In this episode of 'Science of Slink: The Evidence-Based Pole Podcast,' host Dr. Rosy Boa interviews Roz 'The Diva' Mays about her extensive journey in the pole fitness community. Roz shares her personal experiences of starting pole dancing 18 years ago, her evolution into teaching, and her dedication to promoting body positivity and inclusivity in fitness. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of teaching plus-size students, navigating goal-setting without focusing on weight loss, and the importance of finding joy in physical activities. Roz also offers insights into mastering the basic invert move in pole dancing and invites listeners to connect with her online for further guidance and inspiration.

Are you a pole nerd interested in trying out online pole classes with Slink Through Strength? We’d love to have you! Use the code “podcast” for 10% off the Intro Pack and try out all of our unique online pole classes: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog/25a67bd1/?productId=1828315&clearCart=true

Where to find Roz:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozthediva/

• Website (& newsletter signup): https://www.rozthediva.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Roz the Diva's Pole Journey

02:16 Challenges and Triumphs in Fitness

04:08 Creating Inclusive Fitness Spaces

06:01 Teaching and Impacting Lives

21:23 Mental Health and Pole Dancing

26:37 Setting Goals Beyond Weight Loss

31:51 Tips for Inverting in Pole

34:31 Conclusion and Where to Find Roz

In this episode, we tackle five prevalent myths in the pole dancing community that can hinder your progress and increase the risk of injury. We delve into the misconception of 'pole every day,' the inefficacy of repetitive trick attempts without variation, the myth of injury-free techniques, and the complexities of flexibility training. Additionally, we address the unrealistic expectation of linear progress in pole dancing. By incorporating scientific research and practical training strategies, we aim to help you train smarter and achieve your pole dancing goals more effectively.

Are you a pole nerd interested in trying out online pole classes with Slink Through Strength? We’d love to have you! Use the code “podcast” for 10% off the Intro Pack and try out all of our unique online pole classes: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog/25a67bd1/?productId=1828315&clearCart=true

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pole Dance Myths

01:16 Myth 1: More Pole Equals Better Performance

05:49 Myth 2: Repetition is the Best Way to Learn

09:34 Myth 3: Injury Prevention Through Perfect Technique

13:13 Myth 4: Flexibility Training Misconceptions

17:54 Myth 5: The Illusion of Linear Progress

25:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Citations

• Episode with Dr. Rob Grey on motor learning research: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-podcast/the-science-of-learning-to-move

• (Load & injuries) Greenspan S, Stuckey MI. Untangling risk factors including discipline-specific exposure for injuries in preprofessional and professional circus artists in the USA. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2023;9:e001551. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001551

• (PNF is better) Minshull, C., Eston, R., Bailey, A., Rees, D., & Gleeson, N. (2014). The differential effects of PNF versus passive stretch conditioning on neuromuscular performance. European journal of sport science, 14(3), 233-241.

• • (PNF is not better for all groups) Feland, J. B., Myrer, J. W., & Merrill, R. M. (2001). Acute changes in hamstring flexibility: PNF versus static stretch in senior athletes. Physical Therapy in sport, 2(4), 186-193.
    (PNF makes no difference) Arazi, H., Nia, F., Hakimi, M., & Mohamadi, M. (2012). The effect of PNF stretching combined with a resistance training on strength, muscle volume and flexibility in non-athlete male students. Sport Science, 5(1), 85-90.

This episode of Science of Slink: The Evidence-Based Pole Podcast features an engaging discussion with dance scientist Claire Farmer, who is currently working on her PhD in the biomechanics of dance. The conversation delves into her book, 'The Female Dancer: A Soma Scientific Approach,' which brings together research authors on topics ranging from hormone effects on dancers to gender dynamics in dance spaces. Claire and Rosy explore the importance of both scientific and somatic approaches to understanding dance, the misconceptions around strength training for dancers, and the societal and cultural factors affecting training and participation in dance.

Links:

Claire’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancesci_claire/

Claire’s website: https://www.clairefarmer.co.uk/

Find the book: https://www.routledge.com/The-Female-Dancer-a-soma-scientific-approach/Farmer-Kindred/p/book/9781032466897

The 'Female' Dancer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tuGJmkLEOrjvstw1tELQn

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:03 Claire Farmer's Background and Research Focus

02:28 Discussion on Female Dancer Health and Hormones

07:15 Gender Dynamics in Dance and Pole

14:11 Strength Training for Dancers and Circus Artists

18:43 Building Confidence Through Strength Training

22:22 The Importance of Progressive Overload

25:06 Efficient Workouts and Microdosing Exercise

27:34 Understanding Soma Scientific

31:56 Exploring Somatic Practices and Lived Experiences

36:54 Conclusion and Further Resources