Runemist34
Forum Replies Created
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I actually share this fear- I’ve been afraid of being upside down for a long time. It holds me back, and yes, I know that I am strong enough.
For example, I know that I’m strong enough to do a Cross ankle release, and I can do them from the ground with NO problem, lifting myself up into a sit from that position. But, can I do it after climbing? Nope. No way.
Doing basic inverts, and into things like the inverted crucifix, scares me even more. I can see the ground, and I don’t trust that my arms will be able to help me if I fall, or that my body will know how to keep me safe.
But, as I said, I KNOW that I am strong enough. I’ve had instances of falling out of moves like Cross ankle release, and came away uninjured. I’ve fallen in many other ways, too- things like going really fast on roller blades when I was trying to learn, and hitting a rock. I flipped around in the air, and landed, continuing the momentum with the roll. Again, came out uninjured, though my jeans took a bit of a beating!
My body knows what to do. I am stronger than I think I am. Heck, my MOM did a forearm stand twice during yoga a couple weeks ago, and I’m way stronger than she is! But, the fear holds me back from a move that I want so much: a handstand, or forearm stand, anything like that.Knowing how much I do about fear, the only and best advice is this: You must face it. Fears like this are all about reward. You are rewarding your brain by feeling the fear by avoiding the thing you’re afraid of- you’re reinforcing your belief that it is dangerous and “impossible.” Those feelings will simply grow, as is the way of these things, as you avoid them more and more.
However, what I don’t recommend is just jumping in and going at it, full force, and hoping that you’ll figure it out!
Take it slow, allow yourself to get used to the feelings of being inverted. Breathe slowly and deeply (this indicates to your brain and body that you are safe and able to relax), feel your muscles work, think about where you are in that moment. Allow yourself to marvel at how you are doing something amazing, scary, and beautiful.
Work on your exits, too. This can really help the “logical” part of your brain from getting caught up in those emotions, and telling you about all the horrible things that can happen to you. If you’re able to do a handstand, try practicing going from a handstand into moves that are more difficult. This way, you’ll be able to perform this “backwards” and get out of more difficult moves in a safe and familiar way. Practice transitioning into and out of the move, and focus on that aspect of the work, rather than how you’re doing that move.
And seriously, breathe. Whether you’re thinking about the move, doing the move, practicing parts of the move, or just doing anything related to it… remember to breathe deeply. The positive association does wonders. -
Part of the reason I find dance so fascinating, I think, is that I see it as a sort of language. People can use dance to express their feelings, tell a story.
Similar to how we can explain “writing” as sequencing words into sentences, those sentences into paragraphs, and thus into pages, books, and such, I think it similar to dancing. We can make even the smallest turn of the hand into an expression of emotion, which is the same as using a particular word to convey a feeling within writing.
So, while the basic definition is accurate, it’s sort of like a basic framework to use. Everyone has their style, their voice, within both writing and dance 🙂 -
I’ve had really tight hamstrings most of my life, so I know how you feel!
I found that stretching, slowly and carefully, with both a straightened back and a rounded back, as well as flexed and pointed feet, allows me to feel more comfortable in a pike position doing whatever I may be doing.
I would also stress, seriously, the importance of patience. I’ve pushed the pike stretch before, and thought “Oh, if I just go a little further, it’ll be okay,” and it really wasn’t! I managed to damage both my hamstrings, and had to lay off all stretching for them for months and months.
Stretch, slowly, until you feel some discomfort. Just the littlest pull, and then stay there. Stretch when really warm, too. Try stretches from standing, sitting, and one leg at a time.
You’ll get there! No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll get there! I can touch the ground from standing now 😉 If I can do it, I know you can too! -
Looks like the pole in that video is a custom job done by a theatre company (who does aerial tricks such as trapeze, also) called Flight or Fight Entertainment. That’s the only information I could find, from the video’s description.
I’ve honestly never seen anything like this in production, so I think you have to dish out the big bucks for a custom job! -
You should check out Finding your Freestyle! Some of their earlier videos on Youtube are great challenges for getting used to freestyling, and changing things up.
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I was going to do it yesterday, and ended up getting roped into helping the boyfriend with his paperwork (I didn’t mind so much, he’s paying me), and then I was gonna do it today, and I’m sick again!
Rawr!
I’ll catch up, I promise! -
Also, @Tesar, you’re gorgeous and don’t need to get rid of anything!
Besides, for many women, that belly fat (and often hip fat) is the one thing your body wants to hold on to, quite dearly, because it’s healthier for us. We need a little jiggle to stay happy!
And your normal weight is what’s normal for you! My normal weight, without working out or running or anything, is just a bit above yours… and anything below that, I end up starving! -
Polekat, that’s not a daft question!
I’ve been measured with a bra on, by someone who is really really good, and she got my size correct, even though the bra was the wrong size. I’m not exactly sure how 😉
However, at home, generally I actually do measure myself (or get my boyfriend to measure me, hah!) while naked.
A “true gague” is sort of hard, because like jeans, every bra maker will have slightly different ideas about what an inch is, apparently. Some will fit loose, some tight, some will be better for certain shapes of boobs, and some fairly universal.
The measurement is meant to give you a better idea of where you should be looking- also like jeans 😉
Good example of this is that my band size never seems to move unless I develop more lats, but my cup size is slightly more transient. Depending on the shape and type of the bra, I can either be a J, or a K, though I measure right at a J. -
lol, you guys are so tall! I’m 5′ 7″ and about 200 lbs right now- gained the weight when I started running 😉 I have a pretty hearty bone structure, so I look fairly well-proportioned in comparison to my long legs, big chest, and large hips 😉
When I put my pole heels on though, I’m super tall. Like, super tall.
I mostly have very small friends though. Not sure how that worked out! I feel like some kind of massive amazon woman compared to most of the people I know! -
Lol, Veena, at least you don’t have to worry about them getting in your way! Also, you could wear proper plate armor and still move 😉 haha
Besides, boobs or no boobs, you always look gorgeous 😉 -
Hey there!
Personally, I use a cheapish webcam, and record, edit, and export using Windows Movie Maker. It’s pretty basic, but it does a good job, and is relatively easy to figure out (especially with the help of Google!).
Using a phone, I have an iPhone, so I don’t think the files are saved or recorded in very large or complex types, which allows me to e-mail them to myself. It’s unfortunate to hear that Android is a bit more complicated… at least for the technological newbies like us 😉
I do have a more expensive video camera to use, but I haven’t felt that I need it at this time. Due to the frustrating lack of size of my recording space (my bedroom), I just figured it would be easiest to work with the basic webcam, instead of a proper video camera… which I will use when I have a bit more space, and maybe want a bit more detail 😉 -
I totally agree with the other two: These things take time, and you will progress at your pace, and no one else’s!
I’ve been poling for 6 years, but due to a lack of social encouragement (particularly from my ex), a lack of confidence (as in, I didn’t think I could really make any progress) and just general laziness (I preferred the comfort of the couch or my bed to the discomfort of getting used to a pole sit), I haven’t made much progress at all. I did, however, learn a LOT about my mind and body!
My “resting weight,” when I’m not working out or running, is between 165 and 175 lbs, and I’m 5′ 7″. My current weight, since starting running last year and getting into pole properly about six months ago, is now 200lbs. I haven’t gained any size- in fact, I’d say I’m losing some! I am, however, a lot stronger and more “dense” than I used to be. I got muscle, and I’m super happy with that 😉
So, don’t worry about your weight, don’t worry about how fast or slow you progress! After six years and barely being able to do a basic invert by the end of that time, I know that some people just take time.
And, I bet you anything you’ll take a lot shorter time than that to achieve a lofty goal like a basic invert! Even if it takes you a year, you’ll be about six times quicker than me 😉 haha -
If you had a great experience at VS, and you fit into their bras, then all the power to you! I love looking at their stuff- it’s sort of one of those forever-longing things, though. I’ll never fit into them!
I’m glad to hear you’re happy and comfortable in your new bras, though! That’s exciting 🙂 I’m glad my information helped, and that everyone here helped encourage you to check it out! -
I think measuring for band size above the boobs is kind of weird… considering the band isn’t going to be going over your boobs ever! Well, maybe except for certain times, but… those are times when the bra isn’t doing anything for you 😛
And I agree with Veena, sternums can be sexy too! A friend of mine is really small, not just in the chest but just generally- one of those quick, compact people! And she was doing pole instruction for a while, and I couldn’t get over how defined her pecs are! It definitely looked sexy, regardless as to how little her chest was 😉 -
KrazyKitty, you’ve also been suggesting to LilyG3013 on her forum, in which she says she has an Ulnar Deviation, to get a compression sleeve and be done with it… and now it’s “I don’t know what that is but it sounds worse”? You’re giving medical advice to a problem you know nothing about? That seems really horrible to me!!
And yeah, some compression on an unhappy tendon can FEEL good, but it doesn’t make the problem go away! Rehabilitating the tendon and muscle is the only way to properly and permanently heal tendonitis, and that also requires a lot of rest! I’ve had more tendonitis in my body than anyone else I know. It’s terrible, but I think I’ve done more than enough research, and learned enough from doctors and physiotherapists to be able to say that with some authority!
And no, not everyone gets tendonitis when they first start… nor SHOULD they ever get it! Proper training would prevent it from happening, and simply laying down and saying that everyone has to deal with it is NOT helping the problem at all!