[Runemist34]

Yay! That move is so scary to me! Facing the ground like that, my brain has itself a little freak out 😉 I love the look of it, though! I can do the legs part from an elbowstand.
That’s so awesome you’re still giving dancing a go, even with allergies 🙂

[Runemist34]

Wow, an injured hip flexor! That must hurt very often- one of the most used parts of our bodies! I’m lucky I haven’t injured myself from running so far 😉 Just… everything else lol!
I definitely understand chomping at the bit, though. I was dealing with a shoulder injury for a while, and just couldn’t do anything! I so desperately wanted to do… everything! Ahh!
I’m much stronger and more healthy now, so, I think it’s a good time for me to start pole again 😉 And hopefully stick with it! It’s gonna be a challenge.

[Runemist34]

Veena this looks super fun, but a lot of these moves aren’t possible for me. I’m not really even close to a good inverted thigh hold, or a handstand press, or a marley, or like a flag invert woah!

Is there something that people who are “grounded” and not as strong can do during these challenges?

[Runemist34]

Your butterfly looks so solid!! I’m impressed how strong you are!

[Runemist34]

Thanks ladies!! I’m excited to have a pole community again.
I’ve been learning SO much about ADHD, and how it affects things like habits. I seem to get very stuck on prioritization and initiation- the two parts that actually get you started doing things every day, haha 😉 But, I’m trying to put some things in place to help me out. It’s definitely a learning curve, and it doesn’t help when you’re struggling with the very thing you’re trying to help.
It’s so flattering to hear I’ve been missed, or that my old posts and comments were appreciated. Thank you so much for that! It means so much to me.

Strangefox- hitting plateaus is SUPER frustrating! For someone driven for constant novelty/forward motion, it can be horrible. I definitely know how you’re feeling! My plan was always to just change gears when that happens. When I’m lifting weights, I change up my routine pretty often (about every month or so?) and keep it interesting. For pole, you could always change what you’re working on. Like, what about floorwork? Sexy moves? Slowing all your comfortable moves down a bunch? Give yourself some interesting challenges 🙂 Even if you’re working on stuff that feels easy, slowing it down or doing it with more control can make it way, waaaay harder. It’s a good way to challenge your body to break through the plateau!
And yeah, it’s hard to keep doing stuff when it’s not very fun. I’ve been ‘grounded’ pretty much the whole time I’ve pole danced, and it’s hard to stay motivated. I’m starting to figure out there are good ways to have fun on the ground, too! I’ll get aerial… eventually 😉

Dustbunny! I am so touched you were thinking of me! I used to think about putting up videos, but you know all those… roadblocks. I’m sure you know them- I don’t have a nice pole space, or my room is messy, or maybe I don’t the way my thighs look, or maybe I should be better at this move before I post it? It’s tough getting past all the excuses. But, I’m going to see if I can set something up and post, maybe like once a week or so. It may not be perfect, or nice-looking, or great dancing… but, I’m starting to figure out that “perfect” is just a pipe dream my brain lies to me with. I’ll take the 80%, thank you! I would love to have feedback from everyone, even if it is nice comments 🙂

Funny enough, I’ve done so much “research” into pole, I pretty much know how all the moves work within the beginner and intermediate level. I can definitely walk myself through them fairly well! It’s just getting into them, experiencing them, making myself do it. Perhaps eventually I’ll get Veena’s lessons again, once I’m a bit more advanced and need more help!

I actually spent some time figuring out when I’ll dance, how often, what my cue will be (habits need cues! and rewards!). I’ve set it for a time when my partner and my roommate are generally not home… in case I want to get freaky on the kitchen floor lol! I’m sure neither of them would mind, but I get a little self-conscious.
I’m hoping to have my first video for next week. My first baby-step, deer-in-headlights, difficult-transitions video, lol!

Thanks so much for saying hi to me! I’m feeling enthusiastic for now 🙂

[Runemist34]

Quick note to add: Turns out, no blogs anymore?! It’s been a while!

For those curious, I’ll put my little life update here (and if you’re not interested you don’t have to read it).

I stopped coming here because… I guess I found I wasn’t getting much out of it. I was severely depressed, I wasn’t getting anywhere in life. I started paring down the kinds of places I visited online, trying to “declutter” my internet life, and not just my physical life. It has worked well for a while.
I was going to the local studio, run by a friend. I still love going there (11 foot poles and slippy floors are amazing), but unfortunately I didn’t get really any time during classes to practice things I really needed to practice, it was all new, new, new! And I was getting frustrated. I haven’t been back for a few months now, and… well, it was also expensive.
I no longer have a job. I’m not sure if I quit while I was still coming here, but the story behind that is… well, depression nearly killed me. My work almost killed me. I seriously considered suicide for the first time in my life. at the age of 30. I took a huge step back and had to just stop, take a breath. I tried a few antidepressants, but none of then worked for me. They weren’t fun to be on, they didn’t work well. I got a diagnosis that I am now realizing isn’t quite right, but it was something for me to hold on to at the time.
It’s been two years since then. Two years without a job, just getting a bit of money from my partner, and we’re doing okay. It was rough last year, but it’s getting better now.
I have a lot to do, a lot of things to work on. I’m very physically active, I’m very mentally active. I’m just… active. All the time.
As I said above, I have ADHD. I’ll be getting my official diagnosis as soon as I can, and possibly some medication to see if that helps. But, I’m not stupid, I can look up the DSM-V and Severity tests all by myself. They’re actually sitting next to me on my desk, all marked and ready for anyone who wants to see them. I have it, and oh boy, has it been a huge eye-opener.
I’ve literally loved pole dancing for 9 years. NINE YEARS, guys. And I can barely do a basic invert. Without that constant dopamine hit from getting constant new moves, it’s become boring. Everything is boring. It’s always boring. I’m stuck with a brain that is constantly set to “low,” and is looking for “high.”
Yet, at the same time, I’m driven, I can’t stay still, physically or existentially. I must move forward, or I get frustrated, depressed, anxious. I chew the inside of my mouth, and always have, till I bleed, and keep going. I’m shocked it’s not just all scar tissue in there.
Anyways, right now… life is interesting. At least, it is in a vague kind of way.
I’m learning a lot about ADHD. I’ve done a lot of research. I watched a 3 hour lecture on Youtube (and yes, it did take me literally ALL DAY, from when I woke up to when I went to bed), and I’ve done a lot of looking around on the internet, in books, in every resource I can find. It’s like suddenly learning that you’re a fish and not a bird and now you get to learn about all the fish things you never knew!!
I’m getting married. For those who remember… yes, again. My second time. I love this man, I’m constantly shocked that he puts up with me, that he sticks with me. More than that, he loves me. Holy shit, this is FOR REALS. So I’m getting married in May. It’s coming up quickly (as my app likes to remind me, EVERY DAY). I have lots of things on the go for that, but shockingly, it’s going well. I think I maybe have it in hand. Maybe lol!
I’m still working on my first book. I might be also working on another, I’m not sure what it is yet. I love writing. I always have, and always will. I’m so happy I have time to write, to really live my dream.

So… that’s where I’m at right now. It’s frustrating, painful, wonderful, loving, scary. Everything. And, at the same time, each day seems to go by pretty boringly! How weird is that?

And I want to be pole dancing. I want to REALLY be pole dancing. I need help, so here I am.

If you read that whole thing, thank you

[Runemist34]

Hey there!
I think it really depends on your pole space as it is now! Most of us find that dancing on a hard, slick surface (such as hardwood floor) rather than carpet to be much easier, so some people will put down something around their pole, if they can’t get away from the carpet.
Though expensive, I would also seriously recommend a crash mat for your pole! This allows us to train aerial moves with peace of mind, because if we happen to lose grip, or have a bad day with our strength, or just aren’t fully secure with a move yet, that crash mat may mean the difference between uncomfortable and totally injured!
Finally, of course, there are fun things you can add to your space. I would love, one day, to have cool lights in my pole space! Though not necessary, they can sort of help you to feel like your pole space is separate from the rest of your life, giving you the ability to focus and let everything else go. Other people find this simply by changing clothes and closing the door, some love to put their pole shoes on, and some of us don’t even need any of this stuff to get “in the zone!”
It’s all up to you… but I’d say, look into a good crash mat 😉 Even if it’s just for the future, a few months or even a year down the road, you’ll get it and thank yourself one day for putting it down!

[Runemist34]

Even before I started classes at the studio that my friend runs, I had an assessment into my skills and strength. For all of her classes, there is a specific move or set of moves that you have to really be comfortable with before moving up. Inverts? They’re taught at level 3, and there are only 5 levels! So, if you can’t nail your invert, you don’t get to move up to level 4, you gotta keep working at it. It’s about safety!
It sounds like these people aren’t taking responsibility with their training programs. Yes, it is up to us to be able to assess our own abilities, but it’s been scientifically proven (for reals) that people are more likely to go way beyond their own boundaries if they think they’re being instructed to do so by “someone in charge.” Knowing how the body works, and the correct ways to instruct people into a very difficult move like an invert without them hurting themselves is absolutely the responsibility of the person teaching. Assessing the student’s abilities is also the responsibility of the instructor.
Besides that, there are like a thousand other moves that you can do from the ground which would promote better warming up of the pole, more conditioning, and building of strength. Pole doesn’t have to be all, or even a little bit, aerial. I know it looks cool, but there’s a reason we have to work up. It’s the same as not teaching someone how to do a flying roundhouse kick in martial arts on their third day- they’ll probably get wrecked.

Personally, I know it’s super hard to do pole at home, but it sounds like it would be a better option than an irresponsible studio. Sorry to say, but pole dancing has no regulations yet, and there are no consequences for these studios if they teach people too quickly, and very poorly. There are a few where I live (like, a few within two hours drive lol) that teach like this, too. I wouldn’t go to them, ever. If it meant dancing on my pole the way it is now (about a foot of space all the way around- ugh!) or going to one of those studios, I’d stay home.

[Runemist34]

Not being able to progress.
Being that I can no longer go to the studio in town right now, I fear all my progress will be lost, and anything in the future will also be gone.
I mean… that, and also anything that has me upside down, facing the ground. I’m not scared when I’m in a leg hang, CKR, Chopper… but I am scared when I’m in Inverted Crucifix! Something about facing the ground.
But mostly the progression thing. If I can’t progress, I’ll never get to know all the moves I want to learn.
And, I fear being taught in ways that don’t promote grace and interesting movement. I recently did a Teaching Foundations class with Tammy Morris, and her pirouettes and turns were GORGEOUS, and I have literally never been taught anything even close to that, till her. It sucks to think that, even such a simple move, could be made more beautiful if only someone thought to pass that knowledge along (especially for those of us with no dance background).

But literally mostly the progress thing.

[Runemist34]

Hey there!
I’m sorry to hear about your wrist- it really sucks to look at the future and wonder how you’ll get through your day without use of your dominant hand. However, humans are extremely adaptable, and you’d be surprised how much you can do with your non-dominant side, especially with days of practice and immersion!
That said, a lot of the tricks you’re looking at that are low on the pole DO require both hands. In the inverted pose you’re showing in the picture, both hands are working hard to keep Olga’s body upright and balanced. I would be wary of practicing these sorts of poses if your wrist is unhappy. Also, of course, practicing both sides is often key to being able to execute a move well, and making sure the body is appropriately balanced.
Most of these moves, though, I find most often when looking at floorwork videos for pole dance. I really love the exotic style of pole, and floorwork is a big part of that! I’ve seen this particular move done many times, and even taken into some other interesting moves with a similar grip/balance. I have also seen spins done low down, as well as other moves like Superman done from very low, and things like Cross Ankle Release.
I don’t know of anyone who specifically teaches these tricks, and in fact, many of these kinds of tricks do not have names. That’s the trouble with exotic pole- a lot of things that are done aren’t named, because they often look a lot like transitions, enough that they cannot be separated.

I wish you luck with your wrist and your healing!

[Runemist34]

I have one full rest day a week, where I am NOT ALLOWED to do anything on the pole, or any running, or anything. Not even flexibility. Nothing.
Rest days are supposed to be just that: REST. Cardio still works your muscles, and for things like pole, unless you’re doing something that you find very, very easy, then you aren’t really resting.
My other days depend; either I’m doing pole, cardio, or both. Rarely do I like to pair them up on the same day, because I can get very tired, quickly! So, I pole dance four days a week, and run for three days a week. One of those days, they double up. One of the days, I don’t do anything!
For more active rest days, I would recommend something that is light impact, easy, and not too strenuous. Even yoga can be too much, depending on what you’re doing. A walk is good, and hooping, some tidying of the house, something easy!

[Runemist34]

It’s literally been years of me thinking “I should get some of these” and not doing it.
I think they “fit small” because the intention is that they would fit CLOSE, so that there’s no leaks sneaking out the side or legs or anything. You could always check out their return policy on incorrect sizing? What I always get hung up on is style. I hate most types of panties, and it’s gotta be a specific shape or else I’m just going to be uncomfortable! Hard to buy these things online.

[Runemist34]

Did you just purchase this pole? Was the piece missing from the package they sent you? If so, I would absolutely contact the company and request the piece.
Otherwise, perhaps they would be able to sell you a replacement part for your pole.
I feel the need to also caution you against doing any sorts of spins or lifts on this pole. It is not intended to take your body weight, at all, in any direction. I would rather not hear about an injury or terrible experience! Please be safe

[Runemist34]

It simply sounds like a grip issue- we all have them! Whether the issue is too much, or not enough, it can be very tricky to manage. With my powder coated pole at home, I find it extremely grippy after a little bit of warming up, and I generally do not practice spins after that point. At the studio, right now it’s definitely a lack of grip, and so spins are fine!
As far as I know, dry hands is generally meant for increasing grip on the pole, rather than reducing it.
What kinds of spins are you attempting? How is your momentum during this part of the spin? I know that certain spins, upon changing body position, can slow down during the spin and even come to a halt.

[Runemist34]

Hey there!
This is actually a surprisingly common thing! Most of us don’t sit in this position naturally anymore, so our core muscles (including the back!) are weak, and it feels very uncomfortable supporting us in this position!
I still have problems with it, but I am seeing improvement as I work hard to strengthen my muscles, as well as just sitting in this position during yoga.
It’s unlikely to be a flexibility issue, as I think it would be pretty hindering in everyday life to be this tight (I assume you can sit comfortably in a chair with your feet up, and not have this rounding issue, as your back is supported!).
A big part of it is practice. When sitting in this position, think about lifting your chest up. This should engage the muscles in your core in the right way to have you sit upright. However, I would say not to be surprised if this is very hard! If you get tired quickly, that’s okay! You are still strengthening the muscles and working your way toward it.