What's New in the Pole World Wednesday's: Sunscreen & Pole Dancing!?!

Aloha Polers, it's Wednesday!!

This week's What's New in the Pole World Wednesday's topic is Sunscreen & Pole Dancing?!?!  I know your thinking, "What?!?  Not together?!?"  That is exactly what I thought but saw proof!

I know your thinking, "Okay, Jenyne Butterfly Pole Dancing..what does that have to do with Sunscreen & Pole Dancing???"  Recently Jenyne posted on Facebook this photo along with this message, "  NEW "grip tease" pole!!! Non-slip, no grips needed, no cleaning or wiping necessary, and you can wear sunscreen!"  I was immediately interested!  Being from Hawai`i and having those days where the humidity is ridiculous or those extra hot days I wished I had A/C or those days I want to take my Stand Alone Pole to the beach ..... this is awesome!  I immediately emailed in and inquired.  I got a response back very quickly from the person who makes the product.  His name is Mat Daniels and explained that Jenyne is trailing his product for him at the moment.  He also said that the product has been used in the Australian Circus Schools for 3 years with great results!  Unfortunately, the sleeves for the poles are not sold separately since they have an involved process to get the rubber on.  He said that he is having anyone that is interested send in their XPOLE (it is only for XPOLE's at the moment). If you are interested, please email in at griptease@gmail.com for more information:).

New products coming out are getting crazier!!  Well, that's all the information I have for now but when more comes I'll blog it!

Have a great Wednesday!

Technique Tuesday's: Peek-a-Boo!

Aloha Polers, it's Tuesday!!

This week's Technique Tuesday's move is the Peek-a-Boo!  This is a very simple and fun move but can be done to make it easier for you;)!  The Peek-a-Boo is usually used as a transition from the floor to your feet.  It can be done differently every time when your own flavor is added.  Here is how to do a basic Peek-a-boo:

Nothing to do with the move but so darn cute!!!  Peek-a-boo!

Starting with your back against the pole and in a squat position with your ankles, knees and thighs together.  At this point feel free to use one hand to balance yourself either by putting one hand on the floor or the pole behind you.  Place your free hand on your knee on the same side of that free hand.  Now, open both legs in your squat position (this is the Peek-a-Boo part;) ) and close them again.

There it is!  Very simple but it can be done in so many different and fun ways!  When you get used to the Peek-a-Boo move you can start adding your flavor like a hair flip, after closing your legs turn to one side and booty up first, etc.  Whatever the flavor you add just work it!  And if you have done it before don't let is be forgotten!  It is such a great and cute move to add to any routine;)!

Get your Peek-a-Boo on and have a great Tuesday!

Motivational Monday's: You can do it!

Aloha Monday!!

It's Monday which means it's time for some Motivation for the week!!!  Take a look at this:

If this doesn't motivate you, than I'm not sure what will!  Get out there and achieve your goals because it is NEVER TOO LATE!!!!

Stretchy Sunday's: Neck Stretch

Aloha Sunday!

This week's Stretchy Sunday's Stretch is the Neck Stretch!  The Neck Stretch is another one of those stretches you can do anywhere and is great for you:)!  We all can benefit from doing the Neck Stretch on a daily basis and when you fell like you need it.  Let's get to it!:

Neck Stretch - Right to Left:

Start standing straight with your head facing forward and shoulders rolled back and down.  Bring your right ear to your right shoulder while keeping your head facing forward for about 5 seconds.  Now bring your left ear to your left shoulder for about 5 seconds.  Repeat on the right and left side about 5 - 8 times.

Neck Stretch - Up and Down:

Start standing straight with your head facing forward and shoulders rolled back and down.  Move your head down until you are facing the ground for about 5 seconds.  Slowly, bring your head back until your are looking up for about 5 seconds.  Repeat for about 5 - 8 times.

Neck Stretch - Circles:

Start standing straight with your head facing forward and shoulders rolled back and down.  Move your right ear to your right shoulder and from there move your head in a circular motion from right, back (looking up), left and front (facing down) about 4 times.  Then switch and start from the left, back (looking up), right, and front (facing down) about 4 times.

BE CAREFUL!:

When doing any Neck Stretches you always want to move slowly because you can actually cause a minor injury by going to fast.  Also, if your neck is already in pain please listen to your body and only go as far to one side as possible.

Benefits:

1. Increased flexibility and range of motion.
2. Improved circulation.
3. Better posture.

Get stretching peps and have a great day!

Polefessional Saturday's: Marlo Fisken!

Aloha Saturday!!!

This week's Polefessional is Marlo Fisken!!!

Marlo Fisken......is one word..... AWESOME!!  Marlo is one of those people that you immediately fall in love with because she has so many great qualities about her.  She is a Champion Polefessional, beautiful aerial artist, knowledgeable Xpole Xpert Trainer, gorgeous model, instructor, and not to mention someone with a great personality!  As a Polefessional, Marlo is one of those that can rock any song thrown at her and portray whatever the song is saying perfectly.  She reeks sexiness even when there is humor involved and most importantly can entertain anyone while looking like she is extremely passionate about what she is doing.  Of course, all this awesomeness can't just be in someone.  She worked hard for what she has and where she is at right now and boy does it show!  Here is a little bio from her website (http://www.marlofisken.com/):

Marlo Fisken exemplifies healthy living as a media personality, teacher, and performer. As the face of Fitness Quest's Pilates Power Gym, and the Red Exerciser system, she stars in several of the accompanying workout DVDs. She is a frequent representative of The Sports Club/ LA Rockefeller Center, appearing on MSNBC "Staying Fit for the Holidays" segments and New York's CW11 "Monday Morning Workout". In 2006, Bally Total Fitness featured Marlo as one of five "Top Trainers" in a national commercial as she led a client on a 30-day fitness challenge.
Eight health club chains, including Crunch, New York Sports Club, and The University of Miami have asked Marlo to custom design group exercise formats. She is an NSCA/AAAI certified personal trainer and ACE group exercise instructor who stays on top of developments in the fitness industry. She shares the joy of exercise and the to whenever possible and raises funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation as an instructor for Shape magazine's Pilates for Pink event.


Marlo's Mind/Body study is extensive; she began her Pilates education in high school at the Governor's School For the Arts Dance Department under master students of Romana Kryzanowska. She is Pilates-certified by the Kane School of Core Integration, a holistic Body college that supplements anatomical and kinesthetic knowledge into the classical Pilates genre. Advanced studies led her to examine the foot's role in core function with dance medicine pioneer Marie Jose Blom-Lawrence, how breath establishes the mind-body connection with Yogi Rodney Yee, and the writings of Eric Frankel on movement imagery.


Marlo has a particular interest in energetic lengthening techniques. She attends Sue Hitzman's MELT (Myofascial Energetic Lengthening Technique) workshops and is a yoga student of Dharma Mittra and Laughing Lotus NY. Years of practice have led her to perform as a contortionist for Perrier Water live events.


Marlo has a B.S in anthropology and public relations from the University of Miami. Her studies focused on human movement, nutrition, and communication. While in college, Marlo toured as hip-hop dancer with Nike and BMG Latin artists, alternating weeks of research and teaching with shows in the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. She has performed in the MTV Video, Music awards, VH1 fashion rocks, music videos, and industrials. At the National High School Dance festival she lead a course on conditioning for dancers entitled "Strength & Grace" and presented club dance styles at the South Beach International Dance festival. Since July of 2007, she was cast as a dancer in the feature film "Bolden", choreographed by Hinton Battle (Dreamgirls, Idlewild), to be released next year, modeled for Hanes, Fitness Magazine, Shape Magazine, Nike Golf, and Runner's World Magazine's "Women's Complete Book of Running".


In the past couple of years Marlo has caused a stir teaching and performing acrobatic and artistic pole dance. She graced the cover of AM NY under the headline "From Risque to Ripped", danced on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and during NY Fashion Week show. With over 20 years of Dance and Acrobatic experience, she challenges what is physically possible. Both supple and strong, she has a tenacity for extreme moves that require total presence of mind. As a teacher, this practice enables her to cue intuitively and gratefully empower others.

We had the privilege to be taught be Marlo when we took our Xpole Xpert Certification Training at the past International Pole Convention.  She was a great teacher and definitely knew her stuff!  You could tell she has had more than just pole experience which helps in teaching pole because there are so many other elements that can be added to learning and strengthening for pole.  It was great how Marlo always emphasized, "Squeeze your glutes!" for almost every move we did lol!  Marlo is an awesome polefessional and person who has never ending knowledge about fitness, pole and other things as well. If you have not heard of Marlo You Tube her you will fall in love!  if you have not taken a class from Marlo take a class you will fall in love with her!!!  Can you tell I LOVE her lol!

Have a great Saturday and as Marlo would say, "Squeeze your glutes!"

Fitness Friday's: Yoga!!

Aloha Friday!!

This week's Fitness Friday's topic is Yoga!!  We all have either done Yoga, do Yoga, heard about it or LOVE it!  I am going to discuss the AWESOME benefits of adding Yoga into your exercise routine:)!

First, a little history on Yoga:

Although Yoga seems new is has been practiced for over 5,000 years!  If something has been around for that long there must be something GREAT about it, huh?!?  More than just stretches and strength building the traditional purpose of Yoga has been to bring about a profound transformation in the person through the transcendence of the ego.  It is known that Yoga originated in the East and there have been signs or Yoga in ancient Shamanism.  There has been evidence of Yoga Postures that were found on artifacts that date back to the 3000 B.C.

Focus of Yoga:

Yoga originally focused on applying and understanding the world.  Yoga is now self-enlightenment, relaxation, strengthening and much more.

Yoga Now:

Yoga classes now more focus on learning physical poses called asanas.  They also focus on breathing and strengthening in certain poses.

Now to the benefits!!:

Flexibility:

A lot of people are a bit intimidated by Yoga because they think of people sitting around with both legs around theirs heads.  Not all Yoga classes are like that!  Yoga is great for people of all ages, sizes and genders (considering you have consulted with a doctor is you have any previous injuries or issues that could cause complication) and you are never too anything to start working on your flexibility:).  Doing any series of Yoga poses provided during class will not only stretch your muscles but also all of the soft tissues of your body (ligaments, tendons and fascia sheath that surrounds muscles) which is why it feels soooooo good!  You will most likely start to see benefits within a short amount of time no matter what level you are at!

Strength:

There are many different styles of Yoga but no matter which one you go to you will be strengthening!  Many of the poses done in Yoga build your upper body strength which is crucial as we get older.  The standing poses are usually held a bit longer and through a couple breaths and strengthen your abdominals, quads and hamstrings.  The poses that strengthen the lower back include upper ward dog and the chair pose.  Adding Yoga into your exercise routine will ensure your strengthen while receiving much more benefits at the same time!

Better your Posture:

Posture, posture, posture!  Why do we need good posture?  Good posture helps in so many ways and with good posture you will go through your daily tasks a lot easier:).  When you increase your flexibility and strength along will come the better posture.  With a stronger core, you are more likely to sit and stand taller.  Most standing and sitting poses help with developing your core strength.  remember, ENGAGE YOUR CORE!

Bye Bye Stress!!:

If you are someone that runs into stress on a daily or even hourly basis you really want to consider adding Yoga into your exercise routine!  I myself run into stress all the time and use all types of exercise formats to release the stress but Yoga results in a different more calming feeling afterwards.  Most Yoga classes focus on breathing and focusing on the breathe and nothing else.  Doing that makes you forget about the cause of stress and anything else bad that happened that day.  When I do Yoga, I leave feeling awesome and a thousand times better.  I think everyone else would rather me have my Yoga for that purpose lol!

Concentration and Mood:

This is another benefit that comes along easily when adding Yoga into your exercise routine.  Because when doing any Yoga poses you are practicing the art of concentration when trying to concentrate on the poses you are doing and holding them as well as concentrating on your breathe.  Unconsciously, you are practicing concentration which therefore naturally comes into action in everyday life.  Reeking all the benefits of Yoga, your mood will definitely change for the better.

SAFETY:

Yoga is great for everyone but there are a couple of things you should be careful of going into a Yoga class:

1. 1. If you are pregnant or have an existing health condition consult your physician before starting any type of Yoga class.  They will no what's best for you and can tell you what type may be better to start off with.
2. If you are new to Yoga, go to a class instead of trying to learn it yourself.  The instructor will help you learn the Yoga poses correctly so you do not end up hurting yourself.
3. Know your limits and listen to your body.  If a certain pose is giving you the wrong pain do not do it.  There will more likely be some modifications to each move depending on the move.  Your instructor will understand.
4. Take it easy and go slow with trying to learn Yoga.  Give your body the time to get used to doing this especially if you are someone that never stretches or does anything close to Yoga.  You may take a while to get the poses down but please take that time and do not rush it.
5. Make sure to warm up properly before doing Yoga because having cold muscles will increase your chance of injury.
6. Where comfy and stretchy clothing that allows you to move easily.
7. Stay hydrated.  Like other exercise formats, you will need to stay hydrated throughout the class.
8. Ask questions if you have any.  Your instructor should not ind questions and should be more than happy to answer them for you.

As you can see there are A LOT of benefits and I didn't even go over all of them!  If you have not added Yoga into your exercise yet please at least give it a try for more than one class and take note on how you start to feel after about a couple of weeks of doing it.  You will start to feel great and you will see that the benefits explained above will come along pretty fast if you stick to it:)!

Stay your weekend with a Yoga class to help forget the stress of the week and get you ready for relaxation!

Tippy Thursday: De-stress!

Aloha Thursday!!

This week's Tippy Thursday's Tip is on De-stressing and NEVER holding it in!  We all get stressed out for whatever reason on a weekly, daily or hourly basis!  A lot of us hold it in and do nothing about it.  Holding or keeping your stress with you for long periods can actually affect you in a negative way.  Just think about it ..... you were probably grouchy or bummed out for the rest of the day, possibly had a headache, didn't do what you wanted to do that day, etc.  Keeping the stress with you ruins your day!  Kick it out!  Find something that helps you....for me.... it's Pole Dancing!!!!!  When I have a stressful day and get home to my pole......everything disappears and afterwards I am the happiest woman in the world:)!  For a lot of people their de-stressor is some sort of exercise and for some it may be meditation, visiting friends, shopping, etc.  The most beneficial de-stressor, in my opinion, would have to be exercising to kick the stress out.  Not only are you de-stressing but you getting your work out on as well:)!  Look how happy this guy is to de-stress:

Kick the stress out with whatever your de-stressor is so you can enjoy the rest of your life with that beautiful smile:)!  Have a great day and more tips on specific de-stressors in the future!