for many of us here, looking forward to seeing your progress!

[Kobajo84]

Thank you everyone so much for your advice! I only ever pole every second day (sometimes every third if something comes up that prevents me from dancing) but even with a rest day or two, some of my bruises were pretty tender. The top of my foot was swollen as well as colorful! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

I’ll give myself more time to heal if the bruises are painful rather than just a little tender. And I’ll definately buy myself some arnica (that stuff sounds amazing!) and I’ll ice the bruises or soon-to-be-bruises as well.

Thanks again! And my bruises thank you, too! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

Have you thought about wearing shoes to help alleviate the pressure area of the bruises? I’ve found alternating between shoes, heels, and bare feet each give me a different experience during pole sessions. Hope that helps. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Kobajo84]

I am selling my Lil Mynx stainless steel 50mm. I decided to get an xpert titanium gold. Depending on weather, ect,ss can be slippery; however, it served me well for almost three years. It’s boxed right now till I can find a new home for it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif The ceiling mount is, of course included. It’s excellent condition, well taken care of.

As a Merry Christmas, all I’m asking for it is the shipping cost to you. I’m in California. Please contact me if interested.

Let me know if you don’t find anyone- I’d be willing to buy this pole. I’m interested in a SS Lil Mynx as I already have a black LiL Mynx rotator pole. I’m looking at getting a stainless steel finish pole to add to my collection and don’t mind that it’s a static only pole. I know a lot of people look for the rotator poles especially making their first pole purchase, this however would pole #3 for me so spinning isn’t a necessity. I can PM you my zip code if you haven’t found a buyer yet. Thanks!

[Kobajo84]

Have you tried amazon.com? They have great deals on pole dvds.

[Kobajo84]

Thanks for all your input https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif …I was reviewing my notes of everything I came up with and I’ll actually be working on the pole sits and pole climbs first to get their skin accustomed to the pole. I don’t plan on working on inverts until week 3 or 4. I agree, with a full class of 8 the majority of my time will be spent spotting so I will have to stick to one move at a time so I can get to everyone. I think I will have them work on their beginner level stuff that they learned until their turn for the new move. Thanks again everyone, this has been really helpful in getting my brain working in teaching mode. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Kobajo84]

I forgot to take into account the number of students: max 8. Number of poles 5: 1 for instructor, 4 poles for students. Since my class will max out at 8 that could mean a full class will equal 2 students per pole- which will limit the time and amount of criteria to cover per class.
So class #1 may consist of: warm up stretching, handstand variations away from pole, basic invert, supervised free pole, cool down stretches.

[Kobajo84]

Tips for Cross Ankle Release

What I find helps with my stability is what the name of the move implies; the action of crossing the ankles…that crossing of the ankles action is what enables your inner thighs to form a locking grip on the pole.

To get to a comfortable feel for that locking of the thighs action that fits just right with the pole, I would recommend going into a simple walk into handstand facing away from the pole. From here you can wrap your legs around the pole and cross your ankles all while slipping your thighs into the position on the pole where you can still use your hands for safe stability. Use your thighs as support to experiment holding your weight and move your hands slightly above ground level. Make sure to keep your hands close to the ground to catch yourself back into a handstand in case your thighs unlock. As your grip gets more comfortable you will be able to move on to the next step- Cross Ankle Release on the pole.

The first time I CAR on the pole, I got my thighs in the "sweet spot" or comfortable grip and crossed my ankles. With my legs extended and my upper body upright, I slowly worked my upper body into a release to a handstand position where my hands supported me on the floor once I released back. If you have someone to spot you, you can have them help you with your release back lowering you safely into the position where you can place your hands on the ground.

If your just wanting to experiment with getting into that "sweet spot", you can always lay on your back on the floor with your butt against the pole and put your legs into CAR position as well. As Veena teaches for safety, always try to do a move from the floor first. Hope some of that helped and good luck. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Kobajo84]

I’m thinking of going too! Keep me in the loop Rena!