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Thread: Pole work and bruises...

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    Default Pole work and bruises...

    OK, HELP!

    Well, I don't plan on dancing any time soon, if ever... just can't find the balance. But I really wanted to learn how to do the pole tricks. My wonderfully indulgent husband built and installed a pole in our bedroom for me to practice on... Ughh, what a joke! I suck. I know it's a lot of abdominal muscles, which are currently useless having had a baby 2 1/2 months ago. I'm trying, though - and it is fun. But I really need help with the bruising! I bruise really really easily to start with, but the bruises I'm getting, I'm starting to wonder whether I can ever make this look good, even just for my man. I have bruises on my inner thighs, for obvious reasons, bruises on my left shin (slightly inside of the center line) from where my leg 'hits' the pole from doing the basic spin, a horrendous bruise on the outer thigh of my left leg (from doing that spin where you keep both legs on the same side of the pole and bend them like you're sitting), and the one that baffles me, a bruise on my 'stomach' just under where my sternum ends. Ok, the rib cage bruise is from trying to climb up the pole fireman-style - which I can't do - never could climb up the rope in gym class, either - hopelessly unathletic. I really don't think I should be bruising from so little contact though. But the bruises on my shins and thighs are in the same place (or close to it anyway) every time. I don't want to be a pussy about the pain, hell, I have 2 kids, but these bruises really hurt - to the point that it hurts to keep trying the moves, because I keep pushing on the same bruises. They're the really painful kind that make your skin feel really tender... Like brushing a feather over them would still hurt. You know the kind I mean? They're not even from banging into the pole, they're simply from pressing against it. Is it just because I bruise so easily, or am I really screwing something up? Furthermore, is there any hope of my body getting used to the impact or am I destined to be a pole dancing goddess with more bruises than clear skin? Ha! Like I'll ever be a pole goddess with or without the bruises... P.S. I have Fawnia's video, so I've got that base covered at least.

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    God/dess Malibu's Avatar
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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    Aaaargh! We have talked about bruises a ton of times! If you use the search facility (located at the top, second left) you will find threads about how to treat 'em etc.


    But if you want a quick answer, you will get bruises to begin with. If you go on a dancing break and start again, you will be bruised. That's the joy of being a pole dancer. But they won't be there forever. Treat them with arnica, it really is the best for healing the pain and appearance. It gets my recommendation.
    You are the envy
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    - Sara Bailey: Sieve of Words

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    I agree with Malibu. And since you just had a baby...take it easy on the pole. It does take a while to build up the strength for pole work. Have you tried Sheila Kelley's "The S-Factor"? That's a good book, and they are coming out with a pole dancing video, as well!

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    Senior Member lalalatina's Avatar
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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    That's part of learning pole work. No pain, no gain. I had it easier because i was a gymnast when i was younger. But i left with bruises and popped blood vessels. The club i work at doesn't have a pole.

    I miss it!! I might leave (it's getting bad anyway) to a club with a pole.
    Happy Birthday......Mr. President.

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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    I have read the other posts about treating bruises. I may try some of them, although I am a little wary of solutions in a bottle. I was just wondering if I was doing something horribly wrong or if it's just a fact of life... Apparently, I'm just gonna have to get used to them.

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    Member Ellie Tara's Avatar
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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    yeah, the arnica montana pellets under the tongue fade them in like 2-3 days.
    etherreal eyes

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    Featured Member NikkiD's Avatar
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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    The bruises will actually stop happening. When I first started dancing, my knees were bruised, along with various places from my previous attempted pole work. But, now, I havent had 1 bruise from dancing in 3 years and thats only because I took a few months off. They came back for a minute, then went away! Weird, huh?


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    Senior Member Brooke Quinn's Avatar
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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    Hey hon! Bruising is an occupational hazard. I've heard about Arnica and that it works well.

    Something else to consider is any medication you may currently be on. You said that you had a baby about 2 1/2 months ago. I don't know if you'd be taking any pain meds still..... Even for headaches or for the pain of working with the pole.... Keep in mind that anti-inflammatories are BLOOD THINNERS. Aleve (naproxyn) and Advil (ibuprofen) will make you bruise like nobody's business!!!! And I mean EASILY.

    Also, you said your husband built and installed a pole!!! Where'd he get it???? I've been wanting to install one - I've got a loft that's just begging for a pole to go up 20 feet!!!
    Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. - Mileah Davis

    Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try. - Yoda, Star Wars

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    Default Re:Pole work and bruises...

    Nope. Haven't taken any pain meds or anything. Since I've been working more regularly, the work is getting A LOT easier and less painful. The big bruises are still there, but I haven't noticed any new ones. As for my homemade pole, I was thinking about posting as to how my hubby built it, but we wanted to make sure we worked out the kinks first. We had most of them worked out and I could spin and hang and climb and throw my weight around it pretty well, but last night my husband was being stupid and trying to be a sexy pole dancer (hysterical to watch a man doing that, btw) ... Anyway, he knocked the pole off of it's compression fitting AND pulled it out of the ceiling. My pole is a temporary fixture so we can take it down when Grandma comes to babysit or something. We bought a steel closet rod (coated in chrome or brass) at Home Depot and attached it to a ceiling joist with a standard flange. The compression mounting is my husband's design consisting of two wooden cup-type closet rod holders and a thick bolt in the middle and nuts to adjust it. There are a few problems still, but it seems to hold my weight pretty well (113 and going down ) The problems occur when my 168lb hubby wants to be sexy . We'll be fixing it this weekend - drywall screws, remounting, and a wider base on the compression fitting. Once we see how it works, I'll post pictures of what he built, for anybody who wants to try building one We spent under $50, all in all, so we saved a fortune compared to buying a pre-built one for $150 - $500. Anyway, I'll post after we fix it.

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    Default Re: Pole work and bruises...

    Hi SmittenKitten,
    Great to hear you've got such a supportive hubby and congrats on the new baby.
    I started pole dancing about 7 months ago and I can tell you that for the first few months I had bruises everywhere. I looked like I was being beaten by a steel pole, which is basically what I was doing to myself. As I've gotten more into the flow of the moves I'm not bruising anymore. Just when I learn an new trick, and only for a short time, nothing like before. I think there's a steep learning curve for some of us at the beginning. I realise that I used to throw myself at the pole. It helps when your arms, back and abs get stronger too. And be gentle with yourself as your body is changing after giving birth. I agree with all the women who suggest arnica, it is wonderful for bruising. You can even take it before a workout as well as after. (Did you know it is good for prep before you go to the dentist and also for childbirth? Or when your kids fall down and bang themselves up?) I think the main thing is to relax and enjoy yourself on the pole. The more you make friends with it, the better. And you will get in great shape through that. I would also recommend a few lessons. I went to an experienced teacher and she helped me see things in my technique that I couldn't. It was also inspiring watching her and asking questions. I also learned some helpful tips from watching some pole DVD's. Hope this helps.
    Skydancer

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    Default Re: Pole work and bruises...

    Don't beat yourself up, you just had a baby less than 3 months ago, and it takes a while for your body to get back into shape. Especially the abs, which you need for lots of inverted moves. Just take it slow and try to focus on one move at a time. Once you master that one, then move onto the next one.

    Skydancer is 100% correct, a lot of time you may find yourself holding too tightly onto the pole, or throwing yourself at it. Many times you can use other body parts to help distribute your weight better. Hopefully that will help reduce some bruising too.

    And enjoy your baby! My youngest is 17 months, and it seems like he was just born yesterday. It gets easier once they start sleeping through the night!

    Good luck!

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