In this special anniversary episode of the Science of Slink podcast, host Dr. Rosy Boa celebrates the studio's third year by sharing personal reflections, milestones, and statistics. She discusses the inspiration behind founding the studio, emphasizing evidence-based practice and the joy of freestyle movement. Dr. Boa also talks about the evolution of the studio's offerings, including the shift to incorporating class recordings and a focus on building a supportive community. She highlights upcoming changes such as new class times for European participants and the introduction of a new membership tier, Essentials of Slink. The episode ends with a heartfelt thank you to the community and an invitation to celebrate together through special classes and discounts.

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

Come celebrate with us!

• Join the Essentials of Slink waitlist! https://mailchi.mp/slinkthroughstrength.com/essentials-of-slink

• Use the code “TURNINGTHREE” for 25% off any drop in class: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/online-pole-dancing-classes-sign-up

• Sign up for community flow: https://slinkthroughstrength.as.me/schedule/25a67bd1/?appointmentTypeIds[]=36431762

• ALL your dance requests for the past three years: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4fyKhVnpysNmP7EUNvgldY?si=01a2fc1e5f624ecb

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebration

01:15 Founding the Studio: The Short and Long Answers

01:34 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice and Freestyle Movement

04:51 Music and Playlists: A Curated Experience

07:07 Teaching Hours and Student Milestones

09:02 Changes and Learnings in Business Approach

16:00 Upcoming Classes and Membership Options

18:50 Building an Online Community

21:44 Conclusion and Special Offers

In this episode of 'Science of Slink,' Dr. Rosy Boa delves into what every pole dancer should know about exercising in extreme heat. Key topics include the physiological adaptations to heat acclimatization that typically occur within two weeks, the symptoms and handling of heat exhaustion versus heat stroke, and specific risk factors such as dehydration and medications. She also shares practical tips for pole dancers, such as managing equipment and grip issues, staying hydrated, and taking frequent breaks to avoid heat-related illnesses. Emphasis is placed on listening to one's body, recognizing the varied individual responses to heat, and prioritizing safety over performance.

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 and Episode Overview

01:45 The Science of Sweating

02:54 Heat Acclimatization in Athletes

06:52 Physiological Adaptations to Heat

11:27 Recognizing and Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

18:06 Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illnesses

24:34 Pole Dancing in Hot Conditions

29:52 Final Tips and Recommendations

Citations/further reading:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, April 6). Heat exhaustion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250

Howe, A. S., & Boden, B. P. (2007). Heat-related illness in athletes. The American journal of sports medicine, 35(8), 1384-1395.

Nobel, G., Tribukait, A., Mekjavic, I. B., & Eiken, O. (2012). Effects of motion sickness on thermoregulatory responses in a thermoneutral air environment. European journal of applied physiology, 112, 1717-1723.

Périard, J. D., Racinais, S., & Sawka, M. N. (2015). Adaptations and mechanisms of human heat acclimation: applications for competitive athletes and sports. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 25, 20-38.

Sawka, M. N., Leon, L. R., Montain, S. J., & Sonna, L. A. (2011). Integrated physiological mechanisms of exercise performance, adaptation, and maladaptation to heat stress. Compr Physiol, 1(4), 1883-1928.

In this episode of 'Science of Slink,' hosted by Dr. Rosy Boa, the focus is on the details of dancing in pole heels, a theme for June 2025. Dr. Boa outlines essential tips for choosing the right shoes, including the benefits of platforms, the significance of a sturdy stiletto, and the importance of proper shoe fit. She delves into the mechanics of balance, the challenges posed by the additional weight of heels, and strategies to avoid foot cramps. Additionally, Dr. Boa emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the roots of pole dancing in strip clubs and supporting sex workers, highlighting her studio's monthly contributions to various support organizations. Lastly, practical advice is offered on warming up properly to prevent foot cramps and ensuring better performance while dancing in heels.

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 and Theme Announcement

00:51 Acknowledging the Roots of Pole Dancing

01:49 The Mechanics of Dancing in Heels

06:16 Choosing the Right Pole Heels

12:47 Preventing Foot Cramps and Injuries

16:19 Addressing Bunions and Final Thoughts

Citations:

• More information on the intrinsic muscles of the foot

• • Card, R. K., & Bordoni, B. (2023). Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Muscles. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

• Despite popular belief there is no strong scientific evidence that shoes or high heels cause bunions.

• • Nix, S. E., Vicenzino, B. T., Collins, N. J., & Smith, M. D. (2012). Characteristics of foot structure and footwear associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review. Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 20(10), 1059-1074.

• Not even if you dance in shoes (including pointe shoes!).

• • Kennedy, J. G., & Collumbier, J. A. (2008). Bunions in dancers. Clinics in sports medicine, 27(2), 321-328.

• Bunions seem to be mostly genetic.

• • Coughlin, M. J., & Jones, C. P. (2007). Hallux valgus: demographics, etiology, and radiographic assessment. Foot & ankle international, 28(7), 759-777.

  • Hannan, M. T., Menz, H. B., Jordan, J. M., Cupples, L. A., Cheng, C. H., & Hsu, Y. H. (2013). High heritability of hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities in adult men and women. Arthritis care & research, 65(9), 1515-1521.

  • Piqué-Vidal, C., Solé, M. T., & Antich, J. (2007). Hallux valgus inheritance: pedigree research in 350 patients with bunion deformity. The Journal of foot and ankle surgery, 46(3), 149-154.