Well the decision has been made. Surprisingly by me. I am going to happily repeat Intermediate Three. Whilst I say happily, I am silently disappointed that I am not moving up to Advance Pole, however am happy to admit that my skills could do with another 8 weeks of hard work to strengthen.
Admittedly, there are still a couple of tricks that I do not have as solidly as I would like so I feel that this next 8 weeks will be a chance for me to polish up the tricks that I have down pat and master those tricks that till now are alluding me.
What it is going to take is a little bit more time working at home and strengthening those straddles on my gummy side. I now realise that I should have been focusing on this so much more back at Intermediate 2 when I had the opportunity. But, as they say it is never too late.
So, as I look forward to starting another 8 weeks of the same dances and a few new tricks (I hope) I am determined that my attitude is going to be positive and that I am going to nail everything.
So here goes
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
12 months down the track
Firstly, I can't believe that I have now been pole dancing for 12 months. More impressively for me, I am still pole dancing. I am definitely the type of person who starts something, and, about a month or two in finds the first excuse not to go, and then finds it harder to find the excuse to go. So for me to be still enjoying something that I started for a bit of fun is amazing.
I think there are many things that have kept me going:-
I am the first to admit that I am not doing this for weight loss, but if I was, and was dieting as well, I am sure I would be in a size 8!! I know this should be inspiration enough to add the diet into the equation, but to be honest, my love for a glass of wine and the odd piece of chocolate, or dip and biscuit is just too strong.
Will I still be doing this in 12 months time? Well I hope so. The next six months are definitely going to be the biggest hurdle. I am currently repeating Intermediate 3 and have four weeks to go before I (or should I say Dee - my instructor) decide whether I am ready to move into the Advance Courses. It is from here that the real challenge will begin with the need to choreograph a dance and perform it. Hmmmm now that is something I am not sure I am going to find easy. I wish someone could just do it for me and I could then learn it and perform it.
So I guess time with tell.......
I think there are many things that have kept me going:-
- it is "me time"
- the personal challenge to be able to do the tricks that don't look physically possible
- to prove to myself that I can do it
- the age thing - I like the fact that I am the "old bag" in the room. If I am keeping up with the 20yrs olds I must be doing something right
- loving loud, hip thrusting music
I am the first to admit that I am not doing this for weight loss, but if I was, and was dieting as well, I am sure I would be in a size 8!! I know this should be inspiration enough to add the diet into the equation, but to be honest, my love for a glass of wine and the odd piece of chocolate, or dip and biscuit is just too strong.
Will I still be doing this in 12 months time? Well I hope so. The next six months are definitely going to be the biggest hurdle. I am currently repeating Intermediate 3 and have four weeks to go before I (or should I say Dee - my instructor) decide whether I am ready to move into the Advance Courses. It is from here that the real challenge will begin with the need to choreograph a dance and perform it. Hmmmm now that is something I am not sure I am going to find easy. I wish someone could just do it for me and I could then learn it and perform it.
So I guess time with tell.......
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Make me a pole diva: What about the Wedgie
Make me a pole diva: What about the Wedgie: What about the “wedgie”? I had the pleasure of catching up with my old friend Bec a few weeks back and she asked me to write another...
What about the Wedgie
What
about the “wedgie”?
I had the pleasure of
catching up with my old friend Bec a few weeks back and she asked me to write
another blog. Personally, after my last
blog, I thought there was nothing left to talk about. And then she asked “what
about the wedgie? I am sure our readers would all like to know how you cope
with them whilst pole dancing”. I think
I shocked her more when I announced that the wedgie was the last thing I was
worried about. The thought of flashing a flap, was far scarier.
Surprisingly enough, I don’t think I have ever worried about my butt in
my shorts/pants. I definitely know it is
there. It is big enough that it is not
hiding, and I am positive that those unlucky enough to be on a pole behind me
have seen a cheek or two. But it is
scary when you are changing position, with the pole caught gently between your
thighs, and you need to open your legs to reveal the next trick. In the back of your mind there is always the
fear that maybe, just maybe, your pants may have moved to the side, caught on
the pole, and your lips in all their glory are on display for all to see. I guess the only thing keeping you from
looking down is the sheer concentration on where your body should be in order
to perform the trick. And, the saving
grace is that second (or third) pair of pants you put on under your shorts.
I have been poling now for 11 months and have just had the most
rewarding class to date. Since my last
blog I have graduated to Intermediate 3 and am about to repeat this level for
the second time. “Why was it so rewarding you may ask?” Well I think it is the first time I have felt
comfortable on the pole. I am doing
tricks that I honestly thought I would never be able to do, and I am pushing my
body to places it has never dreamt of going.
The names of the positions are still foreign to me, and I rely on our
gorgeous instructors to do the combinations first so that I can comprehend what
I am required to do, but all in all, it is coming together.
With this level we have learnt 4 or 5 dances rather than one long
one. Each dance was a different style
and gave us the opportunity to see what worked for us. My favourite was definitely the chair dance. If pole dancing is not sexy enough for some
to cope with, then the addition of the chair is the final straw! Add the 6 inch heels and some flirtatious
moves, and even I was beginning (in the dark) to resemble a siren. Well at least that is how we were all feeling. Would any of our partners get to see our
saucy moves – it was doubtful.
I can’t listen to music anymore without wondering whether I could pole
dance to it. In the rare moments when my mind is not thinking about work, what
I am going to cook for dinner, or where the kids need to be next, I am trying
to choreograph a dance routine in my head.
This is something I NEVER thought I would do. In just over two months I am hoping to have
graduated out of the Intermediate 3 class and entered into the advanced
class. Now this is where it all
begins. To pass this level you must choreograph
and perform a solo dance. When I was a
beginner this is the one thing that I said I would NOT be doing. SOLOS were definitely NOT going to be
performed by me. At the time the
Instructors laughed at me and said I would.
My promise to you is that if I do perform a solo, I will write a blog
about my journey and include the video of the performance. Just to prove that anyone can do anything if
you are prepared to put the time and energy in.
For anyone looking at giving pole dancing a try, I definitely recommend
that you look into the different schools/studios available near you. There are some places that rush you through
to learn all the tricks. And, whilst
this is what we all want to be able to achieve, there is no point in learning
all the tricks if you can’t put them together gracefully with a little dancing
in between. There are some studios like
Pole Divas that teach you how to dance as well.
The focus is still around the pole with grinds, pops, body rolls etc.
but you will learn how to move between poles, stand back up right and make your
performance a dance rather than a circus act.
I think the other benefit to studios like Pole Divas, is that their
classes are designed to build your strength up gradually and as you progress
from level to level, your body is at a level to cope with what is being asked
of it.
I am currently a student at
Pole Divas, and I recommend that you check out their website to see just what
they offer.
Regaining fitness through pole dancing
Hi, I am Mardi. A dispense technician by day, and a mum and domestic slave by
night. I am nearly 40 years old, and feeling the best about my body than I have
in years. I wish I could say that it was due to diet, determination and
willpower. But, to be honest it is due to something that I started in
curiosity, have fallen in love with, and now am determined to conquer.
Now would you believe me if I told you it was Pole Dancing?
Well it is. A young friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in doing it with her as she knew I loved dance music and was a little “out there”. At the time I really wanted to do it, but the cost, excuses for needing to be home with the kids and all the other put offs such as my body image, stopped me from doing it. Then I started to notice the changes in her shape and listening to her rave about it made me get off my backside and enroll in an 8 week beginners course at Pole Divas Mornington. Thankfully there was one starting within two weeks, so I booked and paid to avoid the chance of me pulling out. As luck would have it the first class was on my 39th Birthday!. I conned a young colleague from work to join me and she brought her 18 year old sister. So there I was, the eldest in my class surrounded by girls nearly half my age.
On entry into the studio I was in awe. The mirror walls, mood lighting and 2 storey high poles was very daunting. Thankfully for us the class before us had a few “normal” shaped women in it, and my nerves relaxed a little. Plus of course the low level lighting hides all sins. Our course was being held in the upstairs studio where the poles are only normal ceiling height (and for other sessions can be unlocked to spin).
After an intense warm up to loud dance music I was feeling the most out of shape person in the room. I was sweating profusely, having a mild asthma attack, and then there was the lack of pelvic floor muscles when attempting jogging on the spot or star jumps. Every jump had me in fear of embarrassing myself by a sudden leak!. My mind and body was wondering if this was still a good idea.
But then we donned our heels and were taught to walk like sirens, with our heads held high, and caressing our bodies as we went. Now as a sloucher from way back, I decided that this was going to be very good for my posture and maybe in the long run, my self-esteem. I mean how many of us can confidently walk around with heels, and now we were expected to dance and look sexy in them.
So far I was feeling every bit my age and looking like I needed to lose a good 10 kilos before I would resemble anything slightly sexy. But then we started the tricks. Our teacher was a young lady in her early 20’s with a body that even I was drooling over. The ease she displayed on the pole made it all look just so simple until we had to replicate her tricks. To my surprise, I could do it. Maybe my age and my determination to not look like the oldest fool in the studio was now working to my advantage. Plus the years of carrying around children and groceries was now paying off. My large thighs had now found their calling in life – to cling to a pole! And, when we thought we could take no more, it was time to cool down. Yes, the relaxing part. Who was I kidding? These women make Hitler look tame. Crunches are something I have never been good at and here we were being forced to crunch, hover and push those muscles just a little bit further. And, then it was over and we all felt a little exhilarated at our new found talents and left wondering how we would feel tomorrow.
Whilst the muscles took a good 24-48 hours to really feel the pain, the bruising running up and down my legs was evident before I got home. These bruises I would soon learn would take a good week to heal before the next lot appeared. Thankfully as the body got use to each new position the bruising reduced, that was until we tried something new.
Each session involves a warm up, revision of the tricks learnt in that level, new tricks, a short dance and cool down. Each lesson lasts one hour, the quickest hour of the week, but probably the most intense and rewarding. Week seven of the course involves a casual evaluation. The teacher establishes which students are wishing to go up to the next level and ensures that they are at a confident level to continue their journey. It is generally recommended that each level is attempted at least twice to ensure that you have the strength and confidence to move forward. Sometimes it is possible to slip through on one attempt but the challenge at the next level can definitely be felt.
I have now been pole dancing for 9 months and am amazed by what I have achieved. Looking back to my first night I would never have thought that I would be doing what I am doing now 9 months down the track. I am constantly being asked by customers and friends how I am losing weight. As far as the scales are concerned I have not lost a thing, but my body is very muscular and I guess I have dropped from a 12/14 down to a 10/12 depending on the cut.
My biggest achievement though is my stomach. I would be lying to say that the left over child “pouch” has gone. It is still there, stretch marks and all, but it is flatter and the muffin top nearly gone. And then there are my chicken wings, you know that flabby piece of skin under your arms – well that has gone. I will quite happily take on any of my children in arm wrestle. My general fitness has improved tenfold. I guess I am a little more conscious of what I am putting in to my mouth and I am trying to have at least two alcohol free nights a week. I have found my cravings for sweet foods have gone and I have more energy than I have had for years.
There is definitely a stigma involved with pole dancing that it is only for the young, slim or those looking to enter into the sex industry. However this is fast changing. More women my age should take the challenge and give it a go. Most studios run pole teasers which are 3 weeks in duration and show a variation of classes on offer. If you are just after general fitness and strength there are pole power classes which involve no tricks. There are also pole flex classes which assist in the muscle flexibility that is required. Then of course there are the static classes or for those that have completed a static class, the spin classes where the pole spins. Most studios also offer one day workshops to improve dancing such as pussycat funk or burlesque. Then of course you can always take one to learn the art of lap dancing if you are looking at a skill to put a smile on your partners face.
I promise you that pole dancing is something that you will enjoy. Sure it is not for everyone, but from a fitness perspective your core muscles will get a very thorough work out. Even those pelvic floor muscles are reaping the benefits. It is a very addictive sport and one which you will happily find time to practise. I have now purchased a pole for home in the hope that I can avoid repeating some levels of pole. For me it has paid for its self already with two levels only being attempted once – phew!!!!
My partner loves his mates knowing that I pole and my boys are constantly flying around it. Slowly some of the mums at school are taking up the challenge and looking to give it a go. Where else can you go and learn to body roll, grind, chest or booty pop without a male audience. On week eight of each course you have the opportunity to bring a female friend to watch, and they will be amazed by your achievements. There are often opportunities for family and partners at open pole nights to see what you are up to.
So go on and let your inner diva out. Do something for you. I promise you will notice changes in your body and even your sex drive as you will begin to feel more confident about your body and its ability to move!!
Now would you believe me if I told you it was Pole Dancing?
Well it is. A young friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in doing it with her as she knew I loved dance music and was a little “out there”. At the time I really wanted to do it, but the cost, excuses for needing to be home with the kids and all the other put offs such as my body image, stopped me from doing it. Then I started to notice the changes in her shape and listening to her rave about it made me get off my backside and enroll in an 8 week beginners course at Pole Divas Mornington. Thankfully there was one starting within two weeks, so I booked and paid to avoid the chance of me pulling out. As luck would have it the first class was on my 39th Birthday!. I conned a young colleague from work to join me and she brought her 18 year old sister. So there I was, the eldest in my class surrounded by girls nearly half my age.
On entry into the studio I was in awe. The mirror walls, mood lighting and 2 storey high poles was very daunting. Thankfully for us the class before us had a few “normal” shaped women in it, and my nerves relaxed a little. Plus of course the low level lighting hides all sins. Our course was being held in the upstairs studio where the poles are only normal ceiling height (and for other sessions can be unlocked to spin).
After an intense warm up to loud dance music I was feeling the most out of shape person in the room. I was sweating profusely, having a mild asthma attack, and then there was the lack of pelvic floor muscles when attempting jogging on the spot or star jumps. Every jump had me in fear of embarrassing myself by a sudden leak!. My mind and body was wondering if this was still a good idea.
But then we donned our heels and were taught to walk like sirens, with our heads held high, and caressing our bodies as we went. Now as a sloucher from way back, I decided that this was going to be very good for my posture and maybe in the long run, my self-esteem. I mean how many of us can confidently walk around with heels, and now we were expected to dance and look sexy in them.
So far I was feeling every bit my age and looking like I needed to lose a good 10 kilos before I would resemble anything slightly sexy. But then we started the tricks. Our teacher was a young lady in her early 20’s with a body that even I was drooling over. The ease she displayed on the pole made it all look just so simple until we had to replicate her tricks. To my surprise, I could do it. Maybe my age and my determination to not look like the oldest fool in the studio was now working to my advantage. Plus the years of carrying around children and groceries was now paying off. My large thighs had now found their calling in life – to cling to a pole! And, when we thought we could take no more, it was time to cool down. Yes, the relaxing part. Who was I kidding? These women make Hitler look tame. Crunches are something I have never been good at and here we were being forced to crunch, hover and push those muscles just a little bit further. And, then it was over and we all felt a little exhilarated at our new found talents and left wondering how we would feel tomorrow.
Whilst the muscles took a good 24-48 hours to really feel the pain, the bruising running up and down my legs was evident before I got home. These bruises I would soon learn would take a good week to heal before the next lot appeared. Thankfully as the body got use to each new position the bruising reduced, that was until we tried something new.
Each session involves a warm up, revision of the tricks learnt in that level, new tricks, a short dance and cool down. Each lesson lasts one hour, the quickest hour of the week, but probably the most intense and rewarding. Week seven of the course involves a casual evaluation. The teacher establishes which students are wishing to go up to the next level and ensures that they are at a confident level to continue their journey. It is generally recommended that each level is attempted at least twice to ensure that you have the strength and confidence to move forward. Sometimes it is possible to slip through on one attempt but the challenge at the next level can definitely be felt.
I have now been pole dancing for 9 months and am amazed by what I have achieved. Looking back to my first night I would never have thought that I would be doing what I am doing now 9 months down the track. I am constantly being asked by customers and friends how I am losing weight. As far as the scales are concerned I have not lost a thing, but my body is very muscular and I guess I have dropped from a 12/14 down to a 10/12 depending on the cut.
My biggest achievement though is my stomach. I would be lying to say that the left over child “pouch” has gone. It is still there, stretch marks and all, but it is flatter and the muffin top nearly gone. And then there are my chicken wings, you know that flabby piece of skin under your arms – well that has gone. I will quite happily take on any of my children in arm wrestle. My general fitness has improved tenfold. I guess I am a little more conscious of what I am putting in to my mouth and I am trying to have at least two alcohol free nights a week. I have found my cravings for sweet foods have gone and I have more energy than I have had for years.
There is definitely a stigma involved with pole dancing that it is only for the young, slim or those looking to enter into the sex industry. However this is fast changing. More women my age should take the challenge and give it a go. Most studios run pole teasers which are 3 weeks in duration and show a variation of classes on offer. If you are just after general fitness and strength there are pole power classes which involve no tricks. There are also pole flex classes which assist in the muscle flexibility that is required. Then of course there are the static classes or for those that have completed a static class, the spin classes where the pole spins. Most studios also offer one day workshops to improve dancing such as pussycat funk or burlesque. Then of course you can always take one to learn the art of lap dancing if you are looking at a skill to put a smile on your partners face.
I promise you that pole dancing is something that you will enjoy. Sure it is not for everyone, but from a fitness perspective your core muscles will get a very thorough work out. Even those pelvic floor muscles are reaping the benefits. It is a very addictive sport and one which you will happily find time to practise. I have now purchased a pole for home in the hope that I can avoid repeating some levels of pole. For me it has paid for its self already with two levels only being attempted once – phew!!!!
My partner loves his mates knowing that I pole and my boys are constantly flying around it. Slowly some of the mums at school are taking up the challenge and looking to give it a go. Where else can you go and learn to body roll, grind, chest or booty pop without a male audience. On week eight of each course you have the opportunity to bring a female friend to watch, and they will be amazed by your achievements. There are often opportunities for family and partners at open pole nights to see what you are up to.
So go on and let your inner diva out. Do something for you. I promise you will notice changes in your body and even your sex drive as you will begin to feel more confident about your body and its ability to move!!
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