"... or I could fall!"

I experience my first open pole class today at NYPD w/ Lauren and lucky me! I was the only one signed up! a one on one experience without the price tag, exactly what I needed.

last night I wrote a comprehensive list of what I wanted to work on during today's open hour: knee hook spin (forward and reverse), baseball grip hip circle (meatball) from standing position and the floor, hitch kick (not so great at that), straight leg descent (chest into the pole, legs off), stag descent, climbing and holding my body at the side of the pole (definitely need to work on my arm strength for this), inner thigh spin. practicing each of these moves a few times on both the right and left sides took the entire hour, with a few minutes over to record some of the hilarity that ensued (it's a blooper reel).

spending that time with Lauren really gave me insight as to body positioning and things I had to work on. and she reminded me that taking some time off a move help clears the mind, so when I return to it, I have a better understanding from the get-go of what to do. like with the knee hook spins- I really need to remember to drop my torso and not hold myself up because it hinders my legs from spinning completely to the ground. in the video you can see that I bite the forward knee hook spin both times and end up dropping to the ground. oh so graceful, I know :)



I bought an open pole package, so my next one is scheduled for Sunday 5.16, which will give me some time to get some other classes in and return to the pole with a clear mind of how to set-up each movement. my calluses from rowing on my palms came back and I have some pole burn on my wrists, but all is good. my body is totally sore, but I'll be back tomorrow for beginners climb & spin w/ Brynlyn at 8 and stretch class at 9.