[PhillyPoleJess]

::::Totally blushing:::: from poler girl https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif

A lot of times I just come on here and look through all the videos from the last time i was on ( which is every other day or so)

Marlo at tri pole (bad to the sexy bone)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWSG3CU3SyA

Rafaela (sharp precise powerhouse woman)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUdB4Xa2v2Q

Chinese Pole (helps think out of box and remember to try things i have never seen even though it has probably already been done)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr0-oiDR1RM

 

Doubles not pole but always makes me want to train harder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MEaTz4dGmk

[PhillyPoleJess]

I am so excited for all of the competitors many of whom I have been watching on YouTube for the past three years. This will be the first year not making it to NYC for the big comp so I must hear all the news

[PhillyPoleJess]

Let the list begin! So far heard acceptances!
Pro
Karol
Allison Cox

Amateur
Heidi from pole waxers (forgive me if name is wrong)

[PhillyPoleJess]

I would still start from the beginning learning  all the basic transitions, spins, and proper ways of inverting.  Already having strength, flexibility, and an understanding of balance and momentum will help you immensely, but like anything else start with the foundation.   Most gymnasts learn the basics quickly.  Plus these moves often are the foundation of other ones like a back hook can transition to an open V, invert, figure head, shoulder mount. ( you may not know what all of those things are but you will eventually)

Getting Veena's lessons would be your best bet because they will allow you to work at your own pace and has plenty of choices.

[PhillyPoleJess]

If using strap or towel like the other ladies said use resistance to build stretch strength.

[PhillyPoleJess]

Getting a yoga strap helps for practicing splits when laying on the back if nowhere close. It allows a consistent resistance where as if struggling to pull leg back with hands can be inconsistent. Yoga straps can be bought at target for 8-15. Some people use towels or scarves. I have tried resistance bands for this but find too stretchy. The strap can also be helpful for the upright scorpion

[PhillyPoleJess]

Chips and salsa are my favorite! Adding to veena's idea i often make my own chips because they too can be high in sodium.   I take whole wheat wraps cut them up brush a little bit of olive oil on them and sprinkle a little chili or garlic powder on (no sodium stuff of course) 

Use hummus instead of mayo on sandwiches. 

Use plain greek yogurt as sour cream or for things that require a lot of mayo like potato salad.

Blend greek yogurt (plain or flavored), favorite fruit, unsweetended cocoa, and a tad of honey or agave  if using plain and freeze into pops for later.  My fav is vanilla greek yogurt, raspberry, and cocoa

Edamame – just don't add much salt use other spices to help.

 Nachos Semi healthy- A favorite in my house that substitutes ready made ingredients for  fresher ones.  Homemade tortilla, Pico de gallo, beans (if from can rinse well), corn,  avocado,  plain greek yogurt, jalapeno

Oats – Good oats take some time to cook, but i just  cook some up every few days and reheat portions as needed  add a little soy milk (regular low fat milk is fine too) and some frozen berries or fresh fruit.

[PhillyPoleJess]

Has anyone tried the valentino brothers dvds or worked with them in real life?  They always interest me.  www.valentinobrothers.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/Elasticsteel  ( i am going to use this guys older videos for some dynamic stretches to make it easier to learn how to hold upright splits, open v's, and to be sure my muscles are strong in stretches.  Also going to look into martial arts stretching.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVq9nL_tLbo ( this girl goes through some great stretches, but make sure you read little box first)

[PhillyPoleJess]

Plus no matter how good all the moves are explained on any video, I always have a question, big or small, about at least one of the moves. Here at Veena’s you can leave a comment on the video if extra help is needed

[PhillyPoleJess]

Plus studio Veena lessons can be viewed on the iPhone which makes it a lot easier if your pole is not near a DVD player!

[PhillyPoleJess]

I know one of the other ladies (Chemgoddess?) mentioned this in another strength thread and it really is the best fitness mag geared for women. http://www.oxygenmag.com some of the articles will be more feared to gym machines but they do have a lot of free weight and body weight exercises

[PhillyPoleJess]

First and foremost Veena has some great strength lessons.
Pole leg lifts. Hold the pole like you are inverting and crunch abs. You can vary this many legs let your feet touch ground after, feet never touch, knees up, open v, straight legs together, to make harder as raising and lowering pause and hold, if really advanced try lifting to chopper, lowering, repeat, repeat. Also can be done in shoulder mount position. At first the hip flexors may hurt more than abs. If holding raising knees to chest is too much traditional ab exercises are probably best, again Veena has good lessons for this, arm, and back strength.
Happy poling!

[PhillyPoleJess]

oh well, im glad i at least got up there and did it even though im too fat to be a stripper

I am sorry you experienced that. A former student of mine had that happen at one of the "upscale" gentlemen’s club so she went to a different club (still reputable though) and was hired with just an interview. The club had recently lost one of their thick girls and she was the replacement. Some clubs have girl "quotas," meaning they have so many per type of girl working in the club at the time from style (rock, hip hop, girl next door) to body type (slim, thick, booty, huge boobs, no boobs). All I am saying is if it is what you really want to dance don’t let one guy tell you no. There are other clubs and believe me. Who cares what size, you are strong and sexy… always remember that and project it.

[PhillyPoleJess]

people who are amazing performers…
Leigh Ann Reilly – owner of Bespun
Marlo Fisken- my personal favorite. She is the sex
Nadia sherriff- total powerhouse always bringing something different to the plate
Michula Nunez super sensual control
Natasha Wang our very own SV girl winning 3 titles this year.

[PhillyPoleJess]

As with Chemgoddess I am a big believer in oxygen I check the website and it is the only fitness magazine I find worth subscribing to. Tosca is a goddess.
Bodyrock.tv is my favorite workout blog. Zuzana kicks me all over each time. I don’t follow all the workouts but they are great because can be modified. For example my friend with bad ankles doesn’t do the jumping stuff just switches quickly. Plus there is a whole archive on the site!