In this episode of the Evidence-Based Pole Podcast, the host delves into the concept of capacity, discussing its importance in pole dancing and life in general. The episode covers physical capacity, emotional well-being, and the impact of holistic stress on one's ability to perform and enjoy activities like pole dancing.

What to join us for an online class? Use the code “PODCAST” for $10 off your first month of Essentials of Slink! (Try a month of classes for the cost of a single drop in 👀)

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00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:32 Shoutout to Members and Community

01:12 Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies

03:09 The Pyramid of Pole: Capacity, Technique, and Artistry

05:52 Building Physical and Emotional Capacity

07:59 Fitness and Movement Requirements

12:08 Rest and Recovery: Beyond Sleep

16:49 Balancing Life and Pole Dance

18:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Citations

• Nagoski, E., & Amelia Nagoski, D. M. A. (2019). Burnout: The secret to unlocking the stress cycle. Ballantine Books.

• Bukhave, E. B., Creek, J., Linstad, A. K., & Frandsen, T. F. (2025). The effects of crafts‐based interventions on mental health and well‐being: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 72(1), e70001.

Related episodes:

• Kinds of fitness: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-podcast/does-pole-dance-make-you-stronger

• Exercise science basics: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-podcast/5-exercise-science-insights-every-pole-dancer-should-know-100424

Use code “PODCAST” for $10 off your first month of Essentials of Slink! (Try a month of classes for the cost of a single drop in 👀) https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/essentials-of-slink-home-pole-membership

In this episode, we explore the concept of 'listening to your body' and its significance, especially for pole dancers. The discussion covers the senses of proprioception (body's position in space) and interoception (internal body signals), and how understanding these can improve both dance and daily life. Research on perceptual learning reveals that improving proprioception through focused training, even in neurodivergent individuals, is both possible and beneficial. Practical tips include balance training, tactile feedback, and removing visual inputs to enhance proprioceptive acuity. Additionally, members and listeners are thanked for their support, with details on joining online classes provided.

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 Listening to Your Body

01:34 Understanding Body Signals: Interoception and Proprioception

06:08 The Role of Neurodivergence and Hypermobility

07:26 Perceptual Learning: Enhancing Body Awareness

12:00 Practical Tips for Improving Proprioception

18:54 Conclusion and Class Information

Learn more about the vestibular system & balance: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-podcast/how-to-do-spin-pole-without-getting-dizzy

Citations:

Aman, J. E., Elangovan, N., Yeh, I. L., & Konczak, J. (2015). The effectiveness of proprioceptive training for improving motor function: a systematic review. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 1075.

Godde, B., Stauffenberg, B., Spengler, F., & Dinse, H. R. (2000). Tactile coactivation-induced changes in spatial discrimination performance. Journal of Neuroscience, 20(4), 1597-1604.

Gibson, E. J., & Walk, R. D. (1960). The" visual cliff". Scientific American, 202(4), 64-71.

Kapp, S. K. (2025). Sensory–movement underpinnings of lifelong neurodivergence: getting a grip on autism. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 19, 1489322.

In this episode of 'Science of Slink,' Dr. Rosy Boa revisits a previously aired discussion focused on the negative impacts of perfectionism, particularly in dance and movement. Dr. Boa highlights her personal journey of recognizing exhaustion and avoiding burnout, using it as a teaching moment for her audience. The episode delves into the definition and harmful effects of perfectionism, drawing from psychological research and personal anecdotes. Listeners are encouraged to be aware of perfectionistic tendencies and seek professional help if necessary. Tips for finding enjoyment in movement and restructuring goals to foster a healthier mindset are also provided. The episode stresses the importance of mental health and self-compassion in achieving sustainable, lifelong movement.

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 Context

01:27 Thanking the Members

02:13 Perfectionism: An Overview

03:30 The Psychological Impact of Perfectionism

05:28 Perfectionism in Dance and Movement

18:22 Strategies to Combat Perfectionism

27:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sources:

-Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cognitive therapy and research, 14, 449-468.

-Further reading: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ba...

-"Canadian prima ballerina Karen Kain acknowledged that perfectionism meant that she enjoyed a very small percentage of her more than 10,000 professional performances" Flett et al 2014

-Hill, A. P., Mallinson-Howard, S. H., & Jowett, G. E. (2018). Multidimensional perfectionism in sport: A meta-analytical review. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 7(3), 235.

-Hall, H. K., & Hill, A. P. (2012). Perfectionism, dysfunctional achievement striving and burnout in aspiring athletes: The motivational implications for performing artists. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 3(2), 216-228.

-Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2014). The perils of perfectionism in sports” revisited: Toward a broader understanding of the pressure to be perfect and its impact on athletes and dancers. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 45(4), 395-407.

Learn more about my memberships!

• Essentials of Slink: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/essentials-of-slink-home-pole-membership

• Science of Slink: https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/science-of-slink-home-pole-membership

• Not sure if you’d be a good fit? Take this quiz! https://www.slinkthroughstrength.com/online-pole-membership