[LatinPoler]

I agree, stress plays a major role… when I was learning the cross knee release, I could only do it on my relaxed days. On stressed days, it felt terrible and I was not even confident to let go.
Regarding BM, I also agree that the best way to learn it for first timers is from a tumble, more specifically, from a sit. I don’t get why people teach this right away from a shoulder mount, which is quite hard on its own plus not the safest way to invert…

[LatinPoler]

The candlestick option sounds doable, thanks!

[LatinPoler]

I think so. Have a look at this… no instruction though: http://www.polefreaks.com/handstand-training-brass-monkey-entries/

[LatinPoler]

I’m also interested!
There is a lesson in CRNP on how to entry from the floor, it’s call Spinning Brass Monkey. I think you need a great deal of flexibility though, I tried and I was not able to lift my extended leg high enough to hook on the pole.
Since the floor option is not achievable for me, I think the easier way to learn is from a sit. Are you aware of any tutorial?

[LatinPoler]

Thanks! Feeling much better today, almost normal. I rested the area and applied Arnica and Vanicream that was what I had at home, also Aveeno Sheer hydration that is my daily lotion. I note down the Aveeno Eczema and soothing for future issues! I think I will wait two more days until it feels 100% recovered and try the Gemini and see how it feels. Now I have skin burn on my shoulder due to many shoulder mounts 🙁 I have sensitive skin and I guess I’m more prone to issues.

[LatinPoler]

Thanks! I think Aveeno for Eczema is a great suggestion, it has worked well for me before. I’m feeling better today thankfully.

[LatinPoler]

In my humble opinion, yes, definitively, way too much to handle. You need rest days. You need to give time to your body to process and interiorize what it is learning. It’s hard to commit to one program only because life happens. So commit to three or four… extremely difficult. You can eat an elephant bite by bite, but not all once.

[LatinPoler]

I’ve been dancing on x-stage lite for 6 months now. I like it. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the platform, but now it’s fine. Not ideal for floorwork, you may need to modify some moves. Also it’s a little noisy if you are wearing heels. But overall, for me it has been a great improvement vs. dancing on carpet with limited space. I don’t know the other brand.

[LatinPoler]

Good choice PoleAdventures! Personally, I don’t think ketosis is healthy in the long run. Eating everything in controlled portions and being mindful of sugar and bad fats sounds better and more sustainable.

[LatinPoler]

Good luck with your exams! Body does change with age by the way… How it changes is also written in your genes I think. But of course there always room to improve whithin our nature 😉

[LatinPoler]

Have you checked Amazon.com? Most grip aids can be purchased from there… you don’t need to purchase from the grip aid vendor necessarily.

[LatinPoler]

I used to run half marathons before started poling, maybe that’s why I don’t think pole provides enough continuous cardio effort. Yes, it does provide some amount of cardio, specially if you do flow, but I don’t think that the 4min that a song typically lasts is enough… It’s more interval cardio, ups and downs, but not the same as typical aerobic activities. Both interval and continuos provide benefits.
Poleadventures, our genes define our shape in great extent… Unfortunately, that’s not easy to change. I think the hormonal balance has something to do as well, controlling where people gain/loose volume. Be mindful of the sugar you take! That’s not only the sugar you put in your coffee… it’s hidden everywhere! Read the labels 😉

[LatinPoler]

You cannot spot reduce (unless you want to get surgery) but you can spot tone.

In order to reduce that wobbly thing, you’ll need to lose fat overall… Cardio, streght training and being mindful of what you eat (and drink) is the way to do it. Personally, I don’t think pole provides enough cardio. You cannot be pole dancing non-stop for 1 hour, like you do when you run or cycle. I would recommend you added 3 cardio sessions minimun to your pole routine, maybe start with 20 minutes, but you want to do at least 30 per session, ideally longer (40-60min). You can also play with the intensity, do shorter, more intense workouts, interval training, longer, slower pace sessions… I recommend running, since it has many other benefits for women and you can do it anywhere, but please check if it is right for you.

Besides, you may want to increase your core work. If you do Veena’s routines, you may want to add more reps or weights.

But keep in mind that each body is different and it may be difficult to change… our genes control our shapes. I know I will never have skinny legs If you have improved overall, that may be more than enough! Wanting to improve is very legit, but always love your body 💕

[LatinPoler]

I use Aveeno sheer hydration (blue lid) every time I shower and it’s absolutely perfect. It lives up to the name and it’s like wearing nothing. Before pole, I use medium. I have dry skin and live in a hot, dry climate now. I may add Mighty Grip powder or iTac, depending on what I’m planning to work on.

[LatinPoler]

I have a muscular body and I’m proud of it. It’s not perfect, but for me, it’s a proof of my fitness and exercise throughout my life. It is easier to have a non muscular, soft body, than a toned, muscular one. I was muscular before I started pole dancing. Maybe my arms and abs have a tad more definition, but I don’t think pole dancing has made a great difference. But it has made a great difference in my mind and body awarenesss. Maybe I’m being positive about my body thanks to pole dancing.