[Runemist34]

Haha, Allyson, I know how freaky that can be!
Part of it, I think, is that it sounds like you’re really small in the ribcage (the measurement from under your bust tells me that!) so your chest would, naturally, seem pretty small in general!
The wideness of your back and lats CAN change your measurements a bit, but that’s usually a change in your band size, not just your bust size. Obviously, there is some room for leeway in these measurements- some people have overdeveloped muscles (like us polers!) and might have a slightly different cup size than measured at, but… I actually haven’t seen too much deviation for me! I’ve gone up a band size due to my lats getting bigger, but that’s about it!
Keep in mind, too, that a properly fitting bra doesn’t just fit you in the front. Breast tissue will also be present along the sides of your body, just into the armpit, and your bra should be able to support that as well.
I think you should give the C’s and D’s a try though 😉 Could be neat!

[Runemist34]

Ahh, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve hurt your wrists!
Both myself and my boyfriend are prone to wrist tendonitis… because we do so much on the computer. That is his job- he fixes and works on computers, as well as building websites and such. It can really do a number on him! He’s also really bad about pain, so by the time he notices he’s got a problem, he’s practically in tears.
I’m a little more aware of my pain, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get stubborn about it, and fail to listen to my body!
I also have shoulder tendonitis- the rotator cuff is a horrible thing and it hates my backpack. I go to university, so sometimes that bag can be pretty heavy! I’m always swinging it onto my right shoulder, and finally, the shoulder has said enough is enough!

Sadly, we’re not quite as young as we used to be, and are no longer made of rubber and magic.

I totally agree with you on doing our wrist exercises… and I know I’m bad for neglecting them.

I’m sure you’ll be back on your pole before you know it, and you’ll have your Ayesha no problem, once again 😉 In the meantime, I bet you’ll get the hottest booty of them all!

[Runemist34]

I really like both of those spins, but I’m still working up to them. The boob-smash is usually what happens when I do the tuck spin, so… I guess I’m a little shy about that one! I do believe it’s on my “list,” though, of moves to get this year!
And the corkscrew spin is just amazing and I love it, I’m DEFINITELY not strong enough for it… but I’ll get there!!
I actually haven’t heard any follow-up on the bruise balm. 😉

[Runemist34]

I’m not sure that I would recommend a compression sleeve in this case, as they are generally used for muscles, rather than nerves. I could see the logic behind it- adding some pressure to the joint (wherever it may be) in order to keep the nerve in place, but there are some drawbacks involved in this as well, such as the potential for pressure to aggravate something that may already be inflamed, and possibly to cause your muscles not to have to work as hard (depending on the one you get, how often you use it, ect.) and creating further problems, like tendonitis.
My suggestion would be to listen to the doctor- physical therapy can be of huge help, and the fact that he is wanting to see you in a month’s time to see how the progression with physical therapy is, and to further diagnose any problems, shows that he has interest and experience in these situations.
Often, physical therapy is in replacement of current exercise, especially if the exercise is what’s causing your issue. So, some time off the pole will be needed, but in the long run, probably will allow you to pole for much longer, and without pain, later on.

[Runemist34]

Haha, I’ve seen that diagram before. I was once working on a move (I don’t remember which one) and got about three bruises, on the outside of my thigh, all exactly the same size, shape, and distance apart, moving up to my hip. So weird!
I think that those points do change, depending on your strengths and weaknesses, and also the shape and composition of your body. I know that some people here have bruised LOTS, and I don’t bruise that easy.
My worse struggle was getting my current pole, and discovering that it can be a bit rough on the skin. My inner thighs BURNED so bad afterward! I learned my lesson, and haven’t done quite so many pole sits for a while. I’m getting back to it though.
Gotta say, too… I’ve smashed my boobs on the pole a couple times. I am NOT willing to go through that pain again! I’m going to be super careful when it comes to the corkscrew spin or tuck spin!

[Runemist34]

I think it depends on how far away you are from the warehouse or wherever it’s held 😉
I do understand the wish to invert sooner than later. Many years of being almost “grounded” while pole dancing, and I just don’t want to wait anymore! But, I also don’t want to be hurt. Besides, I’m working on some good stuff, and I’m feeling stronger all the time! 🙂
What kind of pole do you have? I remember my stainless steel one being relatively slippy

[Runemist34]

Hey ambience!
Please, please, please be careful about inverting before you are strong enough!! I’ve seen more than enough people on this forum come back and say “I hurt my shoulder!” “I’ve injured my back!” “I can’t pole for more than six months because I’m in recovery!” And it’s all because they tried to invert too soon!
I realize that many of the more impressive moves appear to come from the basic invert, but there are SO many more things you can work on! Flow, expression, spins and climbing and laybacks all will help you gain strength, and they look so very beautiful! They are also all skills that are very useful after you learn to invert, as you may find yourself in the position to use them, inversions or not.

I’ve been working up toward my basic invert again, and I’ll probably be working on it later in the year. I was barely strong enough the last time I got it, and it was always fairly sloppy and difficult. I wasn’t really strong enough to do anything once upside down in that position, either. I know now- if I’m better able to trust my leg grip, and if I can trust my arms more, and have a better tolerance for pain (which does come), I’ll be way better equipped to invert.

[Runemist34]

This might help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulnar_nerve
I also found a lot of indications that this may also be called “Snapping elbow” or “snapping tricep,” and that they have treatments.
Did the doctor give you any indications for treatment?

[Runemist34]

I actually dragged both my mum and my sister to my last bra-shopping trip! I know (and my sister knows) that she’s also really big in the chest. She doesn’t quite have the same bone structure I do though; I’m built more like a celtic warrior, and she’s a bit more… er, soft, small, and feminine? Haha
However, the most interesting discovery of that trip was my Mum! She turned out to be wearing the wrong size all along. She thought she was a 36 D, but was closer to a 32 H or so. I smiled at her like “Now you know!” Haha, she was surprised, but oh so happy to be supported properly! Her posture changed a lot, and she seemed much more comfortable.
I actually bought six bras on that trip. Three to use first, and once they’re all dead, the next three to last me till the next time I could afford more bras. I wish they weren’t quite so expensive! Not like I asked to be a J 😛
I’m happy to know you ladies are spreading the knowledge, though! There’s just nothing like finding the right bra size when you’ve got a big chest!

[Runemist34]

I hope it helps some people out, too! And you DO have boobs, they’re just resting! After four boys I can only imagine your poor chest needs lots of rest 😉

[Runemist34]

I think that it would just be considered a variation of the same move- similar to which leg you prefer on top when doing a cross ankle release, or which hand is holding you up in some moves.
Personally, I would see it being REALLY difficult to hold on with the back of your leg wrapped around the pole, instead of the front of the leg, such as in that video. You really need to press hard into the pole when doing this move, and lean back so that your elbow holds as well. One of those push-pull things!
However, if you DO figure out how to do it with your front leg, please let me know! Post a tutorial! It would be great to see more of that move 🙂

[Runemist34]

From your description, I’ve heard of it called a “Skater” on the Pole Dance Community Syllabus. I also seem to remember a similar one called a “Falling Star” from the Pole People DVD’s, though that one is done while slowly sliding down the pole (hence the “falling” part). 🙂

[Runemist34]

Right! I have some new pictures for my splits.
Sadly, the middle splits pictures didn’t turn out well, I’ll have those up next time 😉
However, these are my forward splits!
I’m still learning about the angles of the camera… but I think they turned out well!

[Runemist34]

Hi Tiffeey!
It sounds like you had a good chance to get some foundations for pole dancing, and now you’ll be flying free with Veena’s lessons at home! I had a similar experience, and honestly, I really enjoy the freedom of working on my own! As much as the social aspect of dancing at a studio was great, I found studio learning a little limiting, as well.
And, welcome to the forum! Even if you’ve been creeping a while, it’s still wonderful to have direct, positive feedback to your questions and videos here!
I hope you have lots of fun, and keep us updated on your progress! It’s always amazing to see people grow and learn 🙂

[Runemist34]

Hey Veena!
Since this challenge is such a mix of beginner and advanced stretches and moves, what would you suggest for beginners to do on the days where advanced moves are asked for? Such as- what if I’m not able to do a Dragon’s Tail? What shall I do on day 11?
Not that I wouldn’t love to be able to do a Dragon’s tail 😉