All Pole Goals Updated

In April, I did an update of "all" pole goals.  I figured I should rein this thing in and start updating them on a more regular basis.  Check out my other post HERE.

Here are my pole goals and how I'm doing in them.

Handstand

This one is fairly easy for me now.  I just need to work on flexibility to do more "things" once I'm in a handstand and more core strength to control the movement better up and down. I'm working on two versions.  One facing the pole, one facing away. 

Me with Natasha Wang...she is so flexible and why the hell is my foot turned like that???

Bow and Arrow from a handstand

My back is fairly inflexible.  So I am working on this one.  We did a video at Twirly Girls recently that shows it better than a photo can.



Splits

Another work in progress.  Emphasis on the work, not the progress.

Dancer

Again, inflexible back...and will be a difficult one for me.

Climb

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/pole-goal-climbing.html

I have successfully climbed during two classes.  It's still a struggle for me, but I am working on it!

Inversion

Although I have inverted a couple of times with help, I realized I needed to work on my core to do it safely.  Not only for me but for the safety of my spotters (I'm 6 feet tall and well over 200 pounds...no need to squish my 5 foot tall teacher).  But I have been going to pilates and am working hard to get into better shape.  I made a goal at the last Lovely Rita to invert at the 2012 event.  I am still working on that goal!

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-pole-goal.html

Cross-Knee Release (or someday, Cross-Ankle Release)

I require help to get upside down once I'm in the "sit" position.  So my goal is to get the strength to lower my own body.  Then it will be to do this higher off the ground.  Then the next goal will be to have the strength to sit back up.  Currently, I hang upside for a minute, then slowly melt to the floor.

What are your pole goals?

Update of all pole goals

I had been setting goals I was calling "pole goals" (stolen from PoleSkivvies posts).  :-)  I guess most aren't really even pole-related -- more fitness/strength related.  They are reasons I'd like to be in better shape.  "Non-weight/scale related goals" I should call them.  Anyway, it's time for an update.

I don't think I've improved much on any of them.  But I am still working to get stronger and more flexible.  I especially have issues bending backwards so I am focusing on back bends.

Here are pictures from March:

Here are pictures from April:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/02/next-pole-goal-backbend.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/02/next-pole-goal-splits.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/03/next-pole-goal-dancer.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/03/updated-pole-goal-handstand.html

So, not a huge improvement but I'm still working on them. 

Next Pole Goal: The Splits

So, even though I hit my first real pole goal of inverting four months early, I'm not exactly a regular inverter yet.  I'm considerably larger than most of my classmates, so in the interest of safety (needing a spotter), I have only inverted at two different classes.  I realize I need to strengthen my core, so Andrea has suggested that I hold plank on and off while watching television.

While I am getting ready to further that pole goal, I have set a new one.  THE SPLITS!  I want to be able to do the splits.  I don't even know the difference between regular splits and the "Chinese" splits, but I want to do them.  So, last week, we took a photo in class to see how far down I could get.  I was actually pretty surprised.  I don't have as far to go as I would have thought.  Even with the scars from my inner thigh lift and the fact that I've never been very flexible anyway, I got down pretty low.  I tried again this week, and thanks to running for couch to 5k, I was REALLY sore and stiff and didn't get down quite as far.

But at least I have a starting point...and here it is.

Love that face...hahahaha!!!

Goal: