[Storypole17]

I use rubbing alcohol with a micro cloth. It will be very slick when in it’s new so make sure to clean it very well before use.

[Storypole17]

I do one where you climb, get into a hold like you’re going to invert but then fan kick, while turning your torso into the pole – that will make you spin down the pole! Give it a try 🙂

[Storypole17]

I always dance in heels :-). I feel weird barefoot – it’s a challenge for me to do pole with no heels! But when I’m learning something new, I will be barefoot until I feel comfortable with it. The heels tend to add a little more weight, so it can feel really strange to do things with them on if you’re not used to it. Keep practicing walking in in them, doing basic filler moves and basic spins. It will pay off I promise!

[Storypole17]

Bumping this!

[Storypole17]

@sasha – I forgot to say that after the cool downs I do veena’s stretching routines! It’s a perfect time to get those in. I really lack flexibility so that’s one of my main goals this year. Do you drink the recovery drink? I notice that if I don’t, I’ll be wicked sore. That stuff really helps.

[Storypole17]

@sasha – I don’t do 70-100 in a row! I would die lol! In a one hour workout :-). This is the second time for me too. I did it a year and a half ago – the classic version but half way thru, my shingles attacked and I was out for the count for months :-(. This time I’m doing the lean and I like it much better bc I tend to bulk up quickly and I had major man-like muscles lol! I’m definitely noticing a difference this time in more lean muscles yay! Also, I’ve added shakeology this time around. When I’m finished, I’m thinking about doing a second round or possibly doing brazil butt lift…not sure yet!

[Storypole17]

@elektra – gosh! Okay there is wide front pull-ups, close grip pull-ups, wide grip chin ups, close grip chin ups, switching wide grip pull-ups, corn on the cob pull-ups (where you walk along the bar with your chin still above). Oh – and towel pull ups (one hand is normal grip and the other is holding onto a towel wrapped over the bar…more similar to holding a pole :-). In one workout – I usually do 70-100 of these…intense!

[Storypole17]

I also am doin P90X and there are tons of different pull ups you do in those workouts! I am able to do about 6-10 in a row depending on the type. However pole pull ups are different and seem to use a bit more bicep and even tricep over a standard wide grip pull up which feels like all lat work! I’ve always had more upper body strength like a guy though…I think if you understand what muscles are needed to engage, anyone can train to do at least one pull up 🙂

[Storypole17]

I am really short with tiny hands and I learned on the 50. I also have a 50 chrome at home. Our studio has one 45 and my fingers still don’t touch when my hand is wrapped around it. I find that advanced tricks are much easier for me on the 45, like twisted grips. But I’m happy I have a 50 chrome at home bc my grip has gotten wicked strong – I feel like I can do anything on brass/titanium gold and smaller diameter poles lol! I wonder if a 40 would be best for me though – that way my fingers could probably wrap all the way around it?!?!

[Storypole17]

I have been poling for over two years and took a six weeks class of lyra a few months ago. I loved it and found it to be an easy transition from pole. Y’all are right about the hands in lyra…ouch! For some reason, i have freakish strong biceps and this really helped me in lyra. I really wish I could’ve continued the class, but I had scheduling conflicts. I really want to try silks too but I have to wait for my schedule to open up!

[Storypole17]

I have the exact same problem! I never can feel a stretch in my legs while in a straddle – only in my lower back. It’s almost impossible for me to rotate my pelvis so I can go forward. I always sit on a rolled up blanket when I do the straddle stretch and only then can I feel the stretch in my legs. I do not think this is a hamstring problem for me bc I can get all the way down with a flat back in the pike position. I really think its a back issue for me. If I sit up straight in a straddle (with no blanket), my back immediately begins to tire from the work required. I had a really bad case of shingles a few years back and ever since then, my back muscles are all sorts of messed up! Thinking of seeing a chiropractor…but I’m nervous about going :-). I constantly foam roll my back, which seems to help before I do the straddle stretch.