Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
Can you remember the last time your feet/back/neck/knees *didn't* hurt?
I'm a dancer in San Francisco, and the too-low seats of my club leave me in constant pain from lap dances, so I'm doing my final project for my ergonomics class about the poor design of strip club furniture. My club is planning a remodel soon, so I plan on letting them know my findings when it comes time to buy those new chairs/benches/railings/etc., but I need input from as many dancers as possible!
Whether you have specific gripes about your club's furniture, or the way that dancing affects your body, or general ideas about what causes you pain and why, I'd really really appreciate your experiences. The more specific information, of course, the better, but everything helps!
Below are some sample questions of the kinds of information I'm looking for. If you're interested in reading the final paper at the end of the month and learning what it is that causes dancers the most trouble/pain, let me know, and I'll send you a link to the finished work.
Thanks in advance for your time and help!
xoxo
Holly
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)?
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
Ohhh! Can I play? I'm just going to use your questions as a guide:
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
5ft7in 115lbs Scoliosis leaning towards the severe spectrum. I have developed snapping-hip syndrome over the years from doing the splits so much. My knees pop too. I have had fluid in both knees, which had to be drained.
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
My back, neck, groin(from doing splits and not stretching), knees, and legs on occasion if I don't stretch enough.
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
Regular stilettos. Stripper shoes break too often:(
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
3 days a week. 7 hour shifts.
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
12 minute sets about 5-6 times a night. Super aerobic pole tricks/floor work.
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)?
Inadequate back support in chairs. Benches in horrible condition, very uncomfortable. Uneven floors! Stairs! Water/Drinks being spilled on the ground/on stage.
I wish we got medical!!
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HollyOHare
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
Five feet four inches tall, 140lbs, 20% body fat.
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain? Oh God, my KNEES!!!!
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most? KNEES always. So stiff and swollen
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
Stripper shoes. Pleased and Tony shoes, about a 7 inch heel w platform
.5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
Three days/ week 6-8 hours a shift.
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
Stage sets are six minutes. Maybe 12-18 minutes an hour. I do some pole spins, more floor work. Also give lap dances, but don't grind the whole time.
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)? The breaks between carpet and tile.
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
Aleve and other nsaids. Arnica and Epsom salts.
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZePeanut
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
Regular stilettos. Stripper shoes break too often:(
How high are your heels?
I wish I got to do 5-6 12-minute sets a night! There are so many girls where I work that I usually only get 2 6-minute sets per night and a rotation on a smaller stage without a pole. San Francisco is not a stage-oriented city :(
All of my pain comes from giving lap dances in too-short chairs without support and from walking in those damn heels all night!
Thanks for sharing!
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
................5'6 115 lbs
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
................knees and lower back
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
................ back pain
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
................7 1/2" strapless pleasers
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
................3x week, 6-7 hr shifts
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
.................no pole tricks, constantly standing in heel while doing floor dances (avg 20 per shift)...but no shoes and pretty much just being lazy and sitting in the champagne room lol
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)?
..............theres stair on the stage but no pole, and we have to stand so it can get difficult, the chairs for floor dances are way to low and there is no contact allowed so we have to support and balance completely on our own while dancing!
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
............... i work thurs-sat so i just sleep it off on sunday
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
^^ Stripper shoes don't seem to be made to dance in, right?? lol
Hmm..how tall are regular stillettos? like..4 inches? It's way cheaper though--and they last so much longer for some reason?
Wow! Twice a night?? I'm sad for you!! That must be allooott of girls!! That average comes from doing a few two-girl shows on the weekends and working with 6 other girls on mondays:)
I love this survey, btw:) It sucks the our work environment isn't user friendly!
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZePeanut
^^ Stripper shoes don't seem to be made to dance in, right?? lol
I actually find them more comfortable than regular shoes, and 7 inch heel with a 3.5 inch platform only makes for a 3.5 in incline on your foot while being as sexy as sky high stilettos. as long as you can balance, your foot is at a pretty natural arch. Now when i go out in normal heels, i usually wear 5 inches with little or no platform, which puts WAY more stress on the balls of my feet.
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
5'7" (172cm), 56kg (125lb), no previous injuries, always been physically fit through skiing, rock climbing etc
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
I usually experience a general achiness. It often depends on the night, as some nights I've been known to click my hips out a bit, other times its my knees that suffer
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
I think my hips are the worst, but in previous clubs where I've been on my feet more, I've experienced excruciatingly painful and tight calf muscles when wearing flat shoes during the day
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
Currently 6" lace up ankle boots by Pleaser. Being able to wear socks makes a world of difference to my toes.
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
5 days a week from 9pm to 5am, often staying until 7am if I have a VIP.
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
Depending on the number of girls and how busy I am 4-6 stage sets of 10min each, both on my feet and doing pole tricks. Lapdances I keep to a minimum, but when I do them I'm very slow and sensual and find positions and moves that take the least effort/toll on my body. I spend a lot of time in VIP, most of which is talking, but I have been known to dance 5 and a half hours in VIP for a couple of different, very difficult customers.
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)?
My club is an ex night club, and the floor is concrete which has caused me to slip up in my heels a few times, and plays havoc on my knees in a private dance.
One of our stages is too high and too small in diameter, with metal edging that is fucking sharp.
The stairs down to the basement for out dressing room are too steep and slippery.
The poles are not real dance poles, and are extremely difficult to work with.
The private dances are done on uncomfortable plastic chairs that look like they belong in a primary school (apparently this makes them more inclined to buy VIP instead)
What is good, however, is that some of the private dance chairs have these gothic railings behind them that are great to hold on to while dancing. I can't express how much I like having something to hold on to behind a customer's head for extra balance.
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
I've taken ibuprofen before work before, like I do before a long ay skiing, but I usually treat it with rest
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
5'7'' 130, n/a
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
I generally have bruising on my lower back and knees. My quads are killing me from lap dancing, and my shoulders and neck are especially tense.
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
The bruising never seemed to leave. The shoulders were always tense. The quads were fine after stretch out.
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
6-7 inch
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
3 at 8 hrs
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)? I dance quite a bit. I'm always up on the stage when the club is empty, working out tricks and having fun. I love to dance! On stage I don't do many pole tricks, but I do many body extensions, I slide down the pole, splits, floorwork... HIGH impact lap dances. Usually in 4 songs sets.
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)? Getting off the stage! Even though it has a hand rail, the stairs are incredibly steep. All of the girls have to butt-scoot off or sort of do the sideways stair decent. It's impossible to get down them gracefully and still be safe. Poor lighting is a culprit here, too.
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
Arnica, advil, yoga, marijuana.
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
i know this is totally off thread subject
but i read somewhere i cant remember that on ur off days DO NOT WEAR FLATS (they are worse bc ur feet absorbs all the shock)
but wear a decent size heel such as 2-4inches...
i also wondered if wearing those Skechers Shape-ups or Reebok Toners would help with the back pain and take less pressure off the joints on off days.. ?
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
At my last club, we had a rickety winding staircase down to the dressing room. Like, are you kidding me?
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
5'8" 1/2, 165 lbs. lower back pain from 2 car accidents and getting mugged as well as shoulder, knee and ankle pain from cheerleading and martial arts and a hip injury from dancing.
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
my right knee and lower back.
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
my lower back and sometimes my hip.
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
5 1/2 inch stripper platforms
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)? 3 shifts per week and average length 4-7 hours depending on schedule and financial needs.
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
it really depends on the shift. an average set is 1-3 songs depending on how many girls are on. my club doesnt have much of a stage but we do have a gogo cage so i do mostly cage tricks. and the intensity depends on the crowd ex. booty poppin one set, slow and sensual the next.
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)?
the floors are uneven, no back support in chairs, lap dance couches are too soft. the club is small so i find myself bumping into people and things a lot.
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
epsom salts. hot yoga, chiropractor appointments and tiger balm.
Re: Ouch! Strip Club Ergonomics: What hurts you most?
1) Basic physical information (height, weight, pre-existing injuries/medical conditions).
5'5", about 125. Lower back problems.
2) After a shift, which areas of your body tend to be in the most pain?
My lower back has definitely gotten worse since I started dancing. If I dance too much/hard at the end of my shift when my body is tired,I REALLY feel it that night and the next day. Almost debilitating. My feet have also gotten worse thanks to wearing those damn heels all night, especially the inside ball of my foot through the joints in my big toes. I've been trying change my body mechanics when it comes to walking in heels so the pressure is more evenly distributed through my feet, but it's really, really difficult.
3) Even on days off, which pain tends to linger most?
Feet and lower back.
4) What kind of shoes do you wear at work?
7.5 in pleaser, single strap. 7 in pleaser with double strap if my feet really hurt.
5) How much do you work (days per week and average shift length)?
3x/week, 10 hour shifts.
6) How much do you dance on average, and what kinds of dances do you give (ex. stage only, lap dances only, super aerobic pole tricks, no pole tricks, high-impact lap dances, ten minute sets vs. one song sets)?
I do two or three 3-song stage sets early in the night, and depending on if I'm in the champagne room or not I could get on stage anwhere from 1-5 more times throughout the night, but only 2-song sets after 8pm-ish. I spend most of my time on my feet on stage, as we have a large stage with three poles and not many customers at the stage. A lot of spinning, stepping, pirouettes, and a couple of pole tricks. Maybe I should do more floor work since my feet are so fucked up?!! Yes!
7) Which areas of your club give you the most physical trouble on a regular basis (ex. too many stairs, handrails too high/low, seats too high/low, poor lighting, inadequate back support in chairs, booths/benches in disrepair, dressing room floors too slippery)?
It's just so damn large. It takes forever to get from the dressing room to the floor, or around to the back of the stage, or upstairs to the champagne rooms... too much walking :(. The dressing room has no place to sit and take a break.. there's like four chairs for 20-40 girls. I hate that. And the air is so gross in the club... I don't smoke or live in the city so I'm not used to breathing dirty air! It makes me feel sick by the end of the shift, and leaves my skin all gross.I sometimes take a short break in the middle of my shift to step outside, but its such a hassle to change in and out of street clothes, plus the stress of possibly losing out on money to all the other girls... ugh. Can't we crack a door open or something?
8 ) How do/have you treat(ed) your pain?
Rest, yoga, chiropractic and massage, arnica gel, hot showers and icing, taking my vitamins, eating well, not drinking much. And I'm still a mess :(