[chemgoddess1]

Can you do an iguana mount or a pencil? I have not been able to do this with the split grip (one by head, one by butt) mainly due to shoulder inflexibility but I can do it using the iguana/pencil hold.

[chemgoddess1]

Go back to pages 3 and 4…there are a bunch of vids posted.

[chemgoddess1]

I cannot wrap my head around a standard cartwheel or handspring but can do this move, although I have to start with my bottom hand very low to the ground. To me this uses more back/shoulder muscles than straight arm muscles, but I also strained my shoulder (already was injured) when I was first learning this. It also seems to me that I am more stable in this grip. I can slide into a twisted grip aysha from an inverted crucifix but still cannot do a standard split grip aysha (but I am CLOSE).

[chemgoddess1]

We all have limitations. I have very inflexible shoulders that make some moves nearly impossible/dangerous for me. Even though I have been trying to work on getting them more flexible I have to realize that it may never be.

I also have very long arms and legs and a very short waist so finding balance is not always easy.

It took me the longest time to get superman. I found it easier on a skinny pole at first. And I had the WORST bruises on my inner thighs from them getting stuck on the pole while I was trying to turn over.

I also have some upside down fear issues. Any higher than 8′ off the ground and I freak. I also cannot get past my survival mode for doing a cartwheel.

So you are not alone!

[chemgoddess1]

They had a similar version of this at Aldi that i picked up. I really need to work more with it.

[chemgoddess1]

Is that a version of the Roxy spin that Karol does at the beginning??

[chemgoddess1]

Just a comment on the Olympics things (and maybe I should post it on the thread), I read an interview regarding this subject and one thing that really stuck in my mind. When you say pole dancing the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind is strip clubs. Until that link is taken away pole dancing will NEVER get past the commission.

I would also hate to see it become all performances like Oona. She is incredible but she reminds me more of a gymnastics performer than a pole performer.

[chemgoddess1]

Looks like it was a blast and jealous of all you that live out there….

[chemgoddess1]

Flyleaf
Kidney Thieves (they do a GREAT cover of Crazy)
Bitter:Sweet

[chemgoddess1]

In all 3 photos it does not look like you are pointing your toes at all. Aim to point your toes and entire foot toward your right shoulder. You really need a hook in that knee and it looks like you just have a bend (if that makes sense). Think about sitting Indian style with that leg.

[chemgoddess1]

The first thing that popped into mind was zinc. Zinc deficiency can cause allergic reactions and also eczema. I know that fish oil and vitamin E are also good for it. DO NOT buy cheapo fish oil. Spend the money for the good stuff (Carlson’s, Barleans). Also look for vitamin E that has mixed tocopherols. Amlactin is also a really good lotion/cream for it. You can buy it at the pharmacy but you need to get it behind the counter. It is ammonium lactate (12% lactic acid) and I will tell you that it will burn like a mother when you put it on. It comes as both a lotion and a cream. I like the lotion better. It runs about $18 for 8oz.

BTW, I buy most of my vitamins from Swanson Vitamins. They have really good quality supplements at a really good price. They also often run coupons (you can find them online) and their shipments come within a few days.

I found this:

Diet plays an integral role in allergy/sensitivity-type disorders such as atopic and allergic contact eczema. While the buildup of chemicals in the body puts increasing stress on the immune system, a nutrient-deficient diet weakens immunity even further, causing it to eventually buckle under the toxic overload.

Below are some key nutrients that have been proven to be able to help ease the symptoms of eczema, as well as to restore balance to the immune system and to strengthen it against further flare-ups.

* Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and selenium). Ensuring that your diet is rich with these well-known free-radical scavengers can help support the body’s defences against the daily chemical onslaught. Vitamin C strengthens the skin; vitamin E improves skin healing; and vitamin A helps to regulate the rapid turnover of skin cells seen in eczema. The trace mineral selenium plays a crucial role in the glutathione-peroxidase system (the body’s natural antioxidant process) and is effective for detoxing heavy metals. Suggested dosages: vitamin C, 1000 mg twice daily; vitamin E, 400 IU/day; vitamin A, 5000-10,000 IU/day; selenium, 50-200 mcg/day

* B vitamins. B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) are both integral to the process of new cell formation, and play a key role in the healthy function of body tissue – especially skin, which has a quick rate of turnover. A deficiency of these vitamins has been linked to various types of eczema and other skin disorders. Suggested dosages: B3, 100-500 mg/day; B6, 50-100 mg/day

* Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid found naturally in borage (starflower), evening primrose and blackcurrant oils, could help to improve the roughened skin seen with eczema, as well as keep inflammation under control (Am J Clin Nutr, 2000; 71 : 367-72S). One study gave 3 g/day of GLA for 28 days to children with atopic eczema; although none were completely cured, all experienced improvement in their symptoms and a reduced need for medication (J Int Med Res, 1994; 22: 24-32). Suggested dosage: 2-3 g/day

* Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids have recognised anti-inflammatory properties. A double-blind study found that atopic eczema patients given 10 g of fish oil for 12 weeks all achieved a reduction in itching, scaling and other eczema symptoms (J Intern Med Suppl, 1989; 225: 233-6). Suggested dosage: 1000 mg three times daily

* Zinc. A deficiency in this essential mineral is common among people with allergies, and may play a role in the development of recurring or chronic eczema (Br J Dermatol, 1984; 111: 597-601). One team of Hungarian researchers found that zinc supplementation reduced the severity of eczema symptoms in children (Orv Hetil, 1989; 130: 2465-9). Suggested dosage: 15 mg/day of zinc with 2 mg of copper (as zinc is known to deplete the body’s copper reserves)

[chemgoddess1]

Happy Birthday!

[chemgoddess1]

Hi and Welcome!

[chemgoddess1]

Similar to your healthy challenge but there is a website and all sorts of companies compete at the same time. I got "recruited" by 3 teams this year…I felt like a hot commodity!

Shape Up the Nation.

[chemgoddess1]

One thing is that the buckles WILL leave interesting bruises on your legs after poling. I have had that problem with the hook style eyelets (the kind you get on skates). One other thing to consider is scratching the pole.

But those boots are cute as all get out!