[leyrose]

Thanks for all your help ladies.

abcollins1 my maintenance is 1200 cal due to my height and weight. I always try to stay under 1000 cal. I take omega 3 supplements and protein I try to get through my tuna and dinner. There isn't really much more I can eat otherwise I'll go over my calories for the day.

I pole 5 days a week doing strength moves are you saying I should add extra weights sessions onto this? I don't really want to look anymore muscular than I already am…my only problem area is my stomach.

[leyrose]

Hmmm… Yeah I've just had a look Juicy J and you are right. I bought my pole off someone who was selling on the trading post. She had bought it then moved house and had no room for it so it was still all wrapped up in its box and it is 100% a 40mm TG. She  must have had it ordered in from the UK then.

[leyrose]

Thanks for your input Emma… I really don't think that I arch my back too much although I'll have to have a closer look! It is difficult for me to walk with my arched back so i am thinking I don't and I'm just fat 🙁

[leyrose]

And for drinks its black coffee no sugar, herbal teas or water. Once in a while, like every few weeks or so I'll have a diet coke or diet dr. pepper. I hardly ever drink alcohol

[leyrose]

Breakfast: Can of tuna or small portion of fruit no more than 60cal

Lunch: Vegetable soup e.g. pumpkin, sweat potato or lentil. Sometimes I have a small amount of chicken or beef in it. No more than 160 cal.

Dinner: Live with my family so it varies quite a lot but it's a small portion of whatever we have e.g. Steak and vegetables, Chicken and rice, Pasta… No more than 700 cal.

[leyrose]

Can you get it shipped from Australia? Mine is a 40mm TG

[leyrose]

I’m 4’11 107lbs and I have tiny hands and meaty thighs. I love the 40 mm! My hands are way too small for a 45mm and I’ve never even tried a 50mm as they aren’t common in Australia. The studio I dance at has mostly 38mm poles and I find them fine for leg grip too. I think it’s just what you get used to?

[leyrose]

My pole at home is on carpet too… I find it easier to pole bare foot as in shoes I don't seen to be able to move at all. Maybe try those cheap ballet slipper type things with the plastic sole.. I remember sliding around on the carpet with them as a child… I might buy some for myself!

[leyrose]

We have brass pussy cat poles are my studio and I do like them but they make my hands stink!!!

However, at home I have a titanium gold x-pole. I originally wanted brass but I bought it from someone through the trading post and when I turned up at their house it was actually a TG pole. It was all wrapped up and never been used so I thought what the hell and bought it anyway…I absolutely love it! I'm glad that I didn't get the brass as the TG is really grippy and any grippier I think I would hate it!

[leyrose]

Glad to know I’m not alone Youngs7! Heights scare me so much that walking up more than three rungs on a ladder makes me shake!

I am sure you will slowly begin to conquer your fear as I feel I am slowly too…

Last night I had another go on my pole with cushions all around the underneath and managed to invert the transition into reverse hand stand several times!

I’ve found that I can be upside down facing the pole and let go with no problems but when I go up into my basic invert I can’t let go of my hands for reverse crucifix. It’s pretty much the same position but its the facing to/ from the pole that changes things… Very weird!!

[leyrose]

Rylonn that is a great idea for the studio as we do have yoga mats and I won't look silly doing it either!

Couch cusions are a great idea thanks Runemist! I have a couch right next to my pole at home so i can just remove the cushions from it…easy!

[leyrose]

I am a graphic designer/photographer

[leyrose]

And no we dont have crash mats… The floors are wooden which scares me more than my pole at home which has carpet under it… I know the carpet is not ideal for dancing and spinning of the floor but it is the only space I have to put it and I do like the softer flooring!

[leyrose]

Thanks so so much for all your help!! Would you believe I didn’t even think of just practising the reverse handstand by itself? I think that’s what I will be doing!

And I totally agree now about having the hands between the floor and my head as a measure of safety! I think if I keep telling myself that then I will be able to do it!

Thank you so much everyone! I guess I am just frustrated with myself as itbs taking time to get th invert but yet it only took a little while to get other moves.

[leyrose]

Thanks for your replies! It’s good to know that I am not alone!

I used to figure skate competitively so I have strong thighs from jumping and am also fairly flexible.

My instructor knew full well how long I have been poling for too. I was eager to learn the invert but yes I totally agree…I hate being upside down!

I am okay with my CKR too, I taught myself that after two weeks of pole but cannot do a CAR yet, I don’t feel confident enough in my leg strength.

Thank you for your tips though, I will definitely practice getting more conform able with inverting then moving my hands above my head. I have practiced the invert into handstand then superman dismount on my pole at home and felt more confident but still being upside down is awful!

Hopefully I will get over the fear in time! Thanks for all your help lovely ladies!