Operation Upside Down: Month 2

I just completed Month 2 of Operation Upside Down.  And by using the word "completed," I just mean that the month did, in fact, happen.  My last update was from Week 4, and you can read that HERE. 

August is the month of Northern California Pole Presentational.  We had our fourth annual event on Saturday, August 26.  It is an entire day of pole dancing.  We set up Friday.  Practice starts at 7 AM on Saturday, and the show runs from about 9 AM to 5 PM.  Then we tear it all down.  The entire month of August each year is generally spent collecting and organizing music for 70+ dancers, making spreadsheets, signs and lists, writing the script, gathering information from sponsors and vendors, designing a program, etc.  Basically, I get off work and I go home to park it on the couch and work some more.  I also started doing hospice volunteer work recently, and that has added to my already full plate (although it is rewarding work).  I did make it to a few classes sprinkled throughout the month, however, I was certainly not in gain-strength mode.  Last night was the final day of August --  my 41st birthday -- and my final chance to squeeze in a class before month 2 ended. 

Do I feel stronger?  Yes and no.  I kept up my yoga practice, and I also tried lyra during the month of August (I did a lot better than I expected).  I am sure I have mentioned before that I gauge my general strength based on how I feel during "chaturanga."  My chaturanga is decent right now.  I don't crash chest first into the floor as I start to lower.  However, when I tried chopper last night, I felt awkward and weak again.  Perhaps it was because I hadn't choppered all month.  I feel like Janet really has to push me into the move.  Ellen had mentioned last week that I may want to try kind of pushing off of Janet's arm so I'm having to push my own ass into the move.  I worry I'd break Janet.  She's mighty but she's so tiny. 

So anyway, here are some videos from August.  Slow and steady wins the race, right??

Starting Month 2:



Practicing on vacation even:



First lyra class (don't wanna go backwards):



Upside down with Jen:



Routine with the Dizzy Divas:



Second lyra class (falling backwards like a champ now):



And last night's chopper with Janet:



Thank you to everyone who is being patient while I slowly navigate the upside down world!  I know I play around a lot but I really am enjoying the process. 

Thank you for the birthday love, Twirlies!!! 

Operation Upside Down: Week 3

8 years as a TG!

So last week was Week 3 of Operation Get Lori Upside Down.  On Monday, I took a class with Grace (gotta keep that flow and dance going) and Thursday, I had Bottoms up With Janet.  Although I do feel stronger each time I go in, I also don't feel like there's that much of a difference between this week and last week.  I did throw my head backwards a little better on that chopper attempt.  Thank goodness for Janet's patience and instruction!

I feel like I have spent most of my pole dancing "career" not trying very hard and kind of using humor to hide the fact that I'm not advancing.  It is time to put up or shut up. 

I appreciate the messages and comments that I am receiving on my videos and photos.  It really is nice to have so much love and support on this journey!




Chopper attempt with Janet:



Dancing with the Graceful Movers:

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Twinsies

Operation Upside Down: Week 2

My hip and knee won't allow me to grab the pole in the right spot

So, here we go.  The project is underway.  Last week was Week 2 of Operation/Project Get Lori Upside Down.  I started July by joining Janet's Bottoms Up class at Twirly Girls.  I really have so many things to work on. 

1.  My fear.  Of falling and of failing.  Right now, my own head is the biggest thing holding me back.  Literally.  I need to throw that thing backwards and just let my body follow. 

2.  I need to get stronger.  Ellen suggested pilates to help strengthen those abs so I am doing that two mornings a week. 

3.  I need to get more flexible.  My hips and knees always seem to be in the wrong places.  I am back into my amazing yoga class 2-3 times per week, as well as doing some morning exercises each day. 

So, here is a video of Janet attempting to get me to helicopter backwards.  I kept grabbing the pole with my toes.  Eventually I did make it kinda backwards and kinda 'coptered.  It's a work in progress.  I mean, that's the point, right? 




I think this will be my move to measure my progress for now.  She did get me into a straighter leg version but I just can't yet get my hips up over my head to let my head and body drop back far enough.  You can see that below.  Again: Work in progress. 



Oh yeah, and if you like my outfit, check out Artista Apparel.  Use ABALM10 for 10% off any non-sale items!

Thank you to Janet for being so patient with me!  I may be your most challenging student ever!