[yrngrl]

I am blown away by the changes. I used to be obese, but I had already lost the weight and was running before I started pole, so I haven’t gotten any thinner (I don’t want to and eat to avoid it, I’m 110 lbs/5’2″/39 years old). That said, I didn’t have any real muscle definition before (except in my legs from running). Now I have tons of it in my arms, back, and abs (getting a 6 pack even). My nagging running injuries have gone away, I am much stronger and more flexible, and on and on. My weight hasn’t changed as I said but my clothes are looser so I think I’ve traded some fat for muscle, I’m definitely firmer than I was.

[yrngrl]

I clean my xpole with rubbing alcohol, and use either tite grip or dirty girl poletice to stop the sweating, then a bit of dry hands on top for a bit of tack.

[yrngrl]

Working on the figurehead to shoulder mount option. I can get it, sloppily. 🙂 Thanks!

[yrngrl]

I made up my own pattern (in the round) but a newer knitter could easily make a set by swatching to see how many stitches per inch you get with the yarn you want to use, then multiply the stitches per inch by your leg circumference (subtract about 10 percent from leg measurement so they stay up). So if your gauge is 5 stitches per inch and your leg is say 20″, multiply 5 by 18 (20 minus 10 percent) and cast on. Work for the length desired, bind off and sew the side seam. A bit of ribbing on the ends is nice. You could work in the round if you want, or increase and decrease to fit the leg more closely if you wish, but it can be really simple.

[yrngrl]

Love it! I’ve been knitting a crazy pair using all my sock yarn leftovers.

[yrngrl]

I usually have some on hand, but I very rarely drink it as intended. Instead, I use it to add protein to other things…like smoothies, homemade bars for easy breakfasts, or my favorite, adding a scoop to pancake mix to make them more filling. I have tried a few brands, my current favorite is Muscle Milk Light powder in Cake Batter flavor (casein and whey blend).

[yrngrl]

I'm game.

[yrngrl]

I really don't think you're eating enough. Only 200-ish calories all day until dinner?  

I do disagree with the comments that calories eaten have nothing to do with height and weight. It DOES have to do with weight… it takes more calories to support a bigger body and fewer to support a smaller one. However, 1000 calories is not enough for any adult, no matter how small, especially one that works out. 

Try googling "basal metabolic rate"– this is how many calories you need if you stayed in bed 24 hours a day (so obviously, you need to eat more than that, more still if you are very active). 

I lost a crap ton of weight and kept it off (and have abs now after 6-ish months of pole) and if there's one thing I learned, it's you have to eat enough.

 

 

[yrngrl]

Mine is on carpet too. I use those foot undeez things, works great.

[yrngrl]

I'm about your size (5'2, 112 lbs) with kid-size hands and somewhat meaty thighs. I have tried 40, 45, and 50mm and totally prefer the 45… I think it's the perfect compromise between too big for the hands and too thin for legs to grab. 

[yrngrl]

I'm 39, so I kinda assumed it had to do with my age. Who knows though.

[yrngrl]

Shimamd, that's interesting. I have terrible night sweats too (usually around my period, occasionally at other times). They started after I lost weight. I am also 5'2 and around 110 lbs.. I don't think I'm too thin but I do have a fair amount of loose skin from the weight loss (nearly 100 lbs lost) so I might have less body fat that it appears from the scale. Hmmm…

[yrngrl]

Also, make sure you've got good running shoes, and remember the cushioning in them is only good for about 300-400 miles on average. I know I need new shoes when I start feeling my runs in my knees (usually I'm pain free).

[yrngrl]

I wouldn't say it's normal to be sore like that, more like you did more than your joints were up for at this point. Energy level aside, you really need to build up mileage gradually, with proper rest, in order to get your joints, etc used to the pounding so you don't injure yourself and end up unable to run at all! There are many great training plans online (Hal Higdon's are good, for example) or Couch to 5K that will help you start small and build up without pain or injury. It's not worth the risk trying to do too much too fast… just because you're in good shape doesn't mean your body is up for anything.  🙂

[yrngrl]

I did C25K, and loved it– took me longer than it "should", but who cares… 2 years later I'm running marathons. Love running more than I ever thought I would!

 

As for shoes, I agree it's very personal, but I love Asics Gel-Kayano. Expensive though, but nothing else seems to work so well for me, especially with heavy mileage.