The Best Of Pole Fitness – July 2016
I read a lot every month, from pole to general fitness, healthy eating and nutritional information.
I come across things around the web from time to time that I think you guys will be able to take helpful advice and information from.
So, whenever I see something I think you'll benefit from, I save it right into my Evernote. Once a month I'll put together a roundup of my favourites for you to enjoy.
So without further ado, here is the third post in my series of favourite pole fitness, health and nutrition articles I read this month!
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Pole Fitness
#1) What To Do When You Hit A Plateu
Sitting in the top spot this month is this post on the Bad Kitty blog by Paige Lysaght Welch owner and writer at Pole Body.
If you stay motivated by tracking your goals through pictures there's bound to be a time where you hit a plateau or worse, you may actually regress a little!
That's why I love the suggestions in this post on different ways to track your progress and what to do if you aren't meeting your goals.
In the article Paige says you should re-evaluate your goals periodically. This is to ensure they are 'SMART' - Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and have an appropriate timeline.
Click here to find out how you can make this process easier 🙂
#2) Are You Being Indecisive?
If you're having trouble deciding whether or not you should buy a fitness pole for your home, it's definitely time to check out this article by Holly over at Pole Freaks.
In this post she shares with us her top pros and cons of having a pole at home to help you decide if it's for you or not!
#3) An Easy Way To Revamp Your Old Combos!
Getting bored with the same old moves?
In this post by Mel on Mel Nutter you'll find a clever yet simple way to revamp any old combos you've learned as she reveals how she's been turning things upside down and back to front.
This topsy turvy way of thinking gives new life to your tired combos and enhances your flow by really making you think about changing the way you transition from each move.
#4) Is It Time For You To Take A Break?
Even the pros take a break sometimes, and in this post on Amy Hazel's blog she reveals why that could be just what you need!
After taking a break from stretching recently she came back bendier than ever, and I have to agree - sometimes a little rest is all it takes.
It's very easy to push yourself too far and overtrain, and to be like a dog with a bone in pursuit of your pole goals. Just remember that your body needs rest to progress and that pushing too hard can even cause you to regress!
#5) Still Full Of Excuses? Here's Why Pole Dancing Is For Absolutely Anyone!
Right at the beginning of the month I saw this fantastic article in the Daily Mail, sharing the incredible story of 52 year old Andrew Knox who didn't let anyone or anything stand in the way of his goals!
Even when Andrew's wife disapproved of his new hobby he wasn't swayed, which is why I wanted to share his story with you guys today.
Next time a friend or someone you know gives you excuses as to why they can't try pole fitness, how they're too 'insert excuse here' - you know what to show them.
All you need is a little determination and perseverance!
#6) It's Competition Time, But Where Do You Start?
If you've been perfecting your flow and nailing those transitions and decided you'd like to compete then congratulations!
The hardest part is getting started, but now you might be feeling a little lost, with so many competitions to choose from these days it's hard to know which way to turn.
That's why I'm loving this behind the scenes look at the top 5 things to help you decide which pole competition is for you by Kenneth Kao on his blog.
My favourite take away from this post is this quote from Kenneth;
Image editing by Misty Jade
Take that advice and run, and always keep pushing your limits, if you're within your comfort zone you aren't challenging yourself!
#7) Calling All Budding Performing Pole Artists!
Perhaps that last post wasn't for you, not because you don't want to get up in the limelight but because competing is not for you.
The good news is, there's more than just competitions out there for the performing artist within. The bad news is, you're not always prepared for what you might need on the night to perform.
In this article by Irmingard Mayer on Irmingard Pole Fitness you'll discover exactly what must-have items you need to pack for a performance!
Other Fitness Tips
In this section I'll be sharing tips from fitness blogs around the web that can be useful in your pole training too!
#8) Discover Why You Should Forget The Phrase; No Pain, No Gain!
Growing up as a firm believer in 'no pain, no gain' this insight into the sports life of Amanda Winkler over at Yoga Dork reveals why that isn't always the way to think.
The post takes a look at how Amanda's approach to fitness when applied to yoga, was damaging to her body and led to the development of pain and injury.
This brings me back to number 4 in today's roundup, don't overdo it and always make sure you take time to let your body recover!
#9) Tips On How To Handstand Like A Pro
Handstands are a great foundation for gymnastic and acrobatic skills, providing a bunch of benefits for your body that perfectly compliment your pole journey.
Not only that but I absolutely love the pretty shapes the body can achieve when you master hand balancing, but it's such a hard task.
That's why if you've been struggling to pull off those handstands you'll love these 7 simple checks that will help you to improve your handstands and hold them longer!
#10) What Mood Are You In?
There's not always time for a workout, and in my post revealing 22 ways to keep yourself motivated to pole at home I included a little tip about having a quick workout routine handy incase you are rushed for time.
That helps you to feel like you still managed to get some work in even if you have no time to spare, and stops you from feeling defeated or like you've cheated your workout schedule.
While that's a great way to keep your motivation up it's missing a little practicality, which is why I wanted to share with you this post by Gabrielle Frank at Mind Body Green.
In it, she shares 10 different yoga sequences to suit your every mood, whether you're stuck at your work desk, only have 15 minutes to spare, or simply don't want to get out of bed!
Tips For Mums
Although I’m not a mum myself, I forever see people looking for advice on pole and exercise during and after pregnancy.
Since I have neither the qualifications nor experience to advise on pregnancy in any way, I'll do my best to share any helpful articles I find on the subject every month here in the roundup!
#11) Pole Dancing & Pregnancy - Don't Hang Up Your Heels!
After sharing Cleo's story since having her baby last month I thought this month we could take a look at just how amazingly she handled being pregnant on the pole!
Editor's Note: This article no longer exists and is not available in web archives for reference.
Her stories are truly inspirational, whether it's rockin' on through her pregnancy like only a bad ass can, or pushing ahead with determination to get herself back where she was before - no matter how long it takes.
In this article she shares how continuing to pole dance kept her feeling sexy and kept her body fit and active throughout her pregnancy.
She does warn though, that she would never put on a pair of 7 or 8" heels if she wasn't completely comfortable and confident in them!
I think the message here is that it's perfectly reasonable to keep on doing what you're passionate about, sensibly and within your own personal limits.
The Healthy Food Corner
In my house we do a lot of food prep, I'm forever looking for healthy meals I can cook in bulk.
Apart from saving a bunch of time this also allows me to worry less about diet and what I'm going to eat in the moment of choosing a meal.
Once a month my partner and I pick 2 - 3 recipes each, buy all the ingredients for around 8 portions in bulk, and then spend a day each cooking!
So, every month I'll share my favourite recipe from the month with you right here:
#12) The Main Course
This month we have a ten in one for the main course.
I love every one of the ten recipes in this post from My Fitness Pal, they are healthy, low calorie and if you're vegetarian you'll be glad to hear that they're totally meat free as well!
#13) A Healthy Tasty Treat
Just like the author of this recipe over at Fitness On Toast you may have noticed I have a bit of a sweet tooth, and I spend a bit of time each month looking for healthy deserts and snacks that help me to get my fix in the healthiest way possible!
You may have heard of this month's super snack before but if you haven't I'm here to introduce you to a nutritious, energy filled chocolate snack - power balls!
They're not only a tasty treat but great for a quick energy boost before or after your workout too!
#14) Something Different To Wash It Down
You won't believe it, so I'm just going to start with the name of this protein shake I found on Cooking Classy.
It's a Blueberry Cheesecake Breakfast Protein Shake.
Yep you heard that right, that was me saying healthy, breakfast and cheesecake in the same sentence, and don't forget totally delicious as well!
If you've read any great pole fitness articles you think deserve a spot in the top 10 next month feel free to share them with me here or comment below!
