[SpookyPoler]

I like the Blue Christmas versions by Nancy Wilson and Joe Perry.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=%22blue+christmas%22+axemas&x=0&y=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=%22blue+christmas%22+wilson&x=0&y=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Gary Hoey
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=%22blue+christmas%22+axemas&x=0&y=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch by Gary Hoey
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=gary+hoey+grinch&x=0&y=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SpookyPoler]

What a wonderful site – thank you for sharing. I’ve been dealing with body issues thanks to extra weight and a pooch from a c-section 7 months ago. I’ve always been a thin person and was in good shape having taught pole dancing the past 5 years, so it has been especially hard to accept my new shape. I look forward to reading more of the stories on the site. Luckily I have a beautiful baby girl that helps remind me that the stretch marks and extra belly were absolutely worth it.

[SpookyPoler]

I’ve been doing parties for 5 years and would be more than happy to share any info or answer questions. Feel free to send me a message if you’d like.

One of the biggest tips from my experience is to invest in a good quality stage pole if at all possible. I’ve been very thankful to have them on many occasions. When I started I used a Platinum Stages super pole I had far too many occasions where I couldn’t accommodate vaulted ceilings, had a hard time finding studs in their ceiling, and had the awkward times when the pole would get stuck, and I don’t have to carry around a stepladder or worry about damaging ceilings or poles falling. I currently use an X-stage and have top extensions cut to different heights and it has been so much easier – I’m set up in under 10 minutes. Another plus is that you can iron on your company name/logo/website on the fabric side panels which will be visible in party photos the guests take and gets you free advertising when they share the photos with friends.

[SpookyPoler]

I originally used Platinum Stages but also had issues with quality and service so we installed X-poles. We had a handyman permanently mount the top plates in the rafters of our drop-ceilings to make them more secure and it’s been a breeze taking them up and down as needed.

[SpookyPoler]

I had a c-section 5 months ago and I’m just now starting to get back into it. I was advised by my doctor to not even do any exercises that involve the stomach muscles for a minimum of 12 weeks, and after that to take it very slowly. It definitely felt very odd when I did start attempting a few spins and I couldn’t do much before I felt sore, but it’s slowly starting to get easier and the strength is coming back. I would be very careful since a c-section is major surgery and those muscles need plenty of time to heal. The most frustrating part for me has been the long wait and feeling how much weaker my abs are and trying to build them back up.

[SpookyPoler]

I know a lot of studios, mine included, use MindBody Online. It offers all of the features you listed. Although for pole studios that offer parties, it does require some tweaking to make it work, but it can be done. Some of the setup can be cumbersome, but they are pretty good about listening to suggestions and regular improvements to the system, and they include several hours of training as part of the package.

http://www.mindbodyonline.com

[SpookyPoler]

They weren’t the Mighty Grip ankle protectors worn upside down were they?

http://mightygrip.info/mighty-grip-pole-dance-pole-dance-anklets-wristband-anklets-p-483.html

[SpookyPoler]

Luckily I have my 6 week checkup this week, so I’ll have a better idea of what I’m allowed to do going forward. Then, I’ll just have to patiently wait until the baby gives me long enough breaks during the day so I can start practicing again.

[SpookyPoler]

I’ve been breastfeeding, so I’m totally exhausted and have a ridiculous appetite. I cheated on the doctor’s no exercise orders and went out for a long walk with her yesterday and couldn’t believe how worn out I was just from an hour walk. I live in north Peoria, so on the opposite side of town from most people but it’s not a long drive to Scottsdale from where I am thanks to the 101.

So how was it getting back to poling after the baby? I know I’ll need to be extra careful to ease back into it because of the c-section but I wonder how my poor stomach muscles will feel. I didn’t actually stop until around 37 weeks, so my upper body should hopefully still be in decent shape.

[SpookyPoler]

I had a baby girl 5 weeks ago. It’s my first baby, so it’s all new to me. Totally exhausting but I love it! I unfortunately had a c-section though so it will be a while before I can get back on the pole. I did put on a pair of new heels (I bought myself new shoes for post-baby to make myself feel better) and walked around the pole and did some stretches the other day though.

[SpookyPoler]

I’m in the west valley and am willing to donate space for a meetup for anyone on this side of town. I sadly cannot participate though because I just had a baby https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

[SpookyPoler]

I definitely suggest calling the Xpole U.S. offices directly and letting them know where you purchased it from. I am an Xpole reseller and in the very few cases I’ve had issues with poles they are extremely helpful and willing to work directly with the buyer to troubleshoot problems or send replacement parts. Since the new poles just came out they may know of any issues that have come up. Hope you can get it sorted out with them!

[SpookyPoler]

Just wanted to note for those who may need to cut the pole down, it’s really simple to do on your own. I bought a $15 Dremel type tool and used one of the supplied attachments to cut it down. You just use the small wrench supplied with the pole to take the top cap off, measure down to where you want to cut and wrap the pole with tape, then just saw through it and pop the cap back on. I had my husband do the first one, but it was easy enough that I cut the other 3 extensions down myself.

[SpookyPoler]

I love the stages as well. Mine were purchased for my studio and are used for parties and rentals so they get used a lot, but are holding up well and have never tipped or felt unstable. I’ve got it down to about a 5 minute setup now, and even though they are heavy they are still much easier to move around and store than the other stage options.

The only problems I’ve had with the stages are that the cases/zippers break easily (not a problem if you aren’t moving them frequently), a few of the spring loaded clips that hold the floor panels in place have broken but the panels still feel secure, and every once in a while in static mode the poles loosen and start spinning and need to be re-tightened. Despite those minor issues I still think they are hands down the best stages and are certainly a worthwhile investment if you need a stage option for your location.

[SpookyPoler]

It’s a girl. Or as the ladies at the studio like to refer to her -My Future Pole Dance Instructor https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif