This blog blossomed in 2010 to chronicle my adventures in pole dance after weight loss surgery. Although I am pole dancing less these days, I still hike and do yoga. I sometimes still have to remind myself that the size of my body doesn't dictate my worth. I believe living a life full of gratitude and joy helps lead to a true mind, body and spirit connection.
Yesterday, I posted a photo on Facebook showing how I use a medicine ball to do inversions at home. I wanted to share my technique here too. I'm sure people have their own way of helping newbies invert, but I like using the ball (at home anyway) because it makes me feel somewhat supported, but it still gives me the ability to flip my head and body backward so that I can wrap my legs. I understand I may not be getting the full benefit of an inversion this way, but it gives me some time to play around with how I want my legs to wrap in order to feel secure. Part of my problem when I go upside down is that I lose myself in the world. So having the ball under me lets me feel safer while I learn how to wrap my legs for the best hold. The more muscle memory I can build, the better I will feel because my body will automatically know what to do when I do a real inversion later.
I have played around with inverting from the floor but since I can't get my head and body backwards (since the floor is obviously in the way), I find that I don't get into the proper position. Because my hips are tight, I have a hard enough time getting my legs wrapped properly. With the ball, I can play around with my position, then let the ball roll out from under me so that I am holding my weight.
Anyway, I do admit that this can be dangerous since the ball can roll unexpectedly and dump you on your head, but I wedge it pretty well between myself and the pole. I position the ball slightly in front but to the side of the pole so that I can lean back and have room for my body. Photos are below. Be safe since the balls can be unstable, but realize there are ways to help you do moves you aren't quite ready to do yourself!
From the floor, my legs aren't positioned in the right place
Using the ball, I have time to play with leg placement
Once I feel secure, I can let go
Then I can push the ball away and actually hold myself up
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.
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!
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.
